Time to make a career change?
 

I know there is another cog fog item on the board, but I didn't want to hijack.

My memory problems took a huge rise in frequency and intensity the past 6 months. Both short and long term memory is severely impacted. I discussed the issues with my boss a few months ago, and he said he would let me know if it became a big problem. I don't think he's ready to get rid of me, but it continues to be an issue.

I'm really unsatisfied, lots of things at the firm are changing, who knows if its for the better, so making a change now won't be quite as hard as if I really enjoyed my work.

The thing is, I don't know what jobs to apply for. How do I know what I can handle? How can I keep my income near what it currently is as a legal secretary. I don't know where to turn. Do I just dumb down and apply to be a junior sect at some big company? Do I just try the same work with a different firm? I don't want to go through the effort of finding a new job only to discover my memory is an issue there too.

I'm not ready to retire, but I have to face the reality: some of the things I forget are important! The other day I forgot to get gas and almost got stuck on the freeway. (I thought I already filled my tank.) Then yesterday I left the heat on under a pan on the stove. Two hours later my son discovered it! And this morning I was standing on a small stool to reach something high on a shelf, only to forget I was standing two feet above the floor, and moved to the side; falling off the stool and nearly breaking my neck. Those things are a bit scary, and not a little depressing.

I'd appreciate any input on how to go about making a career switch.

Have a Psych evaluation to see where your cog fog stands and what you are still able to do. You may qualify for SSI with an evaluation, also.

I am so sorry and I send you good luck and good wishes..:hug:

Hi Catch,

I'm a newbie here, but not new to MS. I agree with Sally. Neuro pysch testing would help your doctor (and you) evaluate your levels of cognitive dysfunction. Your doctor would use that report as your baseline.

In my experience, the cognitive dysfunction kept progressing. Neuro pysch testing documented my decline, but I chose more medication and kept working. That was a bad idea.

I realized that my situation was getting worse, so I created a cheat sheet to help me do my job correctly. When I had to read each line every single day, I knew I was in trouble. However, I stayed in denial.

Thankfully, one day my body just collapsed forcing me to go on disability. I hated the idea of not working, but it turned out to be the best thing that had ever happened to me.

After years of aggressive medication and many more years of TLC, my memory returned along with my dignity. What's more, I'm doing so well that I enrolled in college.

Do talk to your doctor about Neuro pysch testing. The sooner you address this, the better.

Who knows? Your situation might right itself quickly. Everyone is different.
I hope the best for you. Take care!

♥Nali

As has been mentioned so many times, everyone is different. (That was my disclaimer :) ) My cognitive disfunction did improve once I retired and didn't have the continuous stress of trying not to mess up at work. (I was a Postmaster, so a potential mistake could have made big problems--for me, or worse, for a customer)

It still waxes and wanes, but nothing near what it was those last few months I kept trying to hang on to a sinking ship.

I agree with the others: the evaluation first, before making any irrevocable decisions! Keep us posted!

My cog fog improved dramatically once I retired, and then again it is improving even more now that I have stopped my DMD. I am making an effort to cut back on so many meds. I feel snowed under.

I would speak to your neuro and ask for opinions. :hug:

Thanks for the input, gang. I've already had the psych testing. It showed that I was in the "normal" range for my age and MS.

I also was able to get cognitive therapy. They try to teach you tricks to remembering things, but I was only approved for three visits, it wasn't very helpful. I couldn't keep reinforcing the tricks, and now, two months later, I 'm starting over.

I have short term and long term memory issues, and my boss expects me to remember why I did something a particular way a year ago. I don't even remember doing the thing!

I'm just at such a loss. I know I can keep working, just not in law maybe, but I don't know. I can't tell a prospective employer that I can do the job, then get hired and find I have the same problem? What then? I won't get DI, I'm not that impaired, and only impaired on some days.

This really stinks, Catch. I've been there. :hug: I realized I was not capable of doing my job long before my boss was. I was a payroll clerk/secretary/clerical everything for a utility company.

Does your firm offer long-term disability? You should check out your options in case you have to retire. Can you work part-time somewhere?

In my case I knew couldn't work anywhere anymore. I just felt like I was not reliable at all. I always worked above an beyond the call of duty, it.'s just my nature. I really don't know what I would've done if I didn't have long-term disability. I do miss working a lot though.

Good luck :hug:.

hi catch,

i've had some memory problems too, mostly short term.
my neuro put me on Namenda. it's off label for MS, it's an alzheimer's drug.
but it has helped some with my memory.

i'm still fairly forgetful tho.
would keeping some kind of notebook be helpful?

maybe you could discuss this again with your dr. tell him your job is at stake.
it's usually easier to find a job while you have a job. ask yourself what you would LIKE to do. take an assessment of your experiences and skills. maybe then you could figure out what you'd like to look for.

So Glad I found this thread!
 

I just went through neuro-psych testing and do have issues - not side effects of meds, not a string of bad days . . . I had to face it.

I had a melt down in July and just couldn't think - It was really scary. The testing just confirmed my fear. I am applying for Long Term Disability now.

I really hope that with some rest and a better schedule my brain will recover somewhat. I am a type-A personality and I can bearly stand not having control of my brain!! :eek:

:hug: as I said before, it was very hard to retire for me, but once I did I couldnt believe the change. I got my brain back. I got some energy back. it did take a while, but it worked. I wouldnt go back to working now because of how far I had fallen.

Feel better. :hug: