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• Posted: 2009-12-29 14:42:30 By Lindsey S
• hi everyone, my name is Lindsey, im 19 and was diagnosed with RP a year ago. I have restricted myself from driving at night and am struggling with feeling helpless. My boyfriend of 3 years just does not seem to understand the set backs of my disease. Does anyone have any unique or simple ideas on how I can help him to understand my daily struggles? I feel as though no one I know has a disease such as this one that completely alters your perception of life and the world... none of my friends nor family will ever see the world through my eyes as I see it- but I still wish I could help my boyfriend to know that when I say I can not drive at night I really do mean it, and when I say I need help outside in the dark from the house to the car, I really do mean it.
  basically he is unsympathetic to the fact that I live day in and day out with this disease and no one to relate to... help?

• Posted: 2010-01-02 16:43:59 By Darran Z
• There isn't much you can do to "force" anyone to understand. They kinda have to do it on their own.
  
  You might try a few YouTube videos that mimic what RP looks like. It gives a better idea and opens many people's eyes.
  
  The fact that you do drive, may also confuse him. Do not mistake that because you can see during the day, doesn't mean you can drive safely either. While your VA (Visual Acuity or Central Vision) may seem fine, your VF (Visual Field) would likely be impaired and possibly driving illegally. Many States do require atleast 70 degrees of vision, many people with RP do not have this.
  
  Darran

• I know how you feel
• Posted: 2010-02-13 21:49:21 By barbara d
• I am in the same boat as you are. Though I am married. My husband just does'nt get what I can't see or what I cant see. When I told him I can't drive at night, he would say, I'll help you.. It took the doctor to tell him I can't drive at night. Though like your boyfriend he doesn't seem to worry about the fact I can't see the curb or the sidewalk. Or walking into a dark room I have to stand there till my eyes adjust and he just walks in. It is so frustrating. All I can say, is take him to the doctor with you and that hopefully will help you. Otherwise when you go out and can't see, just stand there until he realizes you are not there and he has to go back and get you and help you to the car or to the house.