This is a Thanksgiving like no other. You may be attending a big gathering as usual, though I hope not, or a virtual gathering on laptops, or talking individually to loved ones on the phone.
If your loss of good vision is recent, you need to protect yourself. You will learn to manage the message, but it’s too much at first. Keep any information about vision loss very confidential – just your close circle. If you must say something make it throwaway: “Bit of trouble with my eyes”,or “Having a few eye tests”.
The word “blind” in particular is freighted with thousands of years of back story. Avoid it and other heavy-duty descriptions in a big group. People who see well can suddenly demote you in their mind. This is doubly true when talking to people at work, also volunteer work, church, temple, or club, and with extended family,. Almost no-one knows anything about sight loss and people you really like can say stupid things that cut deep when you are in a vulnerable state.
Of course you will need to talk about what is happening to your sight, but just to your close circle. Keep the news close to your chest and remind your family not to send indiscreet emails.
More on my website including a new Video next week: “How To Talk About Your Sight Loss”.
Here are 2 VisionAware webinars that you might want to attend.
Title of the Lesson/Activity: VisionAware: Monitoring Your Blood Sugar and Using Insulin When You’re Visually Impaired
Date: Monday November 30, 2020
Time: 3:00 – 4:00PM ET
Amount of Time: 60 minutes
Description: Monitoring blood sugar and using insulin are two essential skills for people with diabetes, but are more challenging with vision loss. This session will provide information on how to use adapted equipment and techniques to safely and accurately perform these self-care tasks. There will be time for Q&A following the presentation.
nstructors: Audrey Demmitt, RN, BSN and Kim Ladd, RN, BS, CPHQ, CDCES
Register: https://aph.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lHsMMVu3QOeN0ZO6n9_HBA