Two years. Life goes on. Mostly good: daughter and her dog moved back home two years ago, grand-daughter born about 18 months ago. I'm still working part-time. They're the good bits.
Around 30 months ago I was diagnosed with Macular dystrophy, also known as Stargardt's Disease.
There are two forms, commonly referred to as 'Wet' and 'Dry'. One is treatable to some extent. I cannot remember which one but I've scored the (currently) untreatable variety.
Noticed some vision changes pre-cancer, post-appendicectomy in 2004 when I was being treated for a bowel infection, being given high and frequent doses of antibiotics.
To me it seemed that the exposure had been extended on my eyes; everything appeared incredibly bright, contrast turned up. Reported these temporary symptoms to GPs and eye care specialist but nothing was thought at the time. The cancer was diagnosed, the antibiotic treatment ceased and other matters became the priority.
Fast-forward to 2015 and I started to notice that when facing a light source for example talking to someone with a window behind them, then I was losing the ability to see them; the backlight was washing away the central vision. This continued until my optometrist, at the annual check of eyes and spectacle prescription referred me to an ophthalmologist who sent me onto to a retinal specialist.
Now I'm no longer driving, although I've not done any night driving in over four years as my night vision degraded. This apparently is not uncommon as we age - several friends of similar vintage have said the same.
I still have the licence but will give another bit of independence officially away by the end of the year. Watching TV (and visiting the cinema) are almost a waste of time. Photography, a hobby I loved, is now only at the level of what gets snapped using my smartphone. The camera-bag hasn't come out in months. Note: remember to remove the batteries!
The loss of independence, caused by the retinal degeneration, is a big downer. Having to rely on others, even more than I normally do, is one more embuggerance and another piece of personal dignity that gets chopped off. I still have regular medical appointments, and family and friends jump in, yes, their support is very much appreciated but I wish I didn't have to impose on them.
Goes without saying that everyone who is around me is sympathetic and helpful. My employer (the Australian Public Service) has been very supportive: dual PC monitors, magnifying spectacles with a LED attached (makes me look a complete tit), new keyboard and screen-reader software. All help me stay productive and useful at work. This is hugely important for my self-esteem. They value me and my contributions to the work.
Still, it's sometimes difficult and a small voice shouts that it would be easier to retire and stay home. Then what would I do with the time?
My wife, The Little Worker, would no doubt tell me. So for the time being statu quo res erant ante bellum. That's your actual Latin
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