graft problems

[james mckinlay]

ive had k.c since i was 14 i used t rub my eyes like mad back then not as if that would cause my k.c anyway.

im 24 now and ive had 2 corneal grafts for 5 years the left eye healed and the graft was great. now ive had 6 rejection episodes this year in my left one, now it feels like the right eye is going the same way and no matter how dim the light is im extremely senstive to it ive told the doc but they say it will get better but thats 5 yeas now and no change.

its got to the point i cant work anymore and i need help to even get a shave i feel so useless . i have a supportive family which helps but i just wish i could meet other people my age who know what its like.

the forums are great they help me a lot.

i used to do karate to help my confidence but i cant now because of he grafts.

anyone any ideas to boost my confidence and self esteem as i won even go out with my firends now.

thanks james

[GarethB]

Hi James,

I gather in Scotland there is quite an active support group. I do not know how close they are to Glasgow, but I am sure if you contact the/join the support group, (details on the homepage of this site) will give you the contact details. It is more than likely that someone from that group will be in touch from seeing your post.

When I had trouble seeing prior to my graft, the RNIB were very supportive in helping develop what I could do and adapt to things that I thought were not possible. They helped in my studies as I decided to wait for the graft after my A levels were complete and the second graft was during the first summer break from Uni. Been working for some years now, but the RNIB have been helpful again when I was concerned about my sight levels in the job I do. Action for the blind and the dissibility officer at my local job centre were also very helpful.

They are geared up to help anyone with a sight disability to earn a living just like anyone else.

Make a list of questions and concerns you have and see what advice these people can have. I can not see without my lenses, but my friends are very accomodating. It does not take long for me to make a mental map of my surroundings and go about the place un aided. If I bump into someone, I apologise and say I have a sight disability. Should some one ask me to look where I am going, are you blind, I just say yes and I can prove it. They soon back down as they have made themselves look like an idiot in front of their mates.

I have found there are some things I can do better without sight. Hard to reach places on my friends cars are easy for me to get to as I am used to doing things by touch. I have helped repaint part of a friends car and the quality of finish was far better than he got as I could feel the paint imperfections that they eye could not see.

List what you can do ONLY and concentrate on them and build on them. The only thing I really need lenses for is to drive and read to my daughter. Everything else a can manage to some degree, even though my garden underwent a complete redesign so I could distinguis lawn from flowerbeds easier. Growing vegetables is not quite so easy, but I will get that cracked.

Let us know how you get on.

Regards

Gareth