"Things turned around for me"
Darryl shares with us how a referral to a low vision specialist was where his life with vision loss began to turn around.
Hadley
Things turned around for me
Darryl: The doctors weren't particularly encouraging about the dry macular degeneration. They weren't encouraging that there was any solution to that and they'd say, "Well, I don't think there will be a cure in your lifetime.”
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Darryl: My name’s Darryl Pratt and I live in Arlington Heights, Illinois. In my case I'm legally blind, but that doesn't mean I'm totally blind. The way I put it is I can see, but I just don't see very good. I can't see things at a distance. I can't see things close up to write.
The doctors weren't particularly encouraging about the dry macular degeneration. They weren't encouraging that there was any solution to that and they'd say, "Well, I don't think there will be a cure in your lifetime," which didn't really get you really excited and want to be what you wanted to hear.
It's sort of at that point where I decided, and then I was lucky I got referred to a low vision specialist, and that's where I think things turned around for me, that I kind of felt like, "Okay, now this is going to help me," because what I'm looking for, is I'm looking for things and ways that can help me see better with the vision I have, and that's sort of my goal.
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 80
As Kenneth lost most of his sight to glaucoma, he was feeling increasingly isolated and alone. Then he made a commitment, forcing himself to find ways to stay connected to the rest of the world.
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Episode 79
When Carol Lee was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, she was angry and frustrated. Over time, resentment began to fade a bit and the shock wore off. Gradually, her perspective started to shift.
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Episode 78
When Cliff unexpectedly lost a fair amount of his sight, he felt overwhelmed. But with time, he found a way forward.
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Episode 77
Thomas is experiencing many challenges of late, including vision loss. He finds inspiration and hope knowing he's not alone.
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Episode 76
Nikki has lost her vision due to a rare autoimmune disease. While she appreciates positive bits of advice and encouragement, she also stays grounded in the struggles she's facing and knows others do, too. She's feeling the loss.
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Episode 75
When a favorite hobby became more difficult for Dianne due to glaucoma, she learned to tap into something else. It turned out to be the ideal thing.
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Episode 74
Peter's sight slowly but steadily worsened over the course of several years. When he had to give up driving, his self-image took a hit. Working through his emotions has helped him cope and adjust.
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Episode 73
Sherry's vision loss has been gradual yet relentless. Asking for help to do things she used to be able to do on her own is a challenge for her, as it is for many. But she's finding some new tools and new ways to do things.
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Episode 72
Carolyn lost much of her vision after several glaucoma surgeries, leaving her feeling angry and discouraged. But a familiar childhood story inspired her to keep trying, even when tasks seemed impossible.
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Episode 71
Learning he would never see again was heartbreaking for Shannon. Embracing what challenged him, Shannon discovered strength in the unfamiliar.
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Episode 70
The week Jessica was diagnosed with an eye disease that would progressively impair her vision, she also found out she had cancer. A few things have helped her continue to feel strong and less isolated.
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Episode 69
Jack's vision has been declining for years. The hardest part for him is that it just keeps changing, so he needs to keep adapting. A routine Jack's wife put in place for the couple has helped him cope and adjust.