someone who understands

[kimby2007]

I have been lucky enough to have worked the past 6 months at an optometrist office. The MD there also has dry eyes although no where near the extent that I have. On slow days we talk about our struggles and how it is so hard to communicate to others how painful and disabling the condition can be. He also understands the mental component of the condition and the propensity towards self harm due to the condition. Mostly it is just nice to have someone close by I can relate to. People with normal eyes can't phathom not being able to watch tv or look at a magazine. Afterall these things are as normal as breathing but to those of us with dry eyes these basic activities are so often out of reach. Don't really have a point with this post but wanted to express how gratedul I am to have someone to talk to who can relate to dry eye.

Kim

[brd888]

Good

Good for you.
I have no personal contact with anyone who has dry eyes like mine. I can mostly get by appearing to live "normally" but have a mental struggle to keep spirits raised. People are sympathetic if I say my eyes are sore but because there are no obvious signs I have to keep my problems on the inside.
Regards.

[Lucy]

Kim, I think it helps to have a "kinship" with someone who does understand. It can make things easier, just realizing someone you know is struggling too.
Lucy

[liz56]

I'm really glad that you found a sympathetic doctor. Like Bruce, I have not yet found one and always feel a little hurried during office visits.

--Liz

PS Bruce, you puppy is so cute!