"I really got into the things I could still do"
Diabetic retinopathy has taken more and more of Charles' vision. To cope, he is learning new approaches to life AND leaning into areas of passion that don't rely on sight.
Hadley
I really got into the things I could still do
Charles: I needed to learn the things around myself a little bit better to be able to navigate, when inevitably, my vision got to the point where I couldn't really function the same way.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Charles: Hi, my name is Charles Cowart and I'm from Albany, Georgia. The thing that actually made me want to share my story was actually listening to all of these stories, and seeing so many similarities and some of the ups and downs and the feeling that I felt when going through the entire process of losing my vision.
I suffer from diabetic retinopathy, and I found out about it in 2019, and I remember finding out about the whole situation and being so distraught because, I’m a person that is full of life.
How I understood at that point that I needed to learn the things around myself a little bit better to be able to navigate, when inevitably, my vision got to the point where I couldn't really function the same way. Because I was always a homebody anyway, so it was not that big of a drastic change for me to be kind of stuck in, in the cocoon of my own house.
But I loved the thing that I loved. I loved writing, and I loved playing video games and watching TV and cooking. And when all of that happened, I really got into the things that I could still do. So even now, I'm really, really into plug ins. So that's my number one joy, is getting new plug ins, smelling new plug ins, and, finding smells that I've never smelt before because it's something that I don't have to worry about my vision kind of obstructing me from being able to do.
And even now, trying to get to the point where I can share my love or plug ins with the world. And it's a new found passion of mine to get into smells
and things that make, being visually impaired not as I guess, drab.
But, Hadley has really, really helped me kind of feel like I have a community of some sort where I just listen to all of everybody's stories and this is absolutely wonderful. And I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for even deciding to do this, because this is something that I thoroughly enjoy.
Every time I get a notification about somebody, they're sharing one of their testimonies.
Marc: You never know who might need to hear your story. 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 59
Bruce's vision had been decreasing for years. When it reached the point where he was tripping over objects and bumping into people, he felt embarrassed and kept his vision loss a secret. His wife convinced him to try something new.
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Episode 58
Marie grieved the loss of her vision, and still does. Yet, on a sunny August morning, she came to a realization that made all the difference in the world.
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Episode 57
Terry's doctor told him, "There's nothing more we can do. You'll never drive again," and he was distraught. Then he recalled his military days as a Marine and sailor, and that got him through.
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Episode 56
When Emma lost her sight in just a few months, she struggled to cope. She felt alone, her insecurities grew, and self-esteem plummeted. With time, she came to a new understanding and that helped her tremendously.
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Episode 55
Dave calls his experience with vision loss a slow torture. In the face of this, however, he has found a sense of inspiration in explorers, history, and an activity you wouldn't typically connect with vision loss, sightseeing.
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Episode 54
When Albert's vision decreased to the point that he could no longer read print anymore, he found it stressful. But he's found a new source of comfort that helps him quite a bit.
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Episode 53
Jayne can feel isolated living with her eye disease, spending much of her days forcing herself to focus on things that have become blurry. The stress can be overwhelming, causing her to shut down. But there's one area of life that now brings her more joy than ever before.
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Episode 52
When Jeffry lost his sight, he felt a loss of control, a loss of dignity. Then, he began his long road to empowerment, one small goal at a time.
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Episode 51
Marilyn went through bouts of anxiety and depression with her vision loss and still grieves the loss several years into her journey. She also decided to do something for herself which has helped tremendously.
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Episode 50
Learning to live with vision loss wasn't always easy for Pam. But with time, her bad days are fewer.
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Episode 49
Jennifer didn't know what to do or who to go to for help as her vision was fading. Then, by chance, she found some help. She found some direction.
The book referenced in this episode is "Macular Degeneration: The Complete Guide to Saving and Maximizing Your Sight"
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Episode 48
When Carmel heard a Hadley podcast, it helped her understand what had been happening to her along with her vision loss—something she had nicknamed her "phantom vision."
Carmel mentions an episode of our sister podcast, Hadley Presents. Here's a link to that episode on Vision Loss and Charles Bonnet Syndrome.