Newbie

By re849

1 min read

Hello, I'm a 70-year-old single male, I got my diagnosis four days ago, dry AMD, and I have been living on that roller coaster since, scared and depressed.

Feeling very alone

I am an avid golfer and a snowbird from Michigan, it's really messing with my head to think I will have to change my lifestyle soon. I'm glad I found this website as I was feeling very alone. I've read a couple of posts in the forum and see that there are many like me and most far worse.

I've got an appointment with a specialist next month, hopefully, will find out more about my condition and how far advanced I am.

Hoping to learn more from all of you

I'm writing this today mainly because I'm feeling so alone, hopefully I can get more involved and help others as I go along. I actually feel better just writing this and I'm hoping to learn more from those of you already dealing with this. Thanks.

Share your own story

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The MacularDegeneration.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Andrea Junge Moderator
Hello, <inline-mention user-id="3134184" username="re849"/> ! Thank you so much for sharing this part of your story with us. Many of us (if not all) have felt alone during some point of our macular degeneration journey. It's often hard to find a friend that truly understands what it's like to go through what we do on a daily basis. And, having to change our lifestyle and worrying about our future is something to feel worried and sad about. I am so glad you've come across our amazing community. Here, you are never alone. We are always here to cheer you on, help you find new ways to do the things you love, and to just listen when you need a friend. Please feel free to reach out to us whenever you may need to chat or vent. We are here with you. If you are on Facebook, we also have a great page there with many more friends who are in the same boat. Wishing you well. -Andrea, <a href='https://maculardegeneration.net' target='_blank'>MacularDegeneration.net</a> Team Member
manga Member
Dear Newbie: I know the feeling but you are not alone. I was diagnosed about 6 yo with dry macular degeneration. I was under 60 so it was a real surprise, I am a nurse so knew what it meant. I was so depressed knowing I might go blind and certainly b e low vision and there was nothing I could do about it except the vitamins. At that time I had no symptoms. I know each of us is different but over those years, I have had to adjust to things--like lots of light to see, slow light accommodation, cant see as it gets dark (I no longer drive at night, wavy lines sometimes and difficulty with colors---but it is livable and you can adjust to it and its been a long time. I can still drive, see my flowers and see the smiles on my grandchildren's faces and work some so its not all bad. I wish for you to feel not so alone, you got us, not so afraid--dry usually develops slowly---just dont give up! best to you
1. Andrea Junge Moderator
 Thank you for your encouragement and kind words, <inline-mention user-id="3139560" username="manga"/> . I agree...this diagnosis is very scary at first, but things do get better and we just learn how to adjust. -Andrea, <a href='https://maculardegeneration.net' target='_blank'>MacularDegeneration.net</a> Team Member
2. Linda Hoopes Moderator
 That was beautifully said and so reassuring! I love how we come together to support and encourage one another. This community is so nurturing. We can get through this and not only survive but THRIVE! Thank you for this comforting insight and sharing it with all of us. Linda Hoopes, Advocate <a href='https://www.maculardegeneration.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>www.maculardegeneration.net</a>
Linda Hoopes Moderator
What you said about your diagnosis “messing with your head” really caught my attention! I can relate in many ways which lead met to meet with a professional counselor several times to straighten out my thinking. It can be so easy to let this throw you into a tailspin & depression. Together with this community of support and the counseling, I was able to see it differently. It took some time & effort but so worth it. You CAN still have a good quality of life. Keep returning & share your experiences with us. So many of us have have been there and may be able to help. Let us know how it’s going - We care! Linda Hoopes, Advocate www.maculardegeneration.met