Its been 17 years since my surgery. Do I still need to get checked?

[laffeytaffey]

I was 6 when they diagnosed me. They did surgery. Then at age 7 they had to replace the patch thing with a plastic or man made type of patch. I think it was called a dura patch? but anyways that was my last brain surgery. 17 years later I am 24 years old. I do not have symptoms like numbness, or headaches or anything like that. But I will say My memory *****. Its weird I remember somethings and other things I don't. People think I have selective memory but I don't do it on purpose its just my memory is not the best. But its weird as I get older my memory gets worse. I am only 24. Im afraid of what I will be like when Im old. Is my increase in memory loss a sign I need to get checked? As time goes by it gets worse. Maybe I should play those memory games to train my brain back to being good! lol for real though, I am healthy my worse complaint is memory. Am I supposed to continue to see a doctor? Am I going to have to have surgery again when Im older?

[RheaAnn]

Hi ! I wanted to let you know that you are not alone in the memory challenges. I notice when I get stressed or really busy, my memory decreases. I had bloodworm and my vitamin levels were low on some, so I am on supplements, which have helped.

I am a speech pathologist and so I have ben trained in helping those with memory loss. I suggest reading daily (any book for 10 pages a day), and puzzles like Selma suggested. You can do Sudoku, cards, word puzzles or things that come in an activity book. To compensate for challenges, I suggest writing everything in a planner. Find a planner that has a section for notes, so you can jot things down (not just using it for a calendar). The act of writing helps to enforce those things in your memory.

I hope you have improvement!
Rhea

[selmaS]

   Hi  and  welcome  to  the  Chiari forum,

You  are  correct  a dura  patch  is  a patch  place  during  decompression   surgery  to  help  create  more  room  for  CSF  to  flow....some  patches  fail....and  there  are  several  types..bovine, cadaver,  and synthetic  as  well  as  tissue  from  the patient  which is  what  I  have.

Memory  games  sound  like  a great  idea....I would  also  let  your PCP  know  as  we  can develop  brain  fog like  issues  with low  levels  of  vitamins  and minerals...so  go  for  blood  work  to see if  that is part  of  what  is going  on...especially  since  it  seems to  be  more recent.

  Many  of  us do  have lingering  memory  issues post  op  but  are older  then  you  are  and that  may  play  a role....I  have  found  the further  out  I  am  from  surgery  the better  my  memory  is  getting....as  it  was  really  bad  post op....not  that it is perfect....I  still  have short  term  memory  issues....but  I  do  keep  active  with puzzles...and  sewing....anything  we  do  to  exercise  our  brains  can help....

  See  your  Dr  about  possible low  levels  of  vitamins...