MorganLyn’s Story

Hi everyone!
Where to start. I was diagnosed back in April of 1996, when I was 22 years old. It was an utter and complete shock to me and my family. I was devistated to say the least. At that time, my Doctor didn’t know much about it but maybe a paragraph of description to tell me. They told me I had Fundus Flavimaculatus (which now I have learned is the small yellowish speaks in the retina) they never said Stargardts to me.

Time had passed, I ended up losing my job. I was still able to drive, read, do pretty much what I always had done. 1999 was the hardest year thus far on my journey. That was the year I had to renew my Drivers License, that never happened. Like some of you said in your stories, it was the hardest thing to have to give up. And still to this day, it is extremely hard not being able to drive, having to depend on others to take you everywhaere you ned to go. It’s tough.

In February of 2000, I moved from Southern Indiana to Florida with my Fiance’ (now my husband.) We married in May that year. He gives me strength, he’ss a blesing from God. Without him…ugh, I can’t imagine. That summer, I saw a Retina Specialist, Dr. Sunil Gupta in Pensacola, Fl. He ran a couple tests, and poof…he knew exactly what my condition was, unlike the previous doctors I saw. He also helped me get on disability, which was never an option in the past. I wanted to be able to work, so I decided to start a home based business with PartyLite Gifts as an Independent Consultant. That has been a fun way to earn a little extra money from time to time.

My eyesight has worsened to the point of not being able to read my bills, letters, email in small font, you name it. Magnifiers give little help. I use computer softwars that helps me get around on the internet as well as programs that can read to me. Text A Loud, is a “copy and paste” program that I use online to help me read long articles, etc.. I also invested in The Video Eye system for reading magazines, looking at photos, self grooming, balancing my check book and the list goes on and on.

My life will never be the same as it once was, but if things hadn’t turned out the way they did, I’m not sure that I would be the person I am today. I am a strong, independent, confident and very personable gal. I love my life, my family and wouldn’t change it for anything! I pray that there will be something one day that will help us all enjoy the visual things in life that others may sometimes take for granted. I, as well, pay attention to colors of my family and friends clothing when we’re out, and I know my husbands walk, like another lady spoke about in her story. We have to be aware of things like this or we would be lost. To everyone, take care and god bless!

Please email me anytime to talk, or just to say Hello.
E-mail: TwoLittleByrds@aol.com.

Sincerely, MorganLyn in New Jersey.