Memory issues

[mj111169]

Hi all.  No diagnosis for me yet, but I do have a question.

My memory has been making me very nervous lately.  I forget how to do certain things that I have been doing for years.  For instance, I have a lot of trouble in my car when I go to change the radio station or adjust the temperature.  It takes me a little bit to remember which button I need to go to.  Also, it will take me a little bit to remember how to refresh my computer.  Another example:  I have been using the same letter head at work, in the same fashion, forever.  I forget how to put it in.  Just this morning I put it in upside down and printed my letter wrong.  This has been happening a couple times a week.    

Does anyone else have these issues?  This is something I will definitely bring to the neuro's attention when I see him in February.  I have had memory issues for a while.  I have to say, it is scaring me lately.

Thanks for your responses!  I love all the information I get from everyone here.  It is so helpful.

Maureen

[MomofTwo83]

I definitely have those problems.  I try to turn a light off, and then realize it's already in the off position.  I turn the key the wrong way to unlock the doors...car and house.  I almost put face wash on my tooth brush last night (I have tooth paste on the left side and facewash on the right side of my sink).  Picked it up and opened it and then realized it was face wash!  I push the wrong buttons on remotes to turn on the tv. haha...it's all kind of funny at the time, but when I think back to all of it it's really frustrating!!

Good luck!
Victoria

[MrsJones712]

Wow, I'm sorry to hear about the extent of everybody's memory problems!  Hard to determine whether it's MS-related, I bet.  How about left-right memory?  Any experiences with looking/reaching in the wrong place for the light switch, hand soap, etc, when you know darn well it's on the other side?  Which way to turn the faucet, etc.

[socrates2k1]

Memory issues, yes, I many times have difficulty with my memory.
Last Summer, when I had to take my dogs outside, around the house, to the back, where we keep their dog run, I would get lost, and not remember, how to get back to the door.  I didn't usually take my cell phone with me, but I began doing just that.  When it would happen, I would call my wife, who would direct me back to the house, sounds silly huh.
Also, for me, remembering what day of the week it is, is a real challenge.  I can ask my wife, what day of the week it is, she would tell me, and then a little while later, I will ask her again, many times during the same day, and this happens perhaps every day.
I have also began forgetting how to do the most simple of things.  When I come home, I get to the stairs, that lead up to my front door, and forget, what I'm suppose to do (i.e. walk up the stairs).  I'm not suppose to drive at all, but I do if it's absolutely necessary, like taking my wife to her own doctor appointments, if she is unable.  Sometimes, when I drive, in the middle of driving, I forget where I'm going.  Also, paths I have previously driven many times, I pass where I should turn, and miss my turn.  Also, many times, while my wife is driving, I will be in an area, I have been in many times, and I don't recognize it, and feel lost.  Perhaps, this is why my Neurologist told me, I couldn't drive any more, and he is probably right.  It seems like lately, this forgetting how to perform rudimentary things, is happening more often.  It is helpful to know, that others are having this same symptom, not that I would wish it on anyone, but I feel less scared, when I know at least someone else is experiencing it, too.

-- Socrates2k1

[mj111169]

Thanks everyone.

Kelly - I forget about meds too. I am sick this week and on antibiotics, I will think about taking the pill in the morning, take a shower or whatever, then forget if I took it or not.  I also forget if I gave my daughter her multivitamin.  I rely on my husband to do those things!  Sometimes he will ask me to remind him of something, and I just look at him like hes crazy, because lately I can't remember anything!

Also, my boss may give me instructions about something specific; or something to do. By the time I get to my desk I forget what she told me.  This is one of the things that prompted me to see a neuro.

Thanks again all to your responses.  I enjoy getting different perspectives.  

Maureen

[anon07072023]

Hi Maureen,

How did your lumbar puncture go???

I've been Dx'd with RRMS since July and I've been having memory issues.

These are some of the things-
I forget whether or not I took my Baclofen at night and whether or not I've given our dog her medicine. I also will forget that I put my cup outside the women's restroom at work and will just walk off without it, time after time now.  And when I'm vacuuming, I forget whether or not I already vacuumed a room in our house - I'll try to look at the carpet to see if I can tell. The other day I was in my car getting ready to go, and for some reason I forgot for a couple seconds what I needed to do to make it go.  

-Kelly    

[zeldazonk]

Hello,

I'm not diagnosed either and what's frustrating is: when I tell my neuro, PCP etc about my cognitive / memory problems, they really don't pay much attention because I'm on lithium. (Lithium also can cause these symptoms) I've been on and off Lith a couple of times - I know what it's like and I really don't feel that it's causing these symptoms. I guess I could be wrong but...I just want them to really check out everything.

Zel.

[MomofTwo83]

I am not fully diagnosed yet.  Have a probably or clinical diagnosis...whatever it's called from my primary doctor.  I am going in to see my neurologist again on the 31st.  Last time I was there he thought it was MS, but with my MRI coming back showing only 1 lesion on my brain (none on c-spine and didn't get my l-spine tested).  I at the time didn't have cognitive issues to complain about...actually I did, but was more concerned with the daily pain, trouble walking, seeing and numbness I was feeling to even mention my inability to think.  
In December I went to my PCP (a new one) and told her that I have lived in Holland for years, went to high school here and know it like the back of my hand...I got lost...not just lost, but had no idea how I got into the car, where I was going or where I had been.  I had my two kids in the car too...so I was really freaked out!  I'm having trouble reading and actually understanding what I am reading...I just kind of stare at the words until they make sense most of the time, my speech is slurred and have actually been asked 3 x's (1 once by a total stranger in a grocery store) if I was drunk!
I am definitely going to push for something to help with my energy and cognitive issues at my appointment on the 31st!  There is no reason for me at 27 years old to feel like I'm 90 years old physically and feel like I am literally dropping IQ points everyday!
Good luck and I hope you get things figured out soon!!!
Victoria

[addicted2harleys]

I have HEARD, not head.   Lol

[addicted2harleys]

I am not diagnosed.

I, too, have memory issues.  For about the last two years I have trouble with recall.  My daughter will be talking to me and she will say, "remember when..." and I will not remember it at all.  This has caused me some distress because I don't want to forget memories of my childrens childhood.  

Lately, in the past couple of weeks, I have been having trouble speaking what I want to say.  I can't seem to get it out and it is quite frustrating.  I will also forget a word and struggle trying to explain the word I am trying to say.  Like right now...I am having trouble typing what I want to say here.  Grrrr!

I have head (can't remember where) that brain teasers are good to do if you are having cog issues.

Addi

[mj111169]

Thanks Paula.

That is so scary, getting lost while driving!  I haven't gotten lost, but I will be driving then realize where I am on my journey and wonder how I got there, if that makes any sense!

I will talk to my neuro.  Without a diagnosis I don't know what he can do or suggest.  Maybe he will dig a little deeper.  

Thanks again!

Maureen

[figuerpa]

Maureen,

I do have issues with my memory. I can't remember anything now a days. I get lost in the middle of a sentence sometimes. I have learned to just live iwth it. I do find that it is worse when I am tired or have over done it in any way.

I talked to my neuro about it and he told me that we could try some different meds to see if they will help. I am so leary about taking meds but I am going to ask for some today when I go see him.

One time I was driving in an area that I know like the back of my hand and I got lost. I had no clue where I was or where I was going. My son who was 10 at the time had to tell me how to get to the store we were going to. Scary Thing I tell ya.


Please do talk to your neuro about it when you see him/her or maybe call the office before if it is bothering you to much.

Take Care,
Paula