I'm finding that, as my vision lessens, that I'm spending more time tweaking my methods of coping around my home. Trying to stay at least one step ahead keeps me on my toes, and sparks my creativity.
I'm putting brightly colored items on furniture corners, raised felt and plastic bumps on appliances which have touch functions (why on earth is it so difficult to find new appliances with knobs or dials?). A rug in front of the sink ensures I can locate it. Alarms are set on my phone to remind me to check the Beastie's food and water bowls. Another alarm reminds me when to feed the fish. Huge felt letters are rubber banded to food packages as well as medications and beauty items. Safety pins with different size beads organize my clothing. White tape marks the edges of my steps.
The time I will be able to ride the Etrike is pretty much over. I can no longer make out vehicles or pedestrians on the road unless they're in high contrast to their surroundings or moving. As much as I hate to, I have stop riding. At least I'm realizing that rather than putting myself and others in danger.
What really gets me is that I'll be using the white cane soon. I do what I can to avoid it, like only going out during hours when the sun is at it's highest. I've had the training to use it, and I'm comfortable knowing that it will get me around.
But, I hate it. I hate that I will have to depend on it to get me around. I hate that it will make me stand out as a blind person. I hate that my stupid eye disease has progressed to the point where I need it to get around. I hate that there is no effective treatment or a cure. I hate that the treatments that we did try not only did not work, but that one of them made me so ill that I'm still recovering from it more than a year later.
The loss of even more independence has me extremely frustrated and angry tonight.
I ran errands today. The post office, dollar store, grocery store and the gas station filled my shopping bag. No more canned goods or liquids due to the weight. Time to change my diet, and base it on the weight of the food I can carry home while walking. More adjustments to make, but I'm okay with that. Coffee cans and tea bags weigh less than bottles of fruit juice, so I'll need to add vitamin c to my diet.
Enough griping for now.....
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