So it's been about, what? Two weeks since I've written anything? That's probably because I thought that I wouldn't want to bore anyone about the various hospital trips and tests that I've done. However, I got a nudge from Moorfields this afternoon about my having Stargardt's.
My grandpa came home today to drop the dog off from his "sleepover", and when he got through the door, he noticed that I didn't pick the post up this morning. I sat down and noticed that there was a note for me, in a brown envelope, must have been important then! But just a little letter from Moorfields stating that I have to repeat a test I did in Southampton, which caused me to initially think I had Best's disease. Unfortunately, no dates were enclosed, so another letter will surely come through the door at some point!
But one thing that struck me was that the text was much larger than usual, which was a blessing as I didn't have to turn the lights on full blast so I could read it! But that really shouldn't have surprised me, seeing as Prof. Moore does work for a low viability department, which of course, I go to. It was just so nice to be able to read something where I didn't have to squint, move the paper around near a light source to enable me to read it. I read the letter in normal light and didn't have a care in the world!
But this made me think today, I'm in my final year of college, and hoping to go on to University next year, should I ask for extra time (25% extra time)? I've been fine for the past 2 years of sitting exams with noticeable decreased visual acuity but with my last year coming up, should I let an opportunity like this pass by? Something I have to think about a little longer methinks.
Now college is finally in full swing, in 2 of my 3 classes, I have no established myself to sit at the front of each class, which makes life so much better! I can read the screen/whiteboard with ease and I don't have to be a nuisance and ask neighbours what's written. I've also notified my tutor that I have an impairment, which has helped a great deal. I had one of my teachers specially make a black and white booklet for me to help me, and I've had a conversation with each of my subject tutors about lighting, text sizes etc which is even more wonderful. Having support from my tutors makes me feel less inept and more capable of doing normal things where eyesight is considered. However, I still have to pull out a chair from my dining room if ever I want to be able to read anything when playing games on my xbox... namely Batman of course!
Lastly, to date, I've had a total of 850 people read my blog in the past month of writing my blog. That may not sound amazing, but for me, it's incredible! I've had so much support from everyone, and has inspired me so much to write about my experiences, and I've even considered writing for my college paper and maybe do something for charity next summer. Thank you all again, so much! Every read counts and spread the word!!
