The Vision Thing
Posted on 28. May, 2005 by Jan Polet in Uncategorized
Because many people have been asking why I have to go through a rehabilitation program, I’ve put some info in this post and also added it to the site.
My eyesight problem is called Ocular Albinism with Nystagmus. My vision is about 15% (I don’t know how that relates to 20/something vision information.).
There’s a shortage of pigment cells which causes too much light to enter the eyes, blinding you. It also causes a shortage of the cells that convert light into current, which is transmitted to the brain forming the images that make you “see”. This shortage causes Albinos to be really white with very light eyes.
I have Ocular Albinism and that means the shortage is limited to just my eyes.
Nystagmus is an irregular uncontrollable movement of the eyes; in my case, horizontally. The brain is causing this because of the incomplete image data that it receives from the eyes. It makes it impossible to hold onto an image (to keep looking at the same thing), for more than a second.
My vision will not change. The problem I’m having is over exertion and fatigue. With a little bit of effort I can see more. If I increase the effort, I can see even more and if I increase it yet again I can almost see enough to do everything I want and almost up to average. I’ve been doing this all my life without noticing it. But now, at age 35, I’m burned out because of all this effort. It also caused a lot of other problems with very painful symptoms.
The life I’m used to leading has ended and I now have to learn to deal with my handicap, giving it the consideration it deserves. I am a visually impaired person… and not just someone struggling to keep up. See, it’s working already! 
Right now, I’m going through 36 weeks of rehabilitaion to (re)learn everything I do, to be able to start living my life in a way that is GOOD for me and that will give me back the energy to live it.
That’s about it.
Two Down, Sixteen To Go!
Posted on 21. May, 2005 by Jan Polet in Uncategorized
I also made it through week number 2!
It’s certainly not easy, but the program is really great.
So many things are happening and a lot of them even without you knowing it at the time.
The interaction between the people in my group is one of the most important things. The five of us are very important to eachother. We share a lot of information, opinions, feelings and emotions. I feel very privelidged to be a part of that.
So sixteen weeks to go and then a week off, followed by another eighteen weeks.
And now it seems that that one week off, will be spend in NEW YORK CITY!!!! Yeah Baby Yeah!!!
No that I have an Internet connection, I’ll probably be able to create a podcast very soon.
Trying to get back in the podcast saddle!
Posted on 19. May, 2005 by Jan Polet in Uncategorized
I just now had some time to relisten to the last Hit Test Podcast, of April 14th.
Wow, that’s a long time ago!
It sounded really good, if I am allowed to say so myself.
Wanted the get the feel of it again, but it feels so different right now.
I’ve changed and in more ways than one.
Don’t know which (personal) things to put in there and which ones to leave out and for what reasons. I think I have a lot to tell and that’s a bit scary.
I still haven’t got any sound clips yet.
And then there’s the fact about production values dropping.
Don’t know what to do right now.
Listening to earlier podcasts helps a bit.
Something will be comming soon, so stay tuned.
YES!!! I’m connected!!!
Posted on 18. May, 2005 by Jan Polet in Uncategorized
As of today I’m connected to the Internet again!
I had to move to another building to make it possible, but I’m finally able to do some work, communicate and up- and download things.
If I only had the time to create the Hit Test and Hit Test Podcast, than everything would be perfect.
I still have to do some things before I’ll be able to do that, but I’ll do my best to be there soon.
One Down Seventeen To Go!
Posted on 14. May, 2005 by Jan Polet in Uncategorized
Well I made it through week number one!
It was an intense first week.
I learned a lot of practical stuff already.
I also learned a lot about my self. Pretty confrontational.
Lots of stuff to talk about when I find the time to create a Hit Test Podcast.
You’ll probably not be interested in some of the personal things and I’ll have to figure out which things I wanna share with you all.
Hopefully I’ll get my Internet connection up and running in the coming week.
I’ll be back with more soon.
The start of the first 18 weeks!
Posted on 09. May, 2005 by Jan Polet in Uncategorized
Well, it’s time!
In a few hours I’ll be starting the first 18 weeks of rehabilitation at Loo Erf in Apeldoorn.
I hope to be able to create a Hit Test Podcast soon. It all depends on when the Internet connection gets up and running and how much time and energy I’ll have left.
One thing is certain though: it’s gonna be intense.
Thanks to all of you wishing me all the best. I really really appreciate it.
Talk to you soon.
Wish me luck!
