Living Mindfully with a Chronic Condition: Navigating Hypotony Maculopathy

Recently, I received another diagnosis to add to my chart: Hypotony Maculopathy. This comes after a series of surgeries aimed at lowering my eye pressure, which has now dropped too low. Instead of my usual reaction of immediate panic and endless Googling, I took a different approach. I went home and allowed myself to simply be. I didn't search for information or let my emotions take over—at least not immediately. A few days later, the tears and fears did come, but initially, I found a small space of calm.

Since receiving this diagnosis a week ago, I've struggled to secure the necessary appointments. I'm supposed to travel to Miami for a second opinion and to find out if another surgery is needed. However, scheduling that appointment has been challenging, leaving me in a state of limbo. This uncertainty has made it difficult to stay present and mindful. Fear has crept into my thoughts, making me question the point of starting anything new or even continuing with my daily activities when the future feels so uncertain.

In the past few days, I have been actively working to move past these paralyzing thoughts. I remind myself that life will unfold as it is meant to, often in ways and at times that are beyond my control. Accepting this uncertainty is not easy, but I am learning to embrace it as part of my journey. By focusing on what I can control—my response to these challenges—I am finding a way to live more mindfully, even in the midst of fear and uncertainty. What is meant to be will happen in its own time, and I am learning to trust in that process.