Memory problems

[curiousforever]

Those of you with them, how do you deal?

I also take neurontin - which certainly doesn't help. I almost got accused of fraud by my insurance company last week cause I couldn't remember the chain of events from something that happened a month ago.

Crap - I can barely remember today's events. How can I be responsible for a month ago?

[Mark N]

I just admit when I can't remember something, it is getting to be a running joke here at home. I have started to write things down a lot more that I used to including starting files to keep important papers. I use a weekly medicine dispenser because I have a difficult keeping my meds straight about when to take them and if I have already taken them. The final thing I do is to as for help from my family to do their best to remeind me about things and not to let me forget about appointments.

[ErinENj]

For me, my memory issues are completely short term. I couldn't tell you what happened yesterday or last week. It makes it somewhat difficult for tests at school, especially in my Latin class. My trick to write things down, and keep writing them until I either do whatever it is, or keep writing it down until I don't need to know it anymore.

I think I really realized I'm having issues remembering things a few weeks ago. On Saturday, I asked my mom if it had rained the day before because there were raindrops left on my windshield. She kinda looked at me like, "what are you crazy or are you starting to catch the dimentia your grandmother has?" Then she said, "yeah, it was raining when I came home." I realized the next day that I knew it had rained on Friday. I remember telling my mom how funny it was that when I tried to let my doggie out, he didn't want to leave the garage because it was raining. With him, there are some days when he loves the rain and others when he can't stand getting his paws wet. He finally came out after much prodding and ran right to the end of the driveway and over to the mailbox (yes, my dog gets the mail. He even fetches newspapers. He's the complete stereotypical chocolate lab.) and was standing at the mailbox waiting for me to get there with this look on his face that totally said, "What took you so darn long?? I'm getting wet here! Hurry up! Open the darn box and give me my mail so I can get back in the house woman!" I gave him his mail, and he ran right back in the house just as quickly as he had on his way out. I'm usually waiting for him because he's stopped somewhere to sniff something irresistable. But it was a scary realization, because I remember that because I thought it was so funny and cute, but for some reason, on Saturday, I had no clue. And when I realized it, I felt like a complete jerk.

My therapist was amazed the other day when I could tell her almost every detail about my heart surgery when I was 5 but I couldn't remember what my weekend plans were (not like there was anything major going on) or what my homework was. My only trick is post-its. The super sticky ones specifically. I have them everywhere. I write down what I have to remember and put the post-it somewhere I'll see it. That's about the only way I'll be able to remember if I have something I have to do or something going on I need to remember, and helps me not feel like a jerk when I ask someone a question about something I really should know.

[curiousforever]

It's frustrating. I have 'backup'. One of my boys (bless his heart!) reminds me when it's 3. Judge Judy comes on then :)

And I have Kevin remind me (and sometimes mom) of appts.

But the adjuster comes in and asks questions - and I completely had no clue what I did that day. He finally let me see MY police report - and it jogged my memory some. He wanted to know what adjuster I spoke to - I had no clue. I burst into tears cause he was getting snippy with me....and I told him about my health and to look up what neurontin does to people - especially to people who already have problems with memory.

Good news is I found out a bit earlier they are paying the claim.

[Scar Tissue]

With these darn meds. we have to take it's a wonder we can think at all! I also take Neurontin and I'm to a point that I have to immediately write anything of importance down so I don't forget. It's tough I know, but just a few pointers. I date every letter when I receive it, if it's a bill when I pay it with a confirmation number, and my appointments go on the calender A.S.A.P.! The rest is up to my wife to remember and what's her name does a pretty good job! (LOL)!:eek:

[Kathi49]

I agree!

Mine is mostly short term memory loss and I know which med is doing it. But I do write things down...all the time. And that's about the only way I know how to combat it....just write everything down and/or make "to do" lists. But I have also written something down, like an appointment on a calendar, and then go to the appointment on a different day! DUH! I think I need a change in glasses. :D

I don't take Neurontin simply because I can't tolerate it. I wish I could...just can't. But I do remember it making me feel not only dizzy, but to the point I just couldn't think at all! Okay, just know I am not "downing" it. I just know how I felt while taking it.

[BrokenBladder]

I'm right there with you guys!! I used to remember everything and now it's like my brain stores this information somewhere and I have to dig through old files to pull it up. The worst part is this is stuff that happened just last week!! It frustrates me and angers me so much.
I guess this is part of entering the wonderful world of meds and their affects on all of us.

[Jo6]

Those of you with them, how do you deal?

I also take neurontin - which certainly doesn't help. I almost got accused of fraud by my insurance company last week cause I couldn't remember the chain of events from something that happened a month ago.

Crap - I can barely remember today's events. How can I be responsible for a month ago?

ah ha! I remembered your name:) kidding aside, my short term memory is very bad at times, especially when I am tired. I also use a Med. box, but even with that at times I have to ((check behind myself)):D

I HATE when someone finishes a sentence for me. Seldom do they get it right!

The meds + old age is not nice to me sometimes. I try not to snap at people who try to talk for me. Don't worry Curious,people that care will help you out without embarassing you.;) Julia

[debhun]

It is getting really bad for me. Just last night hubby and were talking about someing what I do not know. I do remember that I was going to look it up on the net to fine out about it. I got to bed and I asked hubby what was it I was going to look up? Well it just show you he wasn't paying me no mine. He remebers every thing. So now I don't know what it is. It may or may not come back to me. My meds some times I can't remember if I took them or not. So I don't take them tell the next time. Then after a few hours I know I didn't toke them cause my pain is so bad. I will forget I am cooking something in the oven. Well it is burned by then.I could go on and on about what memory I don't have any more.

Deb

[jimac]

Memory, what memory.
I have taken Neurontin in the past and my memory was bad. I currently take Lyrica and Cymbalta and my short term memory is bad at times. I try to "remember" to write stuff down. That is if I can remember to do it. Sometimes I can't even find my memory and that's not good. I do alot of word searching. I can't remember the correct word I want to use in mid sentence. :)
My only suggestion is try keeping a journal.
Jim

[Cervie Barb]

In the last year or so, my short term memory has gotten really bad. I don't think it's med related for me, I blame it on 7 years of chronic pain. Remember the article that went around the forums about how chronic pain shrinks the brain? I'm living testimony!

Can't remember names, whether or not I've seen a particular movie or read a particular book (until my memory is jogged with specifics), or what I did yesterday, or what I'm doing today when I walk into a room! Oh well, at least I get more exersize walking back and forth...

I write appointments on the calender, and make lists. My kids are starting to look at me funny lately. They're probably looking into long term care insurance. lol.

[spoiledbeth]

I have a lot of trouble remembering things now too, and I know a big part of it is my medicines and the fact that my issues are all neurologically related. I can't find words, I can describe what a banana is, but sometimes I wouldn't be able to find the actual word. I keep three med boxes, one for the morning, one for noon, and one for bedtime. If it wasn't for those, I'd never remember if I had taken my medicines. I can't even my own name half the time! lol I am thrilled that my computer came with microsoft works calender, because I use it for darn near everything. I set it to remind me of everything, at least one day ahead of time, otherwise I would completely forget even my own birthday!