pain pills and memory loss

[cindy9033]

Recently, I was written up at work for 'forgetting' things.  I have to admit that recently my memory has been scary at best.  I noticed that I forgot really important dates and I have gone from brain farts to brainless.
I have chronic pain.  If I was unable to take my pain pills I would not be able to work, I would not be able to focus on anything except my pain.  I have osteoarthritis (degenerative) spondylosis, IBS, high chloesterol and take Lipitor, Oxycontin 20mg and on bad days I have to take 10mg of percoset or the equivilent.  the other day, it was cold, damp and I could not get a handle on my pain at all.  I took more than usual, but I don't over due.  I finally got home and got on the heating pad ALL night.

Do I feel I am addicted, no.......I try not to take pain pills unless I need them.  summer is better than winter. I have been taking pain pills since 1998 and at that time I took vicodine.  I would get 750's and break them in half if I didn't need a lot.  Finally after about 8 years, I ended up on oxycontin due to the released action.  I am really  thinking that my memory is going especially short term memory.  It bothers me because I have worked all of my life, I am now 61 yrs old, the pain is getting worse and I know I need pain meds for the rest of my life......I have to be conservative so that I don't get too used to them and then I will be SOL.
Anyone else have this problem with work I mean?  If I lose my job, I don't know whether to file disability or unemployment.  Surely, the company is trying to get rid of me, but if this is medical, then I need to find out now.
My doctor says that the stress that they put me under is the reason for my memory loss.
I feel like my life is floating away, really..........this is no time in my life for my life to go to ****, no work, no pay, no insurance, oxycontin is $524/mo when you do not have insurance.  Not good.  I am not ready to give up, but what can I do?  Any ideas from anyone??  I work in the medical field.  Actually, I help people who do not have health insurance.  I enjoy my work, but the part about me forgetting things, not good for me or my patients.
HELP.

[vicki595]

I agree with taking Ginkgo. Also, the B vitamins are very good for our brains' health.

In the absence of organic disease, I tend to agree with your doctor. The stress you're being put under could really be affecting your memory! It happens with lack of sleep,which is also a stressor.  Do everything you can to relieve the stress you're under and see if things don't improve.

It sounds like you're being harassed at work! Try to ignore it as best you can and think about going above this particular person's head to complain. In the mean time, be sure you get enough sleep and rest/quiet time. There are some amino acids that are very good,also. Check out our "amino acid protocol" in our health pages.

[allmymarbles]

Try taking ginkgo biloba, an herb that has had many, many successful trials. I was a participant in one of these trials. (I suffered short-term memory loss due to persistent insomnia.) The herb works remarkably well and when I was taking it I had no deficit at all. Make sure you get a good brand. I was taking Ginkgold

[cindy9033]

Thanks Marie........really, I am worried for the first time in my life that my life is about to change in a very negative way.  The only way I can work is by taking my pain meds.  I can't deal with the pain and work too.
So, because I chose to NOT file for disability and work.......I have an employer who is making my life miserable and hoping that I will quit, but instead my mind feels like it is floating away.
Spoke to my PC about it and she thinks it is ALL stress.  She is actually worried about me as my blood pressure is sky high and it never has been before working this job.  What is wrong with the workplace anymore.  GA is a right to work area, but why do you have to ruin someone's life because I won't quit?  
I think I will have to push for some testing.  If nothing else, I need to know either I am sane or NOT.  If I can no longer work with expertise than I guess I will file d/s, but not until someone proves it to me!
Give me a holler if you want to talk........
Lots of Hugs....p.s.  I am a big believer in what God does and wants.  
Next year going to the San Luis Casa in Colorado.......a non denominational healing casa.  Can't wait!

[GA_need_help]

Cindy,
I understand. I am 43 and my memory is about gone! I am on a pain medicine also.  I shudder to think what my memory will be in the future.  For now, I have to just agree with my husband and daughter when something is recalled about the past.  What else can I do? I also have chronic pain.
   All I can say is we are doing the best we can do.  And, God please help us--we can't help ourselves.  Big Hug. Marie