As many of you might know, i’ve been having ongoing eye issues, thanks to the unwanted side effects of long term type 1 diabetes. When I became diabetic in 1996 I’d had a pretty traumatic couple of years before that, and the diabetes diagnosis was a hammer blow on an already broken system (but not a biological surprise, given the stress I’d been under).
So the years since then have a been a battle to cope with something that had been thrust upon me out of the blue; no family history, no previous known tendencies. And as I was warned in 1996 (when I was young and was going to live forever) the condition may lead to sight issues. Which it has.
Thankfully, medicine has advanced so much even in those few years, that there is so much medical help and mitigation available on the NHS. I have been undergoing laser treatment to stop new weak blood vessels filling the jelly of my eyes, and have had removal surgery to prevent it happening again. And had a new lens inserted, which means a) I won’t get a cataract now and b) my vision has improved!
I am so so grateful for the NHS and modern medicine. I am trying to be a better diabetic and take advantage of the technology out there, but I know myself I am slow to change. Nevertheless, we persevere.
The huge downside to all of this, sight issues aside, is that I have had to postpone classes because I feel I can’t give enough help to my learners as I would like, as the sight issues take up so much brain space and don’t allow me to see stitches so clearly. But, the vision in my bad eye (the operation eye) is improving with every day, and progressing as expected, so I am planning to have classes running again this autumn. I will keep you all up to date!
And that’s where my eyesight is at present. While I cannot see all the beautiful colours in the shop with absolute clarity, I can see plenty of loveliness all around me and am more than able to help customers and browsers with colour choices and advice.
So if you see me squinting at something in rhe shop, don’t be alarmed, it is temporary and doesn’t stop me being able to help!
Hope to see you again soon (groan, puns, gaaah)
Cheers x