[Catch]

I'm taking both baclofen for spasms and (I forget) for nerve pain. I'm also on high dosage of antiDs. I've been on the ADs for many years, so I'm used to the level of forgetfulness they cause. With the two new meds my memory is impaired. When cog fog hits I'm in big trouble.

I am a secretary to the Senior Principal of a law firm. It's a demanding job, requiring a sharp mind. My boss notices my memory lapses and I am worried. I want to explain to him that its the meds I take (and I don't take them even every day), but I'm afraid to open that can of worms. I spoke to our new office administrator (a great 25 year old girl, but lacking in experience) and she had no advice as to when, or even if, I need to speak to my boss about it.

I set reminders on my computer, have sticky notes everywhere, never go anywhere without a pen and pad, in case any one stops me with something I have to handle, but I still forget things: my notes are insufficient, I forget to set my reminder, etc.

How should I handle this? Any input? Of course I really need my job.

[Riverwild]

I don't have any suggestions that will help. I just wanted you to know I feel for you!


I had the cog garbage when I started the baclofen, but it is cut by the provigil I take to fight fatigue. One of the side effects from the provigil is it makes me "clearer" and more with it cognitively, so one balances out the other. It may not work for everyone in that way but it works for me.

(...then I do too much and get more spasms and have to take more baclofen and get tired and take more provigil...)

[tinglytoes]

Originally Posted by Catch

I'm taking both baclofen for spasms and (I forget) for nerve pain. I'm also on high dosage of antiDs. I've been on the ADs for many years, so I'm used to the level of forgetfulness they cause. With the two new meds my memory is impaired. When cog fog hits I'm in big trouble.

I am a secretary to the Senior Principal of a law firm. It's a demanding job, requiring a sharp mind. My boss notices my memory lapses and I am worried. I want to explain to him that its the meds I take (and I don't take them even every day), but I'm afraid to open that can of worms. I spoke to our new office administrator (a great 25 year old girl, but lacking in experience) and she had no advice as to when, or even if, I need to speak to my boss about it.

I set reminders on my computer, have sticky notes everywhere, never go anywhere without a pen and pad, in case any one stops me with something I have to handle, but I still forget things: my notes are insufficient, I forget to set my reminder, etc.

How should I handle this? Any input? Of course I really need my job.

Hi, Just wondering if there are not many laws on the books, affording protection and legal rights for those who are health challenged? The right to privacy, and protection for ones position, irregardless of how ones fellow workers might assume to "know" what is real or not. Seem to recall this is fundamental and foremost, the right to keep it private,(as in right to not incriminate oneself). Hope you find the perfect sources for great empowerment. I know I have read workplace protocol, but my own foggy brain cannot recall where... Perhaps it was in the stroke recovery literature? It is heroic to keep working under the strain of illness and side effects necessary to keep working. You are a 'hero' to me for sure! Best wishes TT

[pud's friend]

I can't offer much advice. I'm in much the same predicament myself.

My memory lets me down big time and I find I'm unable to make decisions or think things through fast enough in work.
If I don't tell my employer, I am responsible for my actions.
If I do tell them, they are responsible for my actions, errors and ommissions.
I'm a registered nurse; honestly, who wants a fish-brain looking after them? plus I'm in charge of up to 90 residents and can't take a break if needed. things just snowball out of hand if you don't keep up with the work.

If I tell them, I know for a fact my bookings will dry up (agency work). they can't take the risk with the health of others. Or I would need a fitness certificate for each shift.
Either way, i'm stuffed.

Don't rush into telling all. Maybe they;ll think it's a transient situation. people never guess the worst.

[KAOheim]

I'm facing many of the same issues and, while trying not to become depressed about it, I'm doing fairly well with a little help. I'm working with my therapist on a plan B. Having some well laid out plans is starting to make the concept of life after my current job not a nightmare but the next step. I've made drastic changes in my life before and came out good, I'm sure you have too.

That's not to say I'm giving up or anything, I still have a long time where I'm at now but I'm starting to get a pretty good idea of what I can do next by looking at the strengths I still have.

Still sucks, can't pretend it doesn't, but lots of things suck anymore. Good luck to you.

[Dejibo]

I was just talking to the big city MS center about my own level of mental disorganization. I ran a huge prison medical center, and never thought twice about it. I organized the entire pharmacy, and made the meds that were instant refills, so they were automatic and well, lets just say I was several steps ahead of everyone else. Then...MS. I have days when I cant walk and chew gum at the same time. I am mentally disorganized! The big center said this is the #1 complaint of most MS patients is not being able to focus anymore. Many of us used to multi task, and be extremely organized, and then....you cant remember what you had for breakfast. Cant rememer the extension of the bosses phone line.

Being over tired, or over stressed does make this worse. Even being stressed about how stressed you are, doesnt help. I was told that DEstressing will help. Try yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, or other things that help the mind relax, and let go. The Wii balance board can be done at home, or there are tons of yoga DVDs at the store that can be done at home. Even if you only give it a half hour a day, it will do great things to help destress you.

hang in there.

[NurseNancy]

i feel for you too catch.
i was in nursing, neonates, icu and after 2 yrs of being dx'd i could tell i was slipping. then i retired. too physically demanding.

i would suggest you sit down and talk to your dr about this. it's as much a sx of MS (or meds) and anything else. he might be able to make some changes. i also take something (namenda) for memory and cognition and i believe it's helped. not perfect, but better.

good luck with this. and, i'd try not to disclose in case your dr can help and you improve.