Hi! I'm experiencing the same memory problems. It's extremely frustrating as I used to have an excellent memory and have always been a quick learner. Now I'm really struggling at work as my job requires me to problem-solve and think on my feet. I had to cut down to 2 days a week for fear of making a devastating mistake due to my "scatterbrainness." At home I've been doing really wacky things like getting a reheated dinner out of the microwave setting it on top, and then spending 5 minutes looking for it because I forgot I laid it up there. I struggle for words often and can't recall passwords, PIN#s, phone #'s, etc to save my life. I'm so sick of struggling to remember the simplest of things! Have you ever taken Seroquel? That's the only med I'm on for bipolar. If the med is to blame, I want off of it fast!!! GOOD LUCK TO YOU!
Had the thyroid checked again. Nadda. Went to see a neuro today. He actually told me my headaches werent all that bad and to just keep taking the motrin I have been taking.!!!! If the motrin helped the pain why would I go see him?? UGH
The memory issues have me feeling so frustrated. I flooded my bathroom today after forgetting I was running the bath water. I sat in front of the doctor and couldnt even subtract some number he gave me from another. You know like start at 100 and subtract 7 and keep going? I couldnt do it!!
The three things they tell you to remember and then ask you again later. I was clueless. The stuttering thing I have where I cant remember the word I am trying to say happened while I was there to. He talked to me for 5 minutes, poked my reflexes and said its all due to my depressions so I should go back to my psych doc.
Frustrating. I cried the whole way home.
Anyway I wanted to thank you all for the great advice. Have a great day everyone.
Camm
Another thyroid expert here. Make sure your TSH is between 0.3-3.0 and know that if you are very far above 1.0 you are probably suffering from hypothyroid symptoms. Some ppl also have hyper thyroid symptoms if they very far below 1.0. Make sure you see the numbers and know what you're looking at. Thyroid disorders are not common knowledge with drs even if they are endocrinologists who are suppose to know this stuff.
Venora and I are both thyroidless. And know where of we speak.
it's terriemae again. just a p.s. Venora Moonwind is right about having your thyroid checked. i also have an underactive thyroid which has also contributed to my symptons. i'm on Synthroid for that. terriemae
yes, depression can very much affect your memory. i suffer from migraines,fatigue, anxiety and panic attacks, muscle pain and weakness, memory loss, confusion, frustration, comprehension problems,sleep disorders. i have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia which can cause all of these symptons. my dr. put me on an anti-depressant, Cymbalta and a mood stabilizer, Lamictal. they have really helped with my depression and mood, which in turn has caused my migraines and memory to improve. it really is amazing what all depression and anxiety can affect.i also ask the same thing over and over and i sometimes stammer. the Lamictal has not caused me any weight gain at all. i do take other meds for my other problems too. but it did take my dr. 2 yrs to finally reach the right combination to work for me.
good luck and good health to you. terriemae
Thank you both for responding.
I have had my thyroid checked several times over the years and it isn't the problem. Thanks for the advice Venora.
I hope the Lamictal works for you Erin. Notice an increase in appetite with it? I have and I'm on week 2. We shall see hw it goes.
Have a good day ladies.
Camm
I've been there too. I thought I had a stroke one time because I couldn't get my words out. I'm on Lamictal too but very new to it,I can't tell you about side effects but everyone I've met who's on it, loves it. Let's hope it works for us!!
Erin
Well It would be good to get your thryoid tested. Hypothyroid can cause this too and see about getting other tests to rule out stuff like alzheimers. It is always best to rule out anything physical before blaming it on bi poalr. Let me know what you find out.
Love Venora