Hello, thankyou for taking time to msg my partner is awesome, I did say he should leave me but he just takes it in his stride, he says I'm the one facing the changes so why should it affect how he feels about me I tried the rnib but the lady I spoke to was quite pessimistic as regards retinopathy as said she could only really talk about changes and gadgets I could look at applying for, I get that really, they can't know every medical condition can they lol, what I really need is someone who is going through this or has in the past? It's a very isolating experience
Hi there. I know it is really scary as this happened to me about 17 years ago though I didn't go blind this is what my family and colleagues feared on my behalf and I was sent info about Guide Dogs by a well meaning friend.
The obvious thing to say first is are you on regular checks with the local eye clinic/screening service? Changes with eyes are usually slow so if you are getting those checks in spite of Covid etc. perhaps you could speak to your GP or a nurse at that clinic who may have a little more time and skill in reassurance.
I did suffer major sight loss after a retinal bleed but this was after a lot of treatment and due to a recent pregnancy with subsequent blood sugar roller coasters/hormones etc. I was told that I was pretty unluck.
I appreciate that my condition isn't totally similar to yours but at my most anxious, my GP did research on my part to reassure my family and i about the surgery I was facing (vitrectomy) which is not to say you are headed that way of course!
You may also be better trying Diabetes UK Careline than RNIB for a sympathetic and informed ear. this is what they are there for.
The other thing to say is that my surgery did result in my coming off the road (nit saved my sight) and at the time it felt like a major loss of independence as I was working and had a small child but I've adapted and partial sight loss is fine (bike, free bus pass and chauffering from my husband who hated the way I drove anyway!).