Aa
Scatter brained to the point of scary; what do I do?
I drove to the store today and bought some groceries and did fine, since it was a short drive on back roads. I got in the car to come home and couldn't find my car key; checked all my pockets, my entire purse, and had a sick feeling.
I've been forgetting what I'm doing halfway through, turning on the oven when I meant to turn on a burner, opened the fridge with a dirty dish in my hand. I've been forgetful in the past, but this is getting a little worrisome.
I finally worked it out that I couldn't have gotten in the car without my keys, so they weren't in the store somewhere. I had already put them in the ignition, and totally forgot it; it was a surprise to see them there. I took a few deep breaths and drove home. I'm staying here.
I don't know if this is from the Amantadine or if the tremors that started before I started taking the Amantadine were signalling a new flare and the cognitive decline is from that. The tremors started the morning before I started taking the Amantadine, and my memory and thinking ability have been much worse since then. This has been six days.
I found a receipt for a flu shot I got and though that I needed to send that in for a refund from the insurance company. The next day I got a check from my insurance co. in the mail; I forgot I'd already sent a copy of the receipt in for a refund some time before. Totally forgot. That's not short term memory, I think.
It's taken me a long time to type this because of fixing my typos and spending time trying to pick the right words, and I cut and pasted part of it from another post I wrote on the Amantadine working.
I have more examples, but this is long enough already.
Crud, what do I do? I see my PCP tomorrow. I guess I can discuss it with her. I'd better write it down.
Kathy
I've been forgetting what I'm doing halfway through, turning on the oven when I meant to turn on a burner, opened the fridge with a dirty dish in my hand. I've been forgetful in the past, but this is getting a little worrisome.
I finally worked it out that I couldn't have gotten in the car without my keys, so they weren't in the store somewhere. I had already put them in the ignition, and totally forgot it; it was a surprise to see them there. I took a few deep breaths and drove home. I'm staying here.
I don't know if this is from the Amantadine or if the tremors that started before I started taking the Amantadine were signalling a new flare and the cognitive decline is from that. The tremors started the morning before I started taking the Amantadine, and my memory and thinking ability have been much worse since then. This has been six days.
I found a receipt for a flu shot I got and though that I needed to send that in for a refund from the insurance company. The next day I got a check from my insurance co. in the mail; I forgot I'd already sent a copy of the receipt in for a refund some time before. Totally forgot. That's not short term memory, I think.
It's taken me a long time to type this because of fixing my typos and spending time trying to pick the right words, and I cut and pasted part of it from another post I wrote on the Amantadine working.
I have more examples, but this is long enough already.
Crud, what do I do? I see my PCP tomorrow. I guess I can discuss it with her. I'd better write it down.
Kathy
Yes Dave's dog is really smart, so times too smart for his own good, like when he is trying to play dumb about something.
No he doesn't let himself out to go potty, but he does play catch with himself. He will take a ball (or rock sometimes) and throw it then go chasing after it. Also if we are playing catch with him when bringing the ball back he will throw it back to us from about 6 feet away. He also always has a dirty nose because he spends hourson end rolling rocks around Dave's dirt driveway. In fact it wouldn't surprise me it his nose was permenently stained brown from the dirt. :)
The only real thing that is bad about Dave's dog (Buddy) is that he doesn't know his own strength. A lot of times when I am over there Buddy will knock me down by accident when he is just looking for some attention.
Dennis
No he doesn't let himself out to go potty, but he does play catch with himself. He will take a ball (or rock sometimes) and throw it then go chasing after it. Also if we are playing catch with him when bringing the ball back he will throw it back to us from about 6 feet away. He also always has a dirty nose because he spends hourson end rolling rocks around Dave's dirt driveway. In fact it wouldn't surprise me it his nose was permenently stained brown from the dirt. :)
The only real thing that is bad about Dave's dog (Buddy) is that he doesn't know his own strength. A lot of times when I am over there Buddy will knock me down by accident when he is just looking for some attention.
Dennis
I know, I know; maybe we need to wear those gloves that are supposed to be safe up to 500 degrees or whatever whenever we are cooking.
My latest brain fluff was while making the cookies for tonight's potluck; I had bought fresh chopped almonds to toast and put in them. I thought about doing it all morning. When I was making the cookies * with older walnuts from the fridge * I looked over my shoulder and saw the almonds sitting on the counter while I was putting the cookie dough on the cookie sheets. Also, honey from a farmer's market has a much stronger flavor that store-bought honey, so my cookies taste like honey, not cherry walnut oatmeal. Sigh.
Dave's dog sounds really cool. Really smart! Does he let himself out to go potty? :o)
I've seen magnets to put on the fridge that say "the dog is" with another piece hanging below that you turn over; one side says "hungry" and the other says "fed". I guess the trick is remembering to turn it over.
Service dogs are really smart and can be trained new things, so I'll bet you could work something out.
Kathy
My latest brain fluff was while making the cookies for tonight's potluck; I had bought fresh chopped almonds to toast and put in them. I thought about doing it all morning. When I was making the cookies * with older walnuts from the fridge * I looked over my shoulder and saw the almonds sitting on the counter while I was putting the cookie dough on the cookie sheets. Also, honey from a farmer's market has a much stronger flavor that store-bought honey, so my cookies taste like honey, not cherry walnut oatmeal. Sigh.
Dave's dog sounds really cool. Really smart! Does he let himself out to go potty? :o)
I've seen magnets to put on the fridge that say "the dog is" with another piece hanging below that you turn over; one side says "hungry" and the other says "fed". I guess the trick is remembering to turn it over.
Service dogs are really smart and can be trained new things, so I'll bet you could work something out.
Kathy
I also keep pot holders and forks next to what I am cooking, but even that doesn't help keep me safe.
The only real thing that I worry about if I got a service dog is if I would be able to take care of it. I would probably need one that can take care of itself like the dog my friend Dave has (Non-service). His dog will go and open the bag of dog food when ever he want so food and Dave doesn't get him some sone enough. His dog will also help himself to Dave's bottled water. He will pull out a bottle from the case Dave has and twist off the top to get a drink. And I do mean twist off, he doesn't chew off the top.
Dennis
The only real thing that I worry about if I got a service dog is if I would be able to take care of it. I would probably need one that can take care of itself like the dog my friend Dave has (Non-service). His dog will go and open the bag of dog food when ever he want so food and Dave doesn't get him some sone enough. His dog will also help himself to Dave's bottled water. He will pull out a bottle from the case Dave has and twist off the top to get a drink. And I do mean twist off, he doesn't chew off the top.
Dennis
My neuro said my EEG had some abnormal waves, but that was to be expected with my level of significant cerebral disease. He noted my cognitive difficulties, but in his chart notes he says basically that I'm all together, except for being tangential.
I'll ask the MS nurse about a neuro-psych evaluations when she responds to my e-mails.
I'll ask the MS nurse about a neuro-psych evaluations when she responds to my e-mails.
> He knows that I've had cognitive issues, so I would have thought he would have suggested it sooner if he wanted a baseline eval. I don't see him again until June.
I had to push for mine, too - he wasn't real thrilled that I suggested it, either. I just couldn't understand why he was so dismissive of my cognitive problems in the first place. I think many doctors are - they see you standing up, and your clothes are all buttoned, so they assume that everything is fine.
I definitely make a lot more bad decisions. I've gotten to the point where I try to double and triple check everything I do, and then I ask hubby his opinion.
I had to push for mine, too - he wasn't real thrilled that I suggested it, either. I just couldn't understand why he was so dismissive of my cognitive problems in the first place. I think many doctors are - they see you standing up, and your clothes are all buttoned, so they assume that everything is fine.
I definitely make a lot more bad decisions. I've gotten to the point where I try to double and triple check everything I do, and then I ask hubby his opinion.
Your poor Fluffy baby!! What a bummer. Of course a sick kitty is a different matter; can't kick them out or make them more stressed, especially when they don't understand. Take good care of him! :)
Dennis,
I've gotten a few burned fingers myself. I try to put potholders where they can't be missed, have a fork for testing things right on the stovetop next to what I'm cooking, etc.
I think a service animal could be a great idea. HVAC loves her Polly, and my friend and neighbor has had a service dog the whole 14 years I've known her; she's on her second one. She wasn't going to get another when the first one became ill and died, but before long she went and got Tully. I think you should talk to your docs about it.
stay safe
Kathy
I've gotten a few burned fingers myself. I try to put potholders where they can't be missed, have a fork for testing things right on the stovetop next to what I'm cooking, etc.
I think a service animal could be a great idea. HVAC loves her Polly, and my friend and neighbor has had a service dog the whole 14 years I've known her; she's on her second one. She wasn't going to get another when the first one became ill and died, but before long she went and got Tully. I think you should talk to your docs about it.
stay safe
Kathy
Like you I have been getting pretty scared about the stupid things I do. With me I have been seriously thinking about talking to one of my doctors about getting a service animal as it is getting that scary for me. Like the other day I was amking a casserole in my oven. When it came time to take it out I reaxhed in and grabbed the oven rack with no hot pad or mitt. I knew it was hot but just didn't think. Another time I almost reached into hot oil while making homemade potatoe chip to see if they were done. The of course there all of the times I fall down stairs, trip myself with my cane, and other things like that. I have found lots of ways to compensate for some thing, most of which others have already mentions. But other than a service animal I have not been able to figure out any way to protect myself from the really dangerous things I do.
Dennis
Dennis
Jensequitur,
Well, I sent an e-mail to my MS specialist's office on the 24th about my being so scattered, and I haven't heard back. I don't know if my neuro would consider sending me for a neuro-psych evaluation. He knows that I've had cognitive issues, so I would have thought he would have suggested it sooner if he wanted a baseline eval. I don't see him again until June.
Wendy,
It sounds like you've found good ways to cope with your cognitive issues. I was just diagnosed in October, with a good probability that I've had MS for a long time. I had nothing to "blame" my forgetfulness on before, just found ways of adjusting to it as best I could.
My worst losing the car incident was when I drove a friend to the airport, parked in short-term parking, and walked in with her. When I came back out, I couldn't remember which floor I had parked on, let alone where I had parked on that floor. I guessed and wandered around, not finding it.
A security guy drove up and asked me if he could help, and then drove me around a few floors before we located my car. I was so embarassed! I turned on some good music in my car and relaxed a few minutes before driving home.
It is good to know that many of us share this issue, and can also share ideas for coping and living well.
Kathy
Well, I sent an e-mail to my MS specialist's office on the 24th about my being so scattered, and I haven't heard back. I don't know if my neuro would consider sending me for a neuro-psych evaluation. He knows that I've had cognitive issues, so I would have thought he would have suggested it sooner if he wanted a baseline eval. I don't see him again until June.
Wendy,
It sounds like you've found good ways to cope with your cognitive issues. I was just diagnosed in October, with a good probability that I've had MS for a long time. I had nothing to "blame" my forgetfulness on before, just found ways of adjusting to it as best I could.
My worst losing the car incident was when I drove a friend to the airport, parked in short-term parking, and walked in with her. When I came back out, I couldn't remember which floor I had parked on, let alone where I had parked on that floor. I guessed and wandered around, not finding it.
A security guy drove up and asked me if he could help, and then drove me around a few floors before we located my car. I was so embarassed! I turned on some good music in my car and relaxed a few minutes before driving home.
It is good to know that many of us share this issue, and can also share ideas for coping and living well.
Kathy
I'm glad I read this thread today. I was just diagnosed with MS in January, but my neuro. thinks I've had it at least 10 years, maybe more.
I've been having cognitive issues for quite some time, but lately they seem to be getting worse. Losing your thought mid-sentence, as I've been doing, is frustrating and embarrassing. Oftentimes when on the computer I can't remember a computer help instruction long enough to switch screens and type it in the new screen (a second or two!)
Wednesday I was to start an obedience class with my puppy. I had all the paperwork I was required to bring, having double-checked the list on the back of the application, and putting all the papers in my purse. Shortly before I left, I decided I'd better take out the list one more time and double-check again. All was OK, I took a quick trip to the bathroom, grabbed my already-leashed pooch and got us settled in the car. I drove leisurely to the class (about 10-15 min. away), knowing I had allowed an extra 10-15 minutes. Got there and as I prepared to get out of the car, I realized I DID NOT have the papers with me! When I had taken them out for the final dougle-check, I hadn't put them back in my purse! Soooo, I had to drive back home, get the papers on the table and drive back, causing me to be 10 minutes LATE for the class. Grrr!
My long-term memory has never been very good and I learned to make notes, lists, etc., but my short-term is now troubling me a lot (my mom just turned 90 in Jan., and she complains of short-term memory problems--at 90 I can understand, but not at 59!)
I even have files on my computer where I note where I stored last year's Christmas decorations when I put them away. I also have a "Locate Items" folder where I jot down where I have put certain things that I might not "logically" be able to find later (like an over-sized Atlas.) Pretty pathetic, but I've learned to try and keep an eye on myself!! (It works pretty well, when I remember to do it! lol)
When typing e-mails, etc. I'll think one word and type another. I always re-read my stuff before I hit send now.
One of my worst things is not paying attention to where I park at the mall -- especially if I'm with someone and we're talking as we exit the car. I'm getting better at making mental notes. It's a helpless, scary feeling when you lose your car on a busy shopping day in December!
Anyway, thanks for this topic. I feel better knowing I can share these thoughts here. My "spaciness" is not something I like to emphasize with my non-MS friends, etc.
Wendy
I've been having cognitive issues for quite some time, but lately they seem to be getting worse. Losing your thought mid-sentence, as I've been doing, is frustrating and embarrassing. Oftentimes when on the computer I can't remember a computer help instruction long enough to switch screens and type it in the new screen (a second or two!)
Wednesday I was to start an obedience class with my puppy. I had all the paperwork I was required to bring, having double-checked the list on the back of the application, and putting all the papers in my purse. Shortly before I left, I decided I'd better take out the list one more time and double-check again. All was OK, I took a quick trip to the bathroom, grabbed my already-leashed pooch and got us settled in the car. I drove leisurely to the class (about 10-15 min. away), knowing I had allowed an extra 10-15 minutes. Got there and as I prepared to get out of the car, I realized I DID NOT have the papers with me! When I had taken them out for the final dougle-check, I hadn't put them back in my purse! Soooo, I had to drive back home, get the papers on the table and drive back, causing me to be 10 minutes LATE for the class. Grrr!
My long-term memory has never been very good and I learned to make notes, lists, etc., but my short-term is now troubling me a lot (my mom just turned 90 in Jan., and she complains of short-term memory problems--at 90 I can understand, but not at 59!)
I even have files on my computer where I note where I stored last year's Christmas decorations when I put them away. I also have a "Locate Items" folder where I jot down where I have put certain things that I might not "logically" be able to find later (like an over-sized Atlas.) Pretty pathetic, but I've learned to try and keep an eye on myself!! (It works pretty well, when I remember to do it! lol)
When typing e-mails, etc. I'll think one word and type another. I always re-read my stuff before I hit send now.
One of my worst things is not paying attention to where I park at the mall -- especially if I'm with someone and we're talking as we exit the car. I'm getting better at making mental notes. It's a helpless, scary feeling when you lose your car on a busy shopping day in December!
Anyway, thanks for this topic. I feel better knowing I can share these thoughts here. My "spaciness" is not something I like to emphasize with my non-MS friends, etc.
Wendy
Sorry to hear you're in the fog! That makes it hard to function on a day-to-day basis.
Have you asked your neuro for a neuro-psych exam? If you haven't had one already, it would be a good idea - set a baseline for future progression and see if you have any organic damage.
I took Aricept for 5 months, until I felt like I didn't need it any more. I still have cognitive problems, which vary from day to day. (Yesterday I kept saying 'K' when I meant to say 'Q.') I recommend exercise and brain games - the exercise builds neurons, and the brain games help to reinforce the new neurons.
Have you asked your neuro for a neuro-psych exam? If you haven't had one already, it would be a good idea - set a baseline for future progression and see if you have any organic damage.
I took Aricept for 5 months, until I felt like I didn't need it any more. I still have cognitive problems, which vary from day to day. (Yesterday I kept saying 'K' when I meant to say 'Q.') I recommend exercise and brain games - the exercise builds neurons, and the brain games help to reinforce the new neurons.
I've tried, Nancy, but Fluffy has inflammatory bowel disease, and he gets so stressed out that he gets diarrhea when I try to shut him out. That is not pretty on a white three-legged cat, and he makes a mess.
He's almost 16, and I can't change him now. I've tried earplugs, I've asked the vet for something to calm him down. The med calmed him down, but made his stomach and bowels very upset. Oh, and at 16 pounds, he hangs over the sides of my lap, lol.
I've gotten to the place of calm acceptance, as a person would with a special-needs child. He'll be with a catsitter Feb. 28 - March 5, as I'll be at a timeshare at the coast getting marvelous sleep, seeing great sights, and eating good seafood. Fluffy has known the catsitter for 14 years, so is pretty comfortable with her.
I did sleep fairly well last night, only waking totally for his medication/breakfast. My bladder also breaks my sleep, or I would have slept four hours solid after his breakfast. The day will come before too long when he won't be here to wake me; his health isn't the greatest.
Fluffy just came out of his bed in the closet and I said "Hi, lovey-dovey baby". Thanks for the new term of endearment!
Kathy
He's almost 16, and I can't change him now. I've tried earplugs, I've asked the vet for something to calm him down. The med calmed him down, but made his stomach and bowels very upset. Oh, and at 16 pounds, he hangs over the sides of my lap, lol.
I've gotten to the place of calm acceptance, as a person would with a special-needs child. He'll be with a catsitter Feb. 28 - March 5, as I'll be at a timeshare at the coast getting marvelous sleep, seeing great sights, and eating good seafood. Fluffy has known the catsitter for 14 years, so is pretty comfortable with her.
I did sleep fairly well last night, only waking totally for his medication/breakfast. My bladder also breaks my sleep, or I would have slept four hours solid after his breakfast. The day will come before too long when he won't be here to wake me; his health isn't the greatest.
Fluffy just came out of his bed in the closet and I said "Hi, lovey-dovey baby". Thanks for the new term of endearment!
Kathy
Uninterrupted sleep is so important that I had to kick the kitties out of my bedroom. Very sad. But they can sleep on my lap during naps and reading time!
Put your health first and get Fluffy used to sleeping alone in another room. If he keeps you awake with meowing or scratching, use earplugs. It's better than getting awakened by being walked all over.
This is coming from a woman who's crazy about her own smooshy, lovey-dovey babies. But I HAVE to have my sleep as uninterrupted as possible. YOU first, cat second.
Put your health first and get Fluffy used to sleeping alone in another room. If he keeps you awake with meowing or scratching, use earplugs. It's better than getting awakened by being walked all over.
This is coming from a woman who's crazy about her own smooshy, lovey-dovey babies. But I HAVE to have my sleep as uninterrupted as possible. YOU first, cat second.
So glad you got a better night sleeplast night :)
And, aslo that your doctor appt. went well. I know what you mean about how male docs
usually have different opinions than female doctors. My female Cardiologist and female Rheumatologist also agree. Men (doctors or otherwise) have this preconceived thought
of all woman, and that is........we are just hormonal and oh so emotional!
Anyhow, once again, glad your night and day was better.
~Tonya
ps, Fluffy is awefully lucky to have you for a mommy ;)
And, aslo that your doctor appt. went well. I know what you mean about how male docs
usually have different opinions than female doctors. My female Cardiologist and female Rheumatologist also agree. Men (doctors or otherwise) have this preconceived thought
of all woman, and that is........we are just hormonal and oh so emotional!
Anyhow, once again, glad your night and day was better.
~Tonya
ps, Fluffy is awefully lucky to have you for a mommy ;)
Wow, thanks for all the responses! You've given me some great ideas, not to mention gentle reassurances and suggestions.
Lulu, I saved that website in my Favorites under MS resources, though it would be great for anyone. I haven't tried any games yet, but I will. I've had cognitive issues for some time, and do have my rituals, but this past week everything has been so pronounced that it was not possible to do my usual acceptance of it all.
I think it will be good for me to practice Yoga on a regular basis. I hope my gentle yoga DVD comes soon, so I'll make sure to do things properly.
I did get a better night's sleep today, and I was fine for the drive to my PCP's , stopping at three stores (groceries and refills for Fluffy's calming diffuser), putting away groceries, and enjoying a healthy lunch.
My visit with my PCP went well; she was very understanding and concerned, and agreed that I should let my neuro know. She's the first to point out that someone with more knowledge of the issues would be the one to consult. We laughed about "senior moments", but she understood that having them happen daily several times a day is not good.
We covered a lot, as usual. My vitamin D level is still with in the normal range, but has steadily declined, so she's putting me on prescription 50,000 IU capsules once a week. She wants my level around 60, even if the neuro isn't concerned. She said that the other female docs think the same way, but the male docs don't care. Odd, huh? I have a lab slip to have my level tested before I see her in two months.
By the time I was driving home, I was glad to be heading that way. Even with energy from the Amantadine, I run down. Not to mention I really needed lunch, lol.
I wish I could respond to each of you, but I should go write an e-mail to my MS nurse while I still have the attention to do so.
Hugs,
Kathy
Lulu, I saved that website in my Favorites under MS resources, though it would be great for anyone. I haven't tried any games yet, but I will. I've had cognitive issues for some time, and do have my rituals, but this past week everything has been so pronounced that it was not possible to do my usual acceptance of it all.
I think it will be good for me to practice Yoga on a regular basis. I hope my gentle yoga DVD comes soon, so I'll make sure to do things properly.
I did get a better night's sleep today, and I was fine for the drive to my PCP's , stopping at three stores (groceries and refills for Fluffy's calming diffuser), putting away groceries, and enjoying a healthy lunch.
My visit with my PCP went well; she was very understanding and concerned, and agreed that I should let my neuro know. She's the first to point out that someone with more knowledge of the issues would be the one to consult. We laughed about "senior moments", but she understood that having them happen daily several times a day is not good.
We covered a lot, as usual. My vitamin D level is still with in the normal range, but has steadily declined, so she's putting me on prescription 50,000 IU capsules once a week. She wants my level around 60, even if the neuro isn't concerned. She said that the other female docs think the same way, but the male docs don't care. Odd, huh? I have a lab slip to have my level tested before I see her in two months.
By the time I was driving home, I was glad to be heading that way. Even with energy from the Amantadine, I run down. Not to mention I really needed lunch, lol.
I wish I could respond to each of you, but I should go write an e-mail to my MS nurse while I still have the attention to do so.
Hugs,
Kathy
Hi, I totally agaree with cydpink, I have the same problems. I was driving to my daughters on day, and I totally forgot how to get there, and why I was in my JEep.
I do us post it notes ALOT and write everything down. I had to get a pill reminder container to remember if I took my pills or not. Talking to someone can be very frustrating, because mid sentence I will forget what I said, and kinda space out for a bit.
It is embarassing if they don't know that I have MS, but, everyone says, "Oh, you look good, you wouldn't know you have MS" but, for some reason it bothers me when people say that. I do try to take time in how I look, I do walk with a cane, because I lose my balance and get vertigo too.
I hope that you get the answers that you are looking for, but just to let you know, we are not alone in this, there are lots of people with the same things that we are going throuogh, and I find that comforting, because then I don't think I am going nuts.
Take care, and hope you get answers from your Dr. I go to my again tomorrow morning.
*HUGS*
Candy
I do us post it notes ALOT and write everything down. I had to get a pill reminder container to remember if I took my pills or not. Talking to someone can be very frustrating, because mid sentence I will forget what I said, and kinda space out for a bit.
It is embarassing if they don't know that I have MS, but, everyone says, "Oh, you look good, you wouldn't know you have MS" but, for some reason it bothers me when people say that. I do try to take time in how I look, I do walk with a cane, because I lose my balance and get vertigo too.
I hope that you get the answers that you are looking for, but just to let you know, we are not alone in this, there are lots of people with the same things that we are going throuogh, and I find that comforting, because then I don't think I am going nuts.
Take care, and hope you get answers from your Dr. I go to my again tomorrow morning.
*HUGS*
Candy
Hi Fluff
I know exactly how you feel, my long and short term memory are hopeless.
I rely on Post-It notes with important stuff on and my phone which is my constant companion. I use the alarm/calander function religiously for everything from when to take medication to when to return library books or when my son has something on after school or having friends over etc.
The phone bleeps and I know I have to do something.
With stoves/appliances etc. I always turn them off before I remove the pot etc. so that I know they are off if I didn't chances are they would still be on now.
For keys/handbags etc. I always leave them in exactly the same place every time.
For car parking get an App on your phone that allows you to find your car or write down which level you are on, at least then you can find it after a heavy shopping trip.
In the UK the MS Society has a card which explains that you have MS and that you may need help - not sure if they are available in different countries but it's easy enough to make your own that can be shown to people if you need help.
Make sure that your phone has an ICE contact - emergency services are trained to look under ICE (In Case of Emergency) if you aren't able to communicate so at least they know who to call for you.
Hope that helps and you get some answers from your doc x
Hugs
I know exactly how you feel, my long and short term memory are hopeless.
I rely on Post-It notes with important stuff on and my phone which is my constant companion. I use the alarm/calander function religiously for everything from when to take medication to when to return library books or when my son has something on after school or having friends over etc.
The phone bleeps and I know I have to do something.
With stoves/appliances etc. I always turn them off before I remove the pot etc. so that I know they are off if I didn't chances are they would still be on now.
For keys/handbags etc. I always leave them in exactly the same place every time.
For car parking get an App on your phone that allows you to find your car or write down which level you are on, at least then you can find it after a heavy shopping trip.
In the UK the MS Society has a card which explains that you have MS and that you may need help - not sure if they are available in different countries but it's easy enough to make your own that can be shown to people if you need help.
Make sure that your phone has an ICE contact - emergency services are trained to look under ICE (In Case of Emergency) if you aren't able to communicate so at least they know who to call for you.
Hope that helps and you get some answers from your doc x
Hugs
From the beginning my cognitive issues have been the worst of my symptoms. I am like HAVC, i have rituals and I write down so many things and make so many notes to myself.
The daughter said she was going to put sticky notes all over my dogs that say, did you turn the burners off? I believe she now knows how bad I am. It is hard to believe if you haven't seen me in action.
I set timers to remind me to do things, like ck on what I am cooking, etc. One day the timer went off and I couldn't remember why I had set it. My family didn't know whether to hide or head for higher ground ... lol. I never did figure out what it was for.
I am scheduled for another neuropsych on mar 30.
take care. if you want I can discuss with you the coping skills I use. Just send me a pm
terry
The daughter said she was going to put sticky notes all over my dogs that say, did you turn the burners off? I believe she now knows how bad I am. It is hard to believe if you haven't seen me in action.
I set timers to remind me to do things, like ck on what I am cooking, etc. One day the timer went off and I couldn't remember why I had set it. My family didn't know whether to hide or head for higher ground ... lol. I never did figure out what it was for.
I am scheduled for another neuropsych on mar 30.
take care. if you want I can discuss with you the coping skills I use. Just send me a pm
terry
Hopefully Fluffy will let you sleep in tomorrow - sleep deprivation can really create problems for anyone.
Alex is right about rituals - if we set a routine it will help some.
I just found a new website today for cog fog issues - lumosity.com - recommended in the neurology now magazine. Check it out - I did all the first sets of games and hope to return regularly and see if I can sharpen some of my mental skills.
I think all of us have performance issues with our memory. Some of it may come from the physical part of this MiSerable disease. But I also think we subconciously do some of this to our selves. When we lose an object, or our words, or other things we start to worry about what is wrong. The more we worry, the worse the problem can become.
I'm constantly having this problem - I regularly lose my reading glasses. Often times I find them on top of my head. Recently I lost them and was searching my office for my glasses when my coworker observed I had them on my face.
My best tool for this is when I start to sense the panic about losing something, I make myself pause and step away from the problem. Then I will approach it again with a fresh perspective. Even when I lose my words, I make myself stop and regroup before trying to push on.
I hope this makes sense - I wrote this once and my wireless connection stopped and I lost everything.
be well, be rested -
Lulu
Alex is right about rituals - if we set a routine it will help some.
I just found a new website today for cog fog issues - lumosity.com - recommended in the neurology now magazine. Check it out - I did all the first sets of games and hope to return regularly and see if I can sharpen some of my mental skills.
I think all of us have performance issues with our memory. Some of it may come from the physical part of this MiSerable disease. But I also think we subconciously do some of this to our selves. When we lose an object, or our words, or other things we start to worry about what is wrong. The more we worry, the worse the problem can become.
I'm constantly having this problem - I regularly lose my reading glasses. Often times I find them on top of my head. Recently I lost them and was searching my office for my glasses when my coworker observed I had them on my face.
My best tool for this is when I start to sense the panic about losing something, I make myself pause and step away from the problem. Then I will approach it again with a fresh perspective. Even when I lose my words, I make myself stop and regroup before trying to push on.
I hope this makes sense - I wrote this once and my wireless connection stopped and I lost everything.
be well, be rested -
Lulu
I have to do notes and rituals ( doing things in the same manner each time). Notes to myself on everything. I have a ritual for the burners so I turn them off. I have a ritual with my keys and staring a car. I have a ritual for locking a door and checking the door knob three times.
Alex
Alex
Hi, thanks for your help.
I took one dose around 6 am today, the other at 8 am. We'll see if I sleep better tonight.
The day that I forgot to take the second dose, I still had trouble sleeping; I've had trouble sleeping for a long time. I take a muscle relaxant for muscle spasms, a pain pill and 5 mg. of ambien at bedtime.
I don't need to set an alarm, since Fluffy wakes me up around 4 or 5 am for his morning breakfast stuffed with his medicine. :o) He's almost 16 yrs old and has health issues.
Provigil helped my cognitive issues, too. It's just too expensive since my insurance won't cover it, so I'm trying Amantadine before I go back to Provigil and try the Canadian pharmacy that Quix told us about. I was taking a half a Provigil most days, too, unless I had a ton of stuff to do.
I'm planning on going to bed plenty early tonight so that Fluffy's waking me at odd hours won't keep me from getting enough sleep. Everything's definitely worse when I'm not getting enough sleep.
I'll update this tomorrow.
Kathy
I took one dose around 6 am today, the other at 8 am. We'll see if I sleep better tonight.
The day that I forgot to take the second dose, I still had trouble sleeping; I've had trouble sleeping for a long time. I take a muscle relaxant for muscle spasms, a pain pill and 5 mg. of ambien at bedtime.
I don't need to set an alarm, since Fluffy wakes me up around 4 or 5 am for his morning breakfast stuffed with his medicine. :o) He's almost 16 yrs old and has health issues.
Provigil helped my cognitive issues, too. It's just too expensive since my insurance won't cover it, so I'm trying Amantadine before I go back to Provigil and try the Canadian pharmacy that Quix told us about. I was taking a half a Provigil most days, too, unless I had a ton of stuff to do.
I'm planning on going to bed plenty early tonight so that Fluffy's waking me at odd hours won't keep me from getting enough sleep. Everything's definitely worse when I'm not getting enough sleep.
I'll update this tomorrow.
Kathy
I know exactly the feeling, but for me my cognition has actually improved greatly since starting my medicine for fatigue. I'm taking Provigil, and I don't know how this compares with your medicine. I remember it taking a long time before it started helping.
If you're not getting sleep, this could be due to your medicine--which could cause lots of problems with cognitive issues. Lack of sleep in MS is not good at all. Are you taking your medicine in the mornings? I found that I can't take my Provigil after 11 a.m. because I can't sleep. When I don't sleep at all I'm a real space cadet. I also found that I cannot take the entire pill. I have to cut my medicine in half.
Deb
If you're not getting sleep, this could be due to your medicine--which could cause lots of problems with cognitive issues. Lack of sleep in MS is not good at all. Are you taking your medicine in the mornings? I found that I can't take my Provigil after 11 a.m. because I can't sleep. When I don't sleep at all I'm a real space cadet. I also found that I cannot take the entire pill. I have to cut my medicine in half.
Deb
Yep, I just looked back at one of your post and you mentioned that you take your second dose of Amantadine around noon.
Could be the cause of your sleep problems....
Take Care,
~Tonya
Could be the cause of your sleep problems....
Take Care,
~Tonya
Not having enough (Proper REM) sleep can certainly have
an effect on the cognition. Particularly if your cognition is already compromoised such as someone with MS.
You may be taking your Amantadine a bit to late in the day....In turn, having an effect
on your sleep. A piece of good advice givin to me my a Neuro was to set your alarm (if needed) and to take it early in the morning...say around 6:30 or 7 am. Then if you want you can go back to sleep for a bit.
The main thing is to go ahead and get it into your system as early as possible!
Hope that helps, and makes since to you :)
~Tonya
an effect on the cognition. Particularly if your cognition is already compromoised such as someone with MS.
You may be taking your Amantadine a bit to late in the day....In turn, having an effect
on your sleep. A piece of good advice givin to me my a Neuro was to set your alarm (if needed) and to take it early in the morning...say around 6:30 or 7 am. Then if you want you can go back to sleep for a bit.
The main thing is to go ahead and get it into your system as early as possible!
Hope that helps, and makes since to you :)
~Tonya
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