"I have my bad days and my better days"
Learning to live with vision loss wasn't always easy for Pam. But with time, her bad days are fewer.
Hadley
I have my bad days as well as my better days
Presented by Douglas Walker
Pam: The first couple of years were really rough. I was alone much of the time and very trapped, so it was very difficult for me to accept the limitations I had.
Douglas: Hello, and welcome to Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites podcast, where people facing vision loss share insights about what has helped them cope and adjust.
Pam: Hi, I'm Pam Harris. Morton, Tennessee. I have been legally blind now for just over four years due to advanced myopic macular degeneration and macular hole and I used to have the bleeds and get the injections. But as my vision has declined, I have learned to accept where I am. But it has been a gradual process, and I wouldn't say it was like a sudden “aha” moment.
Instead, the first couple of years were really rough. My husband was still working. I was alone much of the time and very trapped. And I'm a very healthy, sociable person, so it was very difficult for me to accept the limitations I had. But after a couple of years and some research and learning how to do old things and new ways, and thanks to many friends who would drive me places, I am in a much better place now.
I have learned how to use assistive technology. I have learned to use my smart devices. I have learned to develop new hobbies. I'm even sketching again. Now, the thing is, I can't sketch as well as I used to, even using my assistive technology. But it's still a diversion for me and I enjoy doing that.
All of this technology that's available today has made a huge difference. So, I'm not going to say that I'm always okay with it. I have my bad days as well as my better days, but that is what I wanted to share.
It's okay if you have the bad days. And I fully believe because it's been for me, as time goes on, those bad days are farther and farther apart.
Douglas: Is there an insight you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. If you’d like to share with us, just leave us a message on our Insights & Sound Bites voicemail. By calling, 847-512-4867. Or, you can use your smartphone or computer and email us a recording to [email protected].
All Episodes
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Episode 43
For years Bill hid his vision loss from others. He was self-conscious about it. Then, he decided to open up.
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Episode 42
For Cynthia, every story shared helps her on her own journey with vision loss.
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Episode 41
Living with low vision meant Karen was constantly explaining to others what she can and can't see. Then she found a tool that has made a big difference.
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Episode 40
Having to give up the car keys was traumatic for Eugenia. She worried about becoming isolated until she found a new way.
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Episode 39
This week, hear how rediscovering a favorite activity helped Celia find balance as she adjusts to vision loss.
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Episode 38
Denise can struggle with the slow but continuous loss of vision she's facing. But she's found a way to pick herself up on a bad day.
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Episode 37
Listen in as Vanessa shares what has helped keep her from feeling hopeless and defeated due to vision loss.
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Episode 36
Stacy shares with us how being honest about her vision loss with her friends and coworkers has made all the difference in the world.
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Episode 35
For many, having to give up the car keys due to vision loss is traumatic. Deb felt it too. Then, during a call to arrange transportation for herself, a new door opened.
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Episode 34
Listen in as Anne describes how a question posed to her shifted her perspective for living with vision loss.
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Episode 33
This week, William shares how learning to continue with his favorite hobby, even with vision loss, has been therapeutic—and uplifting. Here's the link to his website https://www.blindtruths.org/
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Episode 32
This week Angela shares how she struggled to get around due to vision loss, how she tried to hide it from others, and what helped her.