Community View: Positive Insights of Living With Macular Degeneration

When the statement, "One positive thing MD taught me is _______", was shared recently on Facebook, many inspiring responses were shared. Below is a sampling of what readers had to say.

One positive thing that macular degeneration taught me is...

“Never take your health for granted.” -Janet M.

“That I am adaptable and can easily use coping skills.” -Steve E.

“Having AMD has taught me to take nothing for granted, including my vision.  I am thankful for each new day and enjoy the simple things in life.” -Sharon M.

“Resilience I never knew I had.” -Peggy S.

“To appreciate the vision I have.” -Emc Ma.

“Appreciate daylight savings time.” -Valerie R.

These are perfect examples of how readers inspire one another on our website and Facebook - enter MacularDegeneration.net in the search bar. This site has helped me not only tolerate MD, but to thrive and evolve.

I am learning lessons I never would have learned had it not been for my MD diagnosis. However, it was the next step - finding this community -  that put it all together for me.

Shift From Fear to Hope

I think the positive thing that MD has taught me is that I’m not done yet. My hopes and dreams are intact. They may have changed but new opportunities presented themselves as I became open to hearing them.

This community helped me shift from an attitude of F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real) to one of hope and optimism. What was making me so fearful was not knowing what to expect and anticipating the worst-case scenario.

Then I found that knowledge was power and I knew exactly where to get that knowledge - MacularDegeneration.net. This community has been my saving grace. So much can be learned from those who have the same condition and share their experiences. It seems I have a choir of “angels” within a keystroke!

Feeling Grateful Reading Responses

Each of the contributors quoted above impacted my positivity.

Today, my good health is one of my most precious commodities and I am feeling so blessed to have the vision I do have. I am at the Intermediate level of dry AMD. Being resilient post-diagnosis is critical for me. It’s no time to retreat, isolate, or feel sorry for myself. It’s time to reboot and get back in the game!

I have found that easier to do with the encouragement I’ve received on this website & Facebook.

Daylight savings time - Hooray!

Last but not least, I loved the comment about appreciating daylight savings time. Never before has this been so important to me now that I no longer drive at night. Instead of having to cram everything into daytime hours, I can actually go out in the evening, too. It feels so liberating and I couldn’t be happier that they are considering making this permanent. So helpful for many with MD.

Your participation is integral

For nearly two years, I have been on this site, first as someone searching for answers and later as an Advocate because it feels so good to “pay it forward.”

Thanks to all who share their hopes, concerns, and experiences. You never know how much you may be helping someone else. Your participation is integral to not only your well-being but for others, as well. Hugs!