I am 50 years old, married and have 3 grown children. Our youngest just moved out of the house. We have 3 grandsons and a new grandchild on the way. I work full time for the Head Start program and recently checked into signing up for on live classes.

My husband was injured on the job approximately 3 years ago and is disabled due to his back injuries. Approximately 1 1/2-2 years ago I noticed he was forgetting things (more than usual), telling me things over and over and saying I had not told him information. This has continued to get worse so I talked to our family doctor about his memory. That day he could not tell her what the year was. We were referred to a Neur., he was given a short test. He passed but she wanted him to have a more indepth evaluation. He did do the follow up. That day we were told he had signifant memory loss. We had an appointment to see the doctor last week but she was called to the hospital so we were not able to see her and rescheduled for next week. We did receive the results of the further screening, he was labeled as moderately to severly affected. Of course we cannot understand all of the results. The information also stated some of the results can be affected because of the pain medication he takes and they are trying to get his thyroid straightend out.

I am very confused on what to do next. My husband is angry and feels like the doctor is picking on him. My parents keep telling me it is not alzheimers (they are in their 70s). My sister asks me if he is really that bad. I feel like I don't have anyone who can understand or help me. I have not been able to bring myself to talk to our children about this. I don't talk to my husband about it either thinking maybe the denial is better than the sadness.

I really need some input and information.

Shiela:confused

Hi Shiela and welcome to NeuroTalk! I'm so sorry for the problems you and your hubby are having with his health conditions. Some pain medication can cause lots of cognitive and memory problems. It might be a good idea to make a list of the ones he is on and ask your pharmacist if any of them (or a combination of them) can cause this sort of reaction. I've found that my pharmacist is often a better resource when it comes to questions about my medication than my own doctor is!!

I've also posted the link to the Alzheimer's Forum even though you don't think it's that - there are some good posts relating to memory problems, etc. in that forum that might be of some help to you.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum59.html

Good luck to you and your husband!

Sheila,

I am not qualified to give any medical advice but I can say that you are doing the best that you can, and that the way to deal with this will be found over time. The medical team should be able to provide you with appropriate medications and counseling (if needed).

Give the physicians some time to figure out what is happening medically and then make your decisions. They will help.

I wish you the best.

-Vic

Hello Shiela and welcome to NeuroTalk. I'm so sorry for all the trials that you're going with your husband through right now.

It must be very hard on you, and it sounds like you're not only in need of advice, but you need support as well. Thank goodness that you found us, because if there's one thing the members do well on this site, then support would have to be it.

Herekitty has given you one link, but have a look around the other forums, and join in anywhere that you feel comfortable.

Hi there Sheila! I am so sorry that this has happened to your Hubby. I cannot imagine how difficult and heartwrenching it is for you to see him go thru this.
You have came to a great place..there are many caring, helpful and supportive people here...lots of people to share with who will listen!
Welcome to our community!!!!!

Hello Sheila and Welcome to NeuroTalk. I can only imagine your frustration w/what is going on w/your husband, along w/his own frustration, as well.

Hopefully, you can find some info or advice here that can help. NT is such a caring community, so I hope you will feel at home here.