As some readers are aware,I returned home after 2 weeks in Iiris(An assessment centre for Visually disabled people and people who suffer from blindness.This assessment confirmed to me that my worsening vision is a direct result of Multiple Sclerosis.
I entered the centre on Monday morning with an open mind and eyes(not a pun).I was shown to my room and i and 6 other patients who were themselves visually disabled or who suffered from total blindness were formerly given a run down of the program and meetings that lay before us for the next 2 weeks.It was stressed that being visually disabled or suffering from blindness was not the end of life and help was available.
The program of assessment
Once settled in we all bedded and tried to get a good nights sleep.I myself and others in my group were not to get much sleep that night though.We were woken at 0630 and slowly made our way for breakfast.The food was good I must admit.From 0845 each person attended his or her appointments with in the building,only meeting each other briefly for lunch and evening dinner..
My first appointment was with a psychologist to discuss the daily problems I faced moving around independently as a visually disabled person.I knew and have known for some time now,that I was not able to see bus numbers,cross busy roads or shop for goods in stores.I guess that I had become so used to not seeing clearly for a long time.I had learnt in my own ways to adapt and cope.I did know however that I was becoming more and more irritable with myself and others around me.
During the following weeks I was examined by ophthalmologists,optometrists,and a variety of specialised care workers.
Ophthalmologists report of my visual disability
I had previously seen my own ophthalmologist 7 months earlier so I was aware that my vision had worsened.Now I was to hear after a series of further examinations that I was 100% visually impaired.Today I still marvel at how I ever got around at all.I have no real awareness of space,distance or depth.This makes for climbing stairs and crossing roads a real hazard.The majority of the public around me believe I am either drunk or deranged.If you can imagine a person with normal healthy eyesight scores 100%,I score 10%.I have no real horizon in my field of vision.The messages that are sent from the eye to the brain are gabbled and basically my brain cannot understand the messages,hence I see things as though they are constantly moving around.
This occurs as the Myelin surrounding the optic nerve has been slowly eaten away by my own Immune system-This is the result primarily of Multiple Sclerosis.
The next days were a time to come to terms with the news of being visually disabled.I was given a white cane and told that it would make my life a lot easier.Guess what my first reaction was,”No way”In my mind I would be openly declaring to the world around me that I was in fact visually disabled and suffering from partial Blindness.Believe me when I say it is a big step to take and one I am still coming to terms with.
White cane,the challenge
So now I am equipped with a white cane and as a result rarely go out.Next month I have a lady visit me,who will give me 25 hours of personal training in the use of the cane.Common sense tells me to take it and use it.I guess time will tell.Whilst at the assessment centre I was to go out with the white cane in to a crowded environment and immediately I noticed that by passers would be more courteous and allow me more room in which to manoeuvre.I felt as though this was to be the way for the future,for me.When crossing roads,cars would automatically stop further down the street.I said to the care worker by my side,”Its as though I have some contagious disease”I was informed this will happen often
Other visual aids to assist me
As the 2 weeks drew to an end,I was informed that several pieces of equipment were being recommended for me,These are to assist visually disabled people and the blind1)A pair of small binoculars to enable me to see in to the distance. 2)A program for my desktop named Jaws,which in effect allows my Pc to talk to me,so allowing writing to become easier 3)A program to be added to my mobile phone,named Talk and Zoom,This I hope speaks for itself.These are all aids to help visually disabled people and the blind lead as full a life as is possible.I should also receive taxi vouchers to ease my travelling to shops and meetings.
Whilst these aids are more than welcome,I would gladly redeem them and a whole lot more,to get my sight back.Or better still to have access to a cure for Multiple Sclerosis and in doing so restore my vision back to what it once was and rid myself of this visually Disabled cross.I am told that I should not suffer from total blindness as a result of Multiple Sclerosis
I must add that I owe a big thankyou to all the staff at Iiris,they gave me first class assisstance and were warm and compassionate at all times
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The mere fact that you are enabled in spite the odds already is a great feat. Keep that positive attitude.
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Thanks for your feedback.Strange thing now,is that I am recieving lots of mail fromIiris and other helpful departments asking me to fill out forms and fill in applications.I of course cannot see the written letters and certainly cant fill in the forms.I am relying on my good wife to read and write for me.Whilst I keep a positive approach to this situation,I feel if I am honest I shall be looking to enter in to a 21 hour care home.Believe me as a seaman and seasoned traveller,I shall dey,deny ,deny I need this.Maybe when I am 99 or something
You’ll surpass all these trials and will surely be a winner in the end. Keep up that courageous attitude and you’ll surely go a long long way.