Retinitis Pigmentosa

[livingwith]

I have just been diagnosed with having retinitis pigmentosa, I am 35 years old ang I have two children and the vonis it a very big shock to me and my family. I am a lecturer in Andalas University, Padang Sumatera barat, Indonesia. I get the filling that my future has ended, can you give me any suggestion what treadment and medicines I must to do, thank you.
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[curnean]

Hi, I also have RP. I was diagnosed at 11 and am now 25 years old. Unfortunately there is no cure and no true treatment at this point, although there is plenty of research being carried out.

I know first hand that you feel your life has now ended and that you have no future. I felt like this for a very long time. I am happy to say that I have been able to accept and adjust, and I no longer feel this way - people who have RP can do anything, we just need to be creative about the way we do things! While there are some options taken away from us (such as driving a car, flying an aeroplane) we are still able to do anything we want to. Going shopping can still be done, we just need to think about how we are going to get there first. Working is still possible, you just need to consider all possible aspects of the job first and think of how you can handle any situations which arise. It is possible to live life, just get creative!

Please do not feel that there is no longer a future for you - you are still the same person you were before your diagnosis. The only difference is that now you are aware that you have a vision impairment. It was there before, you just didn't know about it.

I would strongly suggest giving up your licence if this has been advised by your opthamologist - you need to consider the safety of other people in your community. And please be VERY careful of people offering you a cure or medicine as there are plenty of people out there who are willing to take advantage of those who may be suffering.

Please be positive and assured of your own self worth, you are not a different person. Good luck with going forward into your future.