"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 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.
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Episode 47
It was tough for Linda to give up driving and she was heartbroken when reading became difficult. She felt her world was shrinking. But then she asked for help.
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Episode 46
Ashia felt all alone in her vision loss. No one around her knew what she was going through. Then she found something that gave her hope.
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Episode 45
Dennis found that many aspects of life with vision loss can be a struggle. Then he found something that turned that around.
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Episode 44
Judy has lived with progressive vision loss for many years. She's found a way that helps her cope and adjust.
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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.