"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 31
This week we hear from Appreciate. She found that a Facebook group, The International Blind Cafe, gave her a source of comfort and encouragement.
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Episode 30
Marian's inner voice had her living in fear. Listen in as she shares how she redirected that voice to be more helpful for her.
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Episode 29
This week Dorrie shares how technology has made all the difference for her in living with vision loss.
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Episode 28
Today we hear from Ed who shares how the source of hope for him has changed with time.
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Episode 27
Listen in as Cindy shares how advice from her son helped her adjust to her new normal.
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Episode 26
Listen in as Tim recalls a conversation with a store clerk and how it helped him adjust to life with vision loss.
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Episode 25
Listen in as Alice shares a boyfriend's advice from many years ago. Words that give her hope, even today.
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Episode 24
Listen in as Bill shares how a chance encounter changed his perspective on vision loss.
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Episode 23
Listen in as Ruth shares how her frustration and impatience turned around with just one phone call.
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Episode 22
Listen in as Sam shares how he struggled trying to hide his vision loss-and how he finally turned the corner.
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Episode 21
Listen in as Eugenia describes how her own determination and the support of friends helped her keep moving forward.
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Episode 20
Listen in as Zenobia shares how she found the support and strength she needed.