Down in a hole
Well, PTSD and clinging to a reason to live and today I find out I'll be legally blind in about 5 years. My standard answer is 'it is what it is.' But this is different. As small as I live my life trying to avoid people, this diagnosis contradicts my cling on life. I'm supposedly 'intermediate' macular degeneration with lots of drusens on my horizon in both eyes. My eye doctor said it's pretty bad, gave me vitamins and said "we are only along for the ride, nothing to do."
I'm 58 and have lived a full life working in combat environments for over 11 years, traveling the world and seeing the worst and best of mankind. I plan to push forward 'until' my eyes fail to support the life I currently live and then it's time for the Glock 30 and lights out.
my heart goes out to you for your situation. First of all I want to thank you for your service to our country. I am so sorry that you suffer from PTSD. I would think this condition would make it harder to cope with a health problem such as advanced Macular degeneration. I am not sure from your post whether you have wet or dry macular degeneration. The eye vitamins that the doctor prescribed have helped many, including me, to slow down the progression. One thing to keep in mind when a doctor makes a prediction as yours has regarding being blind in five years, that is just a prediction. There are many factors associated with the progression of Macular Degeneration. There are changes to diet and other lifestyle modifications that may help slow down the progression. I will share a couple of links in case you’re interested
https://maculardegeneration.net/lifestyle-changes/
https://maculardegeneration.net/clinical/mediterranean-diet/
It is worth noting that in most cases you can get a second opinion.
Many in our community have had difficulty coping with declining vision. Some great articles have been written about the value of mental health counseling to help us cope.
https://maculardegeneration.net/living/mental-health-anxiety
Best wishes, Sharon Moore advocate
Hi there. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story with our community. We are really glad you're here and you are most definitely not alone in how you're feeling. I can imagine that it's really frustrating to have your doctor suggest that you are along for the ride with nothing left to do about the condition. As Sharon shared, and if you have not done so already, I suggest reaching out to another specialist for a second opinion on treatment options. By joining this community you are absolutely not alone in this, and I really commend you for being here and taking the time to connect with the community. Please continue to keep us posted on how you feel and if you connect with another doctor let us know how it goes. Looking forward to hearing from you and wishing you well, Abby (Team Member).
