An Unlikely Partnership: Gratitude and Macular Degeneration

Feeling grateful is tough following an AMD diagnosis.

Turning fear into gratitude

We’ve heard all the platitudes about seeing the glass half full and being grateful for what you still have, hallow words initially for those facing the probability of losing their central vision. With a future possibility of being “legally blind,” it’s hard to be positive and upbeat when you know there is no cure and your central vision will progressively worsen. Losing your ability to drive, read and other critical life skills is terrifying.

What’s to be grateful for? Good question! Here are eight answers.

 8 Ways to Look at a Future with AMD

1. Although there is no cure - unless you believe the internet scams - there is far more research, studies, and clinical trials being done than ever before. That gives us hope there will be a cure or at least stop the progression in the near future.
2. More is known today about slowing the progression with lifestyle changes, such as exercise, nutrition, and treatment. Those are things we control and can give us more time with better vision. We have greater knowledge about how to slow the progression today.
3. Retina Specialists today are more educated about AMD and have access to knowledge, techniques, and tools to make a living with AMD less challenging. Finding a good RS is invaluable, and there are many options if we aren’t happy where we are.
4. Technology has made giant strides in ways to help us see better - larger screens on our devices, enlarging type for readability, and even speaking capabilities, to name just a few.
5. Self-driving cars will soon be available and actually will be more reliable and safer than those operated by humans. Less human error means fewer accidents!
6. Multiple personal services today make it far easier, such as home delivery of groceries, pharmacy, and meals. Nearly any need you might have is addressed by companies eager to earn your business. Get familiar with what is available in your area and experiment.
7. Many senior centers offer free rides to appointments, events, or wherever you might need to go. The companionship at these centers is an added benefit.
8. As bleak as it sounds to lose your central vision, at least we still have peripheral vision, which is better than nothing. People with no vision manage to function and live purposeful lives. We have an edge with peripheral vision.

We have MacD, MacD doesn’t have us!

Changing our minds - our perspectives - about a health issue we have little control over is imperative. Even though outside circumstances may not change, we have full control over how we react, making a huge impact on how we deal with this chronic condition and live a full life - either in fear or with gratitude. May we choose “gratitude!”

Avoiding the FEAR

Remember the acronym for FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real. When we change our minds - making a shift from fear to acceptance - everything will look different, although nothing has changed. It’s definitely an INSIDE job!

Staying optimistic

I don’t like having AMD, but I AM grateful and optimistic about the future. I know I have it far better than did my mother or cousin, both legally blind from MacD. There is more hope today for a cure, plus the support, information, and community here at www.maculardegeneration.net makes me feel very grateful.

Yes, I DO feel gratitude for many things associated with MacD. Finding the blessings buried within the condition are possible when we open our minds and hearts. Blessings to all with this condition, and best wishes for a healthy perspective.