Traveling While I Can

By kgomes46

1 min read

Now that I know I have wet MD, I will "make hay while the sun shines". This old adage refers to the autumn of life and has helped me set goals for using time, which is not in infinite supply. So from here on, my husband and I will travel, travel, travel.

In 2020, at the dawning of the pandemic, we moved to Italy. We have always dreamt of exploring Europe, at long last. So beginning in June 2022, I flew alone to Bologna, which we had not seen during our one and only trip to Italy in 1974. Glory!

This whetted our appetite further, so in September and October we flew to Belgium and Tuscany, respectively. May will bring us to Prague.

When we no longer feel comfortable traveling unescorted, we have decided to take river cruises, up and down Europe's most beautiful waterways.

- Kathy D.

Do you travel with macular degeneration?

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Sharon Moore Moderator
kgomes461 your travel plans sound like a lovely way to make memories while your vision permits. Have you experienced any problems traveling related to having macular degeneration? Regards, Sharon Moore patient leader 
1. kgomes46 Member
 <inline-mention username="Sharon Moore" user-id="3129425"/>, thanks for writing. At times it has been hard to use apps on my phone which allow me to purchase bus or train tickets. I enjoy the convenience. Reading travel literature in advance can sometimes be a little tricky. But other than that, I am doing fine.
2. Sharon Moore Moderator
 <inline-mention username="kgomes46" user-id="4504326"/> i am glad you are doing well. I have the same problem using apps on my phone. Not all apps are supported by the accessibility features of my iPhone that enlarge the text. I take screenshots that I can enlarge as needed. Regards, Sharon Moore patient leader
Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
<inline-mention username="kgomes46" user-id="4504326"/> I can feel your enthusiasm for travel, and I share it. I've mainly travelled unescorted on public trains and buses throughout Europe, and I loved Bologna and Prague. I distinctly recall trying to remember to take my AREDs supplements while I was traveling. Usually I took them in a tiny container in my backpack each day, to have with my croissant and coffee in the morning. I didn't always succeed - they weren't top of my priority list at that time, but they are now. My macular degeneration is dry, but I do wonder how I would handle things if it becomes wet. My specialist said "They do these injections all over the world" but I suspect it might be easier said than done to get a shot in another country. I tried for dry eye drops once at an Italian "farmacia" but got contact washing solution. Have you needed to have injections while you're away? How did you organise it? Wendy, Patient Leader.
1. kgomes46 Member
 <inline-mention username="Brown Eyed Girl" user-id="3141081"/>, I am a citizen and a resident here in Italy. So I get my injections in a town about 40 minutes away. The opthomological care here in Sicily is terrific. It doesn't sound like my case applies to you as you travel. However, you certainly might be able to make an appointment with a retina specialist in private practice. Before your next trip, write me at kgomes46@gmail.com. I can ask someone at the Italian Macula Society. 
2. Brown Eyed Girl Moderator
 <inline-mention username="kgomes46" user-id="4504326"/> thank you! I'll do that. Warm wishes, Wendy, Patient Leader.
fallhyker Member
Your positive attitude is a wonderful thing, kgomes, and your travel sounds glorious! It brightened my day just to hear about it. I have dry AMD, but it seems that over the last few months it has worsened, particularly as it relates to routine activities...driving, doing food prep, doing artwork, and reading on my phone...or anywhere, actually. It's discouraging, but I'm always looking for a good solution....magnifying glasses for every room and lots of light!! Let's hope positive outlooks continue for all of us😀 Cheers, Barbara
kgomes46 Member
Barbara, me, too! Reading aids in every room of the house. XX