Frustration with memory and how to cope,,,
 

I have been having horrible memory problems. I forget what I say... I think I am saying one thing but I actually said another... I repeat myself over and over and over again and it gets my brother and family so mad and frustrated at me because its annoying. I have been trying so hard, and have no idea how to go about this situation. I have explained that my memory is not there... but it still aggravates them which just makes me sad and makes me cry because I know its my fault for causing the problem and tension and messing up the plans or what they wanted to do because of what I said or didnt say... anyone have anything?? Its hurting my heart so bad to see me frustrate so many people around me, and it makes me not want to go anywhere or hang out with anyone because I sound like an idiot talking. Help.

Hi Hannah,

I'm really sorry but I don't have any advice :(! I did want to say though that you are not alone, memory problems is a big side effect of RSD. I have it and it is really frustrating and gets me angry!

I'm studying for my big exams now (have one tomorrow, already got 2 down and have 3 more to go). One of the tasks I have to do to pass the exams is remember 16 poems that I may have to write about in an essay. My tutor has already gone through them LOTS of times but even now, I still can't remember them fully, or often get one poem confused with another! Soo frustrating and i'm scared that if I don't remember them, i'll not get a good grade :(!

My teacher thinks i'll do OK ... i've had good marks in my coursework which counts towards my exam so hopefully that should increase the marks.

I've had memory problems since getting RSD. Mentioned them to my doctor several times but he says theres nothing he can think of that could help :(! It's soo frustrating when I forget where i'm going, what days I have school / exams, when i'm meant to be seeing my boyfriend or friends etc. I just want to be normal :(

Really sorry I can't offer much help or advice. Just know you aren't alone and that I and many others know how you feel!

Alison xx

On another thread, you mention that you get high doses of ketamine. Did you have these same memory issues before the ketamine treatments? I remember when I had surgery years ago, the anesthesia screwed up my memory for quite a while. That was before I had RSD.

I did not start having the memory problems until I had RSD for a few years, unless they were related to medication. Topamax, baclofen, neurontin and most pain meds can cause memory problems.

My advice is to look at what your treatment medications are first. You might find your answer there.

Alison,

thank you. I felt so alone yesterday and this is always the place that I turn to and it makes me feel not alone in this world. my doctor said the exact same thing... it just one of the yuck parts that come with RSD. I just dont know how to handle it with the people that are getting so frustrated with me. It makes it hard when i try to explain it, and i repeat myself a thousand times and talk in circles. I used to just brush it all off but now im starting to get frustrated and mad at myself for acting like this and its not even my fault. sigh...

Daylilyfan: Yes it was happening all before my ketamine. I have zero bad side effects to ketamine... i dont get nauseated, i dont get bad dreams, It just makes me sleep like a baby and helps alot with my pain. i am very fortunate. before I had ketamine my mind was lost and now its just getting worse worse the longer that I have rsd.

Dear Hannah...

You described my memory to a T!!!!! If it were left up to me I'd feed the dog multiple times a night... Never stop asking the kids about their homework or find where I leave anything, and can not finish my own sentences... I've kinda given up on the importance of my mindless issue and admit that I have a terrible RSD mind.... Why just the other day, I called our dog a terrible name...and I don't even know where that word came from or why it came out of my mouth....just everyone in the room heard me, so I passed it off and laughed...poor puppy!!

many Hugz to all!!!!!!

kathy

kathy!!!

you too!!! ahhhhha we are all in the mindless catagory. oi ya yoi. i was just in tears crying all day yesterday because I was so frustrated with everything and my mind was making matters way worse. I wanted to just go in the bedroom and leave everyone out so I didnt have to deal with it anymore, but I knew that was the wrong thing to do... so i beared it out... but just broke down after when I got home. thank you so much for making me feel not alone...

Oh Hannah....

you are no way alone.... You on the other hand are very okay..very good ... No way not alone.... I try to keep my mindlessness as Part of my journey with my RSD... And it's okay.. Like RSD is okay, as Its a journey I am meant to travel.... God grant me the patience to control the obstacles I can in my life and God grant me the patience to live my life with the obstacles in my life that I can not control...I understand how frustrating it is but try not to be too hard on yourself...we know why it happens and if any thing....try to laugh it off.... Mister RSD stinks!!!! You have us!!!

Hugz, kathy

Hannah, I have the same problem with my memory. I've noticed it alot lately

Thanks....I so appreciate this post.

i am never sure what to blame my brain f*rts on - the Topamax, Clonodine, ketamine, or RSD. Or Fiorcet, when I take that. Ugh...it's truly awful. and I work, which makes it worse. There are days that I just try not to talk to too many people because I feel so stupid. and I used to be so smart.

Fresh air makes things a little better, or maybe just makes me feel better. When things get too rough for me I head outside for a while for a change of scenery.

Xoxo. Sandy

Short term memory is a real problem
 

When I finally remembered that I couldn't remember the things I forgot, that's when I took action and made some changes so I'd never miss an appointment, loose an address or forget anything else that I knew I'd need down the road. In 2002 I got my first Palm Pilot PDA (personal digital assistant) and have never looked back. Over the years I've constantly upgraded as tech got better and faster - and you know it works!

There are all sorts of wonderful devices we can store dates, people we know, grocery lists and just about everything else you can imagine in. My latest favorite is my Apple IPhone and the new IPad 2 that prove things just keep getting easier to use and with more capabilities than ever. There's always the first 3 to 6 months of learning and adjusting to this new way of keeping our little worlds organized, but I'll tell you it works. Even small simple organizers that cost less than $30 could probably make all the difference though the more capabilities your device has, the more you can enjoy not forgetting.

Short term memory loss is just part of RSD. It's darn hard to live with but there are ways to live with it. I know how much of a difference it's made for me this past 9 years and I'm betting it might help you too. Now go write this down so you don't forget it. I know I will.