My memory/concentration difficulties.

[nytemare]

In the last couple of years, notably the last year, my short term memory has become very bad. I will sign on the computer to search for something, and forget why. At work, I will go into a database to make an entry, only to discover I had already made the entry. I am constantly walking into rooms to get something, and can't remember why. I feel like when I try to retain any new information, that something I need to remember will be forgotten.

I am very happy in my job, and happy with my life situation, so I am sure it is not depression.

I was watching a special, I think on MSNBC about memory, and it had a segment on PTSD, and how it effects memory.

In '91, I served in Iraq, and witnessed some bad stuff. For a few years after, I would categorize myself as very hyper-vigilant and un-trusting. I never really had nightmares, and I wouldn't think about it all the time, but for a long time, I felt like I always had to be on guard.

I now consider myself to be fairly well-adjusted, and a pretty happy person, but my memory is really starting to concern me, as I am only 34.

So, I had an MRI done, and my neurologist is going to check them out.

I just wonder if the effects of something that happened over 14 years ago are just now starting to show themselves.

Guess I am just thinking in writing form here, wondering if anybody has experienced something along the same lines.

:hi:

[Deja Q]

1. Please keep us informed.

:hug:

I've similar memory problems and PTSD is a relevant issue. So are others and I've always had memory problems; MRIs in the past had shown nothing, but then those were not done for memory loss reasons.

[nytemare]

5. I will keep you informed.

Just so long as I remember...lol.

:)

[LeftyMom]

2. That's interesting

I went through some pretty dramatic shit during a really ugly breakup (hospitalizations, etc.) and had symptoms of PTSD or something like it for some time afterward (they still show up from time to time, usually after I'm startled in some way and at night) and my short term memory's been shot since. I have to make lists for every damn thing.

Never really thought there might be a connection but it makes sense.

[nytemare]

4. I never thought much about it, until seeing that program.

I suppose I just want to attach my problem to a tangible cause. It could be from something else. It could be because I've had a couple of concussions.

This seemed to make a little sense, though.

:hi:

[LeftyMom]

6. I blamed "mommybrain" but that goes away eventually.

I haven't had any head injuries, oxygen deprivation or anything like that. Hmmm.

[nytemare]

8. I don't know what I would do as a Mom.

I admire those who can keep track of themselves, and their kids. I can't keep track of me.

[LeftyMom]

9. Luckily I've just got the one and still young.

Lists. I'd never manage to juggle household shit, the kid and work without being a compulsive listmaker. I have to write everything down.

[nytemare]

11. At work I am the posty queen.

I have posties everywhere, and those help. My big problem is in the middle of doing something, I forget what I was doing, and I have to sit there a minute to think. Then I get mad at myself for forgetting.

[LeftyMom]

13. I do that too.

It helps to narrarate to myself when I'm doing something sort of complicated, like cooking. "Okay now I'm heating up the black beans. Where did I put the limes?" etc. I still forget what I got online for or what book I was in the middle of a lot.

[nytemare]

16. Hey, the good thing is

you didn't forget the space in a lot.

:hi:

[LynzM]

3. That sucks, dude...

:hug: No idea if things can take that long to surface, but it certainly sounds possible. I hope that if that's the case, there are ways to work on it or to train your memory, so to speak. It must be really frustrating to forget things in such a short term. :hug:

[nytemare]

7. Thank you.

It is pretty frustrating.

I am a gal, but I am sure my username and avatar, and my past could lead you to think dude. :)

TY for your support.

:hi:

[LynzM]

21. You're welcome!

And I tend to refer to everyone as 'dude,' regardless of gender, hopefully no offense! :hi:

[nytemare]

22. None taken, I sometimes do that as well.

Almost just as an explanation, "dude" and "man", I use way too often.

:)

[Dangerously Amused]

10. I know the guy is kinda cornball,

...but Kevin Trudeau's "Mega-Memory" course from a few years back really works. Pretty cheap on Amazon.

[nytemare]

12. I've wondered about that.

I remember seeing infomercials at night on that, back when I worked the night shift and had a night off.

I may check that out, thank you.

[jobycom]

14. Diet and exercise and age will affect your memory, too

My memory started having problems in my late twenties, and by 34 was about what you describe. Everyone kept telling me it was age. For me, I've been able to improve my memory by increasing workouts (like jogging a few miles, nothing extreme), and cutting out stuff like white flour, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and meat, and replacing it with more vegetables, beans, whole grains, etc. Also, taking a good vitamin regimen, with Bs and anti-oxidents. It's all or nothing, too. If I cut back on cokes and pizza, for instance, it has little effect. I have to commit completely.

I never stick to the diet, but when I'm on it, my memory is as sharp as when I was twenty. When I'm off it, I may as well be Reagan (I'm 40, for comparison).

I've also discovered that it goes up and down with my cholesterol level. When it's high, memory is bad (and I'm lazy and irritable and listless). When it's low, memory is good (and I have too much energy and ambition).

Obviously, it's all liked. My cholesterol is lower when I'm eating right and working out, and also my mood is improved, so I don't know what each factor has to do with the others. Also, obviously my weight is way down when I'm on diet, too. Not that's it's extreme at other times, just not ideal.

Just for comparison's sake. You obviously have had experiences that can't help but have affected your brain physically, so none of what I say may help you at all. Although it could, who knows?

Good luck with the results of the MRI. Maybe you'll get lucky and they'll find something easy to deal with, like a chemical imbalance or something. And keep us posted.

[nytemare]

15. TY.

Strangely, my diet has been much better over the last 3 years. I haven't taken vitamins consistenly until recently, though.

I suppose the Doc will be able to help me out.

:hi:

[jobycom]

19. Phht. Doctors!

They rarely do me any good. I mean, if it's broken or obviously an illness, they are brilliant, but if they can't put a cast on it or give some expensive pill to fix it, they don't know what to do.

Obviously not true of all of them, I've just had bad luck. Every time I've complained about my memory, they just told me I was getting older. One of them told me I had to cut down on sausage and hamburger when she found my cholesterol was high. I reminded her I was a vegetarian (something we had talked about at length) and she freaked out, told me it had to be a hereditary defect, and I should start on medication right away. She never asked further, like what my cheese intake was, how many fried foods I ate (a lot, on both questions). So I investigated on my own, cut out cheese and butter and potato chips, and lowered my cholesterol from 236 to 159 in three months. She had told me that wasn't possible.

So I'm all for seeing what doctors say, and then investigating on my own, just to be sure. :-)

Sorry I'm rambling. Again, good luck, and may the solution be easy!

[Oeditpus Rex]

17. Do you/did you take any meds for PTSD?

Benzodiazepines (Valium, Librium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin et al) can screw up your...









Why was I posting this...? :shrug:

[maveric]

18. Are you smokin the Ganja?

That can have an effect on short term memory.

[nytemare]

20. No gange here.

LOL.

[anarch]

23. well I'll tell you what I think,

wait, what was the question?