Holidays with Macular Degeneration
How do you feel around the holidays with macular degeneration? Do you feel that your family understands your condition? Are there usually lots of questions regarding the condition?
Share worries, thoughts, feelings below.
My family knows all too well about macular degeneration. My Mom and sister have wet AMD. My son and I both have dry AMD. My biggest problem during the holidays is trying to read recipes. I usually take a photo and blow it up or use my iPhone magnifier. Sharon Moore advocate
those of you that know me, know I am a positive person. I preface my remark to this question as my response might seem negative and dark. It's not meant that way, it's just my truth. So here goes.
I do not like the holidays! It is too manic and takes away from my peace of mind. I think the meaning of Christmas has been lost or at least misplaced.
My family and loved ones can't really understand my condition because the loss of central vision and paling of colors hasn't happened to them. Some of them, if not most of them get “the thousand yard stare” on their face when my failing vision is brought up. They can’t relate and don’t know what to say. I’m ok with that, I understand it. So Merry Christmas! Hohoho! Sorry if my answer is a buzz kill. Richard, advocate
PS, I still love y'all and wish you a happy holiday!
I hear ya! My focus on Christmas is the Lord, Jesus Christ. Not on the busyness or finding the perfect gift. My family is opposite. Has driven me to sadness and not wanting to participate forever. When my vision starting failing and I had to give up driving at night, it got worse.
But I decided that this year be different. I made food baskets for everyone and had so much fun! I embraced the Christmas movies and my time alone. And even though I missed out on social gatherings and that was sad, I enjoyed the holidays more than I had in a long time. I was able to put a positive spin on it. But next year I think I'll take a cruise over the holidays! Lol!
your answer is honest and I get where you are coming from. It is easy to lose focus of the meaning of Christmas. It is such a busy time of year that it is easy to lose our peace of mind. That peace is so important I guard it carefully. I have to remind myself to slow down and just breathe. Sharon Moore Advocate Frankly I do not believe any non-impaired person comprehends the stresses. And that is especially true of doctors - and most especially retina specialists. Once the impaired are out of sight (no pun intended), they simply go about their lives unconcerned of plight of the impaired.
I get around locally ok due to familiarity.
With respect to holiday, etc, I am frequently prompted to take a plane to visit others. I simply cannot tolerate navigating large airports trying to read flight information and all the attendant rushing about. So holiday are a massive weight and cause of anxiety.I think you are right. No one truly understands without experiencing vision loss first hand. I see a wonderful retinal specialist. He actually recalls previous conversations we have had. I am too uneasy about traveling by plane. I could never navigate a busy airport. I am relieved to have the holidays behind me for the year. Wishing you a happy new year. Sharon Moore patient leader
