"You can't do this alone"
Sharon shares with us how she worked through the isolation and found people just like her to get the support she needed.
Insights and Sound Bites
You can’t do this alone
Sharon: One day I'll wake up and maybe I won't see as well. You know, every day was a different journey. It was a journey. Unless you’re with people who are experiencing the same thing, it's a very lonely thing.
Marc: This is Hadley’s Insights and Sound Bites, where people facing vision loss share what has helped them cope and adjust.
Sharon: When you first get that diagnosis and have no symptoms, you don't really understand what the possibilities are. I'm relying on a doctor to tell me the possibilities or to direct me in a direction of what could this journey look like. And I never found that.
There's a linear process and I most likely will lose more vision along the way. And one day I'll wake up and maybe I won't see as well. You know, every day was a different journey. It was a journey. It's terrifying. Unless you’re with people who are experiencing the same thing and can give support, it's a very lonely thing.
I'm adjusting it, but I'm much more stable now than I have been ever. I'm less fearful about the future. I know the vision may deteriorate further, but I feel I have the skills now and the support now with all of the services, yours included, to navigate.
The most important thing is you need a support group. You cannot do this alone. You may need more than your family. You need people who are experiencing the same thing.
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.