Static then Dynamic

By fallhyker

2 min read

Up until March, my dry AMD had not changed significantly since my diagnosis about 6 yrs ago.

A noticeable difference in my vision

One eye is considerably less affected than the other and it's my saving grace. Then a noticeable difference in my vision occurred over the month of March after just seeing my retinal specialist in Feb.

Three months prior to that, I had gotten a new glasses prescription. Went in for a vision test and my 'bad' eye was 20/100 (and remains there) and my good eye was 20/80...with my glasses on!

First, fear, then a bit of a pity party

I was really flabbergasted by the big change, but they were able to get the good eye to 20/40 with a new Rx, the driving criteria for my state. I got the new glasses within 10 days, but this whole experience has had quite an effect on my outlook.

First, fear, then a bit of a pity party for myself, then sorrow at what might else be in store when I least expect it. My husband has also had recent unexpected health issues, so there has felt like a bit of "piling on" of downers.

I continue to find ways to feel cheerful

It's been a couple of weeks now and I'm begrudgingly letting go of that eternal youth scenario I've clung to forever, and continue to find ways to feel cheerful. As I have been writing this, I saw the first Baltimore oriole and hummingbird of the season right outside my window :)! I love photography and am still able to capture the nature around me.

Adapting to change

Recently, one of those "slides along your book" dome magnifiers arrived from Amazon, and it works great on larger books/papers/magazines. Wearing a tactical headlamp (OK, not a fashion statement) is fabulous for reading, painting doorway trim, and creating artwork which is also an all-encompassing hobby for me.

Embracing the things that bring joy

Warding off worry and fear can be a challenge. Although I haven't achieved 100% success at this, I've found that embracing the things that bring you joy can really quiet down that "pity party."

Hope you can all find something that brings good feelings...and a smile!

Cheers,
Barbara

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Sharon Moore Moderator
<inline-mention username="fallhyker" user-id="3118143"/> i am so glad you shared your experience with dry macular degeneration as it mirrors my own journey with dry macular degeneration. I was shocked at my last exam. With correction my vision is 20/40 and 20/80; still legal to drive in OK. I think a common myth is that dry MD isn’t nearly as serious as wet. I have a good friend with dry MD and he is now legally blind. My sister has wet in both eyes and has been getting injections at least 5 years and her vision has remained stable. Best wishes to you and your husband. Sharon Moore Advocate
1. fallhyker Member
 <inline-mention username="Sharon Moore" user-id="3129425"/> Thanks, Sharon...No one in my circle of friends and acquaintances has MD, though my sister too had wet and never got injections, and was always able to "get by" visually. Say, do you have to follow people on this site to be notified by email of new postings? 
2. Sharon Moore Moderator
 If you subscribe you will get emails when new articles post. You can do that here <a href='https://maculardegeneration.net/subscribe/' target='_blank'>https://maculardegeneration.net/subscribe/</a> You may have to copy and paste it since it isn’t a hyperlink. I like to check in here daily to see what’s new <a href='https://maculardegeneration.net/community' target='_blank'>https://maculardegeneration.net/community</a> You are welcome to follow anyone on the website. We also have an active Facebook page under <a href='http://maculardegeneration.net' target='_blank'>maculardegeneration.net</a>. Reach out anytime you have a question or need support. Best wishes, Sharon Moore Advocate
Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
<inline-mention username="fallhyker" user-id="3118143"/> thanks for sharing your story. I've had dry macular degeneration for just over seven years now, I think, and progression has been very slow. It has gone from early to intermediate in one of my eyes. Still early in the other eye though. Your story reminds me that the situation can change quickly at any time. I agree that it is so important to do the things we enjoy as often as possible. I think being a member of this site helps me prepare for changes if/when they come. Best wishes to you, Wendy, Advocate.

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