Acceptance

Hi Sue,
First, I would like to welcome you to this community. I’m glad you found us, especially now when you have such strong feelings. I am guessing that you are newly diagnosed because fear and grief are two very normal reactions when people are first told they have macular degeneration. Here is a wonderful article about processing those emotions that I thought you might find helpful: https://maculardegeneration.net/living/community-views-advice-newly-diagnosed.
This is a very support community full of great resources. I hope you take the time to learn more about macular degeneration. One thing you’ll learn is that blindness is rare. Macular degeneration affects central visual, making it impossible for people to see things directly in front them in its most advanced stage. So, those who are declared legally blind can't read, drive, or see fine details, but they maintain peripheral vision. Thankfully, we have lots of new technology, like audiobooks and smart pens, that can help with some of those tasks.
There are also lots of steps to take to slow its progression, like supplements, injections and dietary and lifestyle changes. Here is an article that explains some of those options: https://maculardegeneration.net/treatment. Injections might sound scary, but new light therapy has recently been approved by the FDA. Hopefully, it will soon be available countrywide.
I also urge you, once again, to reach out to someone you trust to talk about your feelings – a friend, a family member, a spiritual leader, your doctor, a therapist – whoever makes you feel comfortable. You have a lot of life to life and progression is far into your future. Live for the here and now. We’re here for you whenever you need us. – Lori (Team Member)

Hi Sue,

Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty — it is not easy to be going through these immensely difficult emotions, especially the anger/frustration and the fear of the unknown when it comes to vision loss. You are not alone, and we're glad you're here. A diagnosis like this can be overwhelming and very difficult to accept.

I want to make you aware, if you aren't already, of the 988 crisis line, which you can call or text 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for support — simply dial 988 from any phone or visit the site to chat with a support professional: https://988lifeline.org/. They are here to help and anytime and can assist you more immediately than us site moderators.

We deeply appreciate your presence here in our community, and I am sending you warmth and comfort in this difficult time.

Additionally, these articles written by our Health Leaders — patients living with macular degeneration — are all about keeping hope alive as vision changes. You may find them helpful:

https://maculardegeneration.net/living/reasons-hope-treatments
https://maculardegeneration.net/living/reasons-hope-dry

Please let me know if you'd like any further reading suggestions! I'd be happy to direct you to more patient experience content.