UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Just being depressing today. Have just worked it out that this is the third time in ten months that i am off sick with eye problems. This time i have the herpes virus and need to go back to Moorfields next week and check if i can put my lenses back in. But why does this seem to be a repeat of last time - when two weeks turned into six months. Then i was back in work a week and off sick for three more weeks.

I'm having little faith here and now i have moved am needing to pay rent without mentioning bills and general living costs. Do you ever get the feeling that there is nothing else to this? That when you can't see everything falls apart and life just doesn't have any meaning at all. There were so many things that i planned to do, such as going out last Saturday but didn't. I bought a ticket and then just gave in and didn't go. I also wanted to start sailing classes now that i live near the water but can't see to do it.

When i was off sick last time i was much more positive and did a lot of things which i just don't have the energy to do now. But then it was different, it was the first time i had really had major trouble with my eyesight and wanted to prove that i could do anything, now i'm just blxxdy depressed and have nothing left to prove. There is the been there and done it thing and i'm tired of playing anymore.

The whole reason for having a graft so quickly was in case this ever happened again, but now it has it is too soon for my graft to be any use! Gee i give up.

Sweet X x X

Hmmmm....I can imagine how you must be feeling...but do bind your time!..Whilst this is easy to say and you may think that this is never ending please do wait till the graft does close and heal properly.........

I can relate to how you must be feeling as I went through a 9 month spell where I had extremely limited vision and would get so frustrated!...But I always told myself to stay focussed and attempt to do the things that you can....

The work issue you have no control of......I mean would you WANT to go to work semi-blind?....I would suspect not...the only place for you right now is at home, to rest and recover.......however..you do make a valid concern about supporting your lifestyle whilst not working.....and theres where I kind of come to a stop!....as all I can suggest is help from family?.......

J

Claire

I made up my mind at the beginning of last year that I'd not see again. My sight had not returned in over a year after surgery.

but I was wrong. I now see well enough to drive. It took time, but my sight did recover. Jay is right ... it is way too early to make up your mind that the game is lost, the half time whiltle hasn't ever sounded.

Wales have posession. The Scottish prop forward is satnding like a ten foot wall right in front of the Welsh Winger. doe he just stop and hand over the ball, or does he play on?

Well, Wales beat Scotland!

I know this is a hard time, but the time to give up has not come.

Andrew

Hi Claire

How long have you been off work this time now? Have you tried to find out if you are eligble for any sort of benefits if you are currently not being paid. I know someone once mentioned incapacity benefit to me, not sure whether this is still a possibility or how much it would be.
Maybe 'action for blind people' or RNIB can help by advising you what you should be able to claim, whilst I appreciate you would much rather be well and working, whilst you are off as you say you still have rent and bills etc to pay not to mention food and transport for hospital visits.

Try contacting afbp I have found them really helpful,
best wishes

Susan x

Sweet you don't need to be able to see to Sail - I do it and I can't even see the front of the boat.

Besides Water Doge'ems are great fun.

Dx

Sweet,

As drew says, sailing can be done by the blind and partially sighted. There are plenty of other sports that you can vent your frustration through.

Get down the RNIB and explore all the options, it might provide a healthy distraction from everything else.

During your years as a nurse, how many times have you gone up to a depressed patient, spent a few minutes explaining these things take time, shared a joke and they have felt better?

I am sure it is loads, now it is our turn to provide that srvice to you and I promise not to send dodgy stuff

Unless it is particularly humerous

The AGM can not come soon eneough.

Sub Aqua is a sport in which eyesight is no great advantage because in most British waters you can't see your hand in frinto of your face!

Unfortunately you have to be able to swim, so that's me ruled out!

Andrew

Considering Sweet's water comes from the Thames, I think she should stay nice and dry - at least until she has those pesky stitches removed

Do you know - I forgot to ask - are Sweets stiches pink?

D

LMAO!!! Now if they were pink that would be so much better and i'm sure that i would have no problems with them!!!