Hi Everyone-

I am a 39 year-old married female living in central New Hampshire who has been having memory, concentration, word fishing, etc. problems since 2003. I was a math major and actuarial analyst who now has a hard time with basic math and cannot learn new things anymore. Since I had a lot going on, it was treated as depression. Well I tried antidepressants and all it did was make me suicidal and put on a ton of weight. I went from running 50-70 miles a week and training for a marathon to fat and suicidal.

I left my job because I could no longer work with complex mathematics and was unable to pass exams required for my job. I need to get back to work as we really need the $$ but I am scared to even interview and I am worried about not being able to learn even the functions of a basic job. Since these problems started, it takes me 10x as long to do everything. When I was still at my other job, I would work 13 hour days-not getting payed extra-just to barely keep up. I would recheck things 30 times and still have errors. This is not how I was before.


Everytime I talk to my docs about the memory, concentration, etc. problems I am treated as it is in my head, I am stressed, depressed etc. I switched PCP's and was treated the same. I tried to make a neurologist appt on my own but I was told it has to go through your doctor. I begged for help but was told to try new pills and meditation/stress relief.

So in addition to these memory problems since 2003, in the past year I have had hand numbness and tingling, balance and coordination issues,headaches, dizziness, constant itchiness. I also have weak legs and my right leg "gives out" About two weeks ago, the numbness/tingling spread to my feet, tongue, lips, etc. It now sticks around and does not go away during the day. When it was just my hands, I only had it at night. I went to my doc with these new symptoms and was finally taken "somewhat" seriously. I had an MRI which came back normal. I am currently awaiting a call about an appointment with a neurologist. I just want to find out what is wrong so I can fight this with every ounce of strength that I have. I am fearful that the neuro will treat me like a "head case" like everyone else has. I am so frustrated. I am also concerned because my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's-early onset- at age 51. She had symptoms in her 40's. She is in the last stage now. My sister died in 2006 and had many mental problems.

Thank you for listening. My writing skills have deteriorated as well and no matter how much I proofread-I always find an errors-so I apologize.

I look forward to offering support to everyone in any way that I can. If anyone has any advice or information that they think may help me, I would appreciate it.

Thanks-

Flyersfan