Concerned I'm going blind. Any advice on how to prepare?(self.Blind)
submitted by MarliePaws
I developed the need for glasses suddenly a few years ago, but very recently my vision has been degrading rapidly. I'm going to doctors and stuff, but we can't seem to find what's wrong.
Some days are better than others, but it's still decreasing rapidly. My main concerns right now are how much longer I'll be able to drive to work and how well I'll be able to do my job. I'm a Chef, so I'm confident I'll be able to keep doing that, I just don't know what that will look like or if I'll have to take time off to relearn things.
The reason I'm writing this though is to ask if there is anything I could do to prepare myself. Are there any skills I should start learning now, any products I could consider buying early or changes to make to my home.
I really hope this is an appropriate thing for me to be asking, and I'm open to constructive criticism :)
razzretina10 points3y ago
If you haven’t seen one yet, maybe check in with a neurologist. Sometimes vision loss is a sign of something going on with the brain or optic nerve. And if you get the chance, ask your eye doctor if there’s a specialist they recommend you visit based on your symptoms. Yes you can still be a chef! You might have to take things a bit slower but most of the adaptive techniques for the kitchen are a matter of practice. Work on chopping stuff without looking and, if you don’t do it already, organise your kitchen and work space so you know in general where stuff is. You might want to get some skills training to learn kitchen safety and how to tell what’s going on with things you’re cooking without looking. I use fairly simple tools like a ceramic tile that rattles when water is boiling, talking timers and thermometers, and braille labels or puff paint dots on stove/oven knobs. You don’t need to change anything in your house unless you just want to. Put some puff paint or raised dots on your washer and dryer and dishwasher so you know where the settings are and that’s really it. Oh, and find out what all the circuits in your circuit box go to and label them or make a note in your phone. You can get in home training later if you think you need it.
LBDazzled3 points3y ago
Are you familiar with [Christine Ha] (http://www.theblindcook.com/about/)? She's a very successful blind chef.
It's not really advice, but I thought it might help you to learn more about how she approaches it.
MarliePaws [OP]3 points3y ago
Yes! I am familiar with her :)
I googled "Blind Chef's," not too long ago and have been delighted to learn about her.
KC11622 points3y ago
I would suggest seeing if where you are at has some sort of vocational rehab program- if you do, usually there is a school that can help you prepare. We have one in Salt Lake City called the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired. I also know there is a really nice school in Denver Colorado and some others in the U.S. These kinds of schools and programs can help you learn how to adjust as well as giving you skills in order to continue living independently. Also there are apps that you can download and start to use on your phone- my husband's favorites are money reader, SeeingAI. Also- my husband loves this little device called a Victor's Stream. It's a neat little device that allows him to make recordings and bookmark those recordings. As well as downloading podcasts and some other things.
furfeathersfreedom2 points3y ago
Rely less on your vision and identify areas where you heavily rely on vision. Learn the layouts of places you visit frequently. Learn to take public transit to those places. Research and practice using the accessibility features on phones and computers. Learn to use a long cane now, and find an O&M in your area.
YourLocalMosquito2 points3y ago
What symptoms are you experiencing?
MarliePaws [OP]3 points3y ago
it's against the rules to ask for medical advice, so I'm just asking for lifestyle advice.
YourLocalMosquito2 points3y ago
Ah ok, my bad. Thanks for the education!
MarliePaws [OP]3 points3y ago
Sorry. I'd love medical advice, but I'll just wait to get that from my doctor when they figure out what the hell is wrong.
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