So, 'What now?'

I just got off the phone with my eye doctor. She gave me the test results of my last visual field test. The good news is my right eye has stabilized. The less fortunate news is my left eye has decreased by 50% since my last test two years ago. Well, I guess I did not need an objective test to tell me what I have been experiencing in the past. So what now?

Yes, so what now? Even my Mom asked the popular question, is there anything to help stop the progression. I know this is a question of sympathy. Since I would like to keep as much sight as I can, of course I am on top of any possibilities available to me. BUT, I emailed my primary retinitis pigmentosis doctor in Philadelphia just to verify. So, for the countless time, I asked 'Is there anything new for me to try?'. And the same reply, 'Not yet, I will let you know but keep checking in.'

So the question still remains, 'What next?'

Being legally blind at any age is challenging. Being legally blind and determined to feel dependent is a larger challenge. I know at this stage I will always be at some level of dependence. However, I have been told there are ways to be as independent as possible as a blind person can be. So I am looking into a guide dog.

So no, a guide dog will not drive you around. And no, a guide dog will not read that paragraph to you. BUT, will a guide dog help you cross the street? Help you not walk into a ditch? Help you not fall down the stairs? Yes, and I find these to be important in being independent and safe.

A guide dog learns intelligent disobedience. In other words, if I were to tell my guide dog to go ahead and he sees it is unsafe, he will not obey my command. I figure that should be helpful.

So, how do I go about this? Well, I feel very blessed for my family and their support. My Aunt Roberta had stepped up to the plate to help me research what school to apply to and what does it all mean. Yes, there are quite a few schools out there. So I am considering the school in Florida and the school in NJ which is the original 'Seeing Eye' school and so happen where my Aunt Roberta lives!

So, what have I found out. Well, after applying it can take from weeks to 6-8 months to get placed with a dog. These trained dogs are socialized with a family for their first year. Then, they spend about a year training at the school before being placed with a blind person. The application is very specific so that the blind person's needs can be met by the guide dog's capabilities.

Then, once you have been matched to a guide dog, you will be placed in a class when space is available. The 27 day class is offered 8-12 times a year depending on which school you go to.

I have spoken to owner's of guide dogs and they express how amazing having a guide dog has been for them. However, they have told me how challenging and frustrating the first week is in school. So, I am keeping that in mind. My Aunt and I are getting ready to fill out the application this week to apply. Although I have been thinking about getting a guide dog for a couple of years, I feel am now ready.

I have been told that a guide dog will change my life. As my eye sight continues to decrease, I feel a guide dog will be a welcoming change in my life. So here is to the 'what next?'. I know I am blessed to experience this journey. After all, not everyone gets to apply for a guide dog ;)