Memory Loss
 

Since I have last posted on here, I seem to be struggling with memory loss.

I have to say... i'm starting to think it is one of the scarier symptoms of PCS.
I wanted to create this thread for people to share the experiences with memory loss as a result of PCS, whether minor or severe.

Lately, I have spurts that feel scary. In my last example, I saw a friends name in my phone and did not who she was. This happened this morning, but than all of a sudden it just hit me randomly in the afternoon who she was. Ive known her for years.

For me, comparing stories helps me feel less alone.
Has anyone experienced memory problems since dealing with PCS?

I have these memory issues frequently. Have had them for a decade. The usual cause is a struggle to focus due to over-stimulation. Sometimes, I will wake up with a dysfunctional memory due to getting poor sleep.

I can look at a person or their name and not have a clue. When it finally clicks, I am 'duh' because I usually have known them for ages.

With PCS, we often need to develop new memory accessing skills. The old instant recall memory skills just do not work. Learning how to clear the clutter from our mind is the first step. Then, we can see the memory we are looking for.

Since many of us struggle with memory, maybe a better focus for this thread would be "How do others process finding memories. "

I know that sometimes, I need to let go of the memory find effort and switch to something else. Just at the transition point of letting go, the memory may just pop to mind. It is like I am using peripheral vision to find the memory.

The only problem with this method is sometimes, I will forget what I am trying to find in my memory if I transition too far.

Does this make sense to any of you?.

Yes memory loss is a big problem for me. I started to read a book on concussions and haven't made it very far becuase I have to keep re-reading things over due to forgetting it.

I have had days where i start something like laundry and then notice the cat needs food so I go to feed him and then notice the trash is full and needs to be emptied and on and on. By the end of the day, nothing really got done!

My kids and hubby say I ask the same questions several times but I have no idea I already asked it. Very frustrating and scary!!!!

I too suffer from this. I feel "stupid" when it happens. This past week I went to dmv to register a car and when I went to fill out the form with my name and address I just sat there staring at the form. It was as if I didn't know what it was asking or I couldn't process it? I also often forget to turn my car off when I get out of it luckily the times that has happened my bf was with me. I just got out of the car and walked away. He turned it off grabbed the keys and locked it. I forget to pick my sister up from school even if I'm reminded 20 minuets before I need to leave. And the worst for me is I'll be in middle of a sentance or story and forget what I'm talking about as I'm talking about it. I'm ready to give up explaining things and I try not to talk about how my day went cuz when I do it makes no sense cuz its so jumbled and cuz of how often I stop and ask the people I'm talking to what I was talking about. Its embarrasing and so annoying I get put down from it. And it scares me so much. I'm waiting for the day I wake up and forget what I have to do that day or who the people are in my life. I understand there's a slim chance of that happening but I'm waiting for it. I put all events and reminders in phone. I have my anaversary with my bf in my calander with the date and stuff. He gets upset about it but I'm so worried I'll forget that too just like so many other things.

Re:
 

Mark, while this may sound odd: do your memories for people ever "vary"?

I experienced something new that was a bit scary. Yesterday, I knew exactly who my friend Nick was. When he came to visit me again today this morning, I could only remember random things about him. It eventually all "clicked" later in the evening, but someone had to remind me (during his visit), who he was fully.

Does this ever happen to you? I feel really defeated that yesterday I knew completely who he was, yet this morning when I saw him, all I could remember was some isolated things (that me and him took a trip to North Carolina 2 years ago to see his family).

It makes me feel so dumb. Do you (or anyone else) -- have ANY ideas how this is even possible?

I think you are dealing with poor sleep. It can make the early part of the day troublesome.

The confused memories are because your brain is trying to catch up from not getting proper restoration from the day before.

I suggest you try to get someone to observe you sleeping. Your breathing is the critical issue.

Did you have stressful dreams last night or this morning? They can be a sign of cerebral ischemia (lack of blood flow and oxygen to the brain).

The day to day changes can be extreme if your brain struggles to get good restorative sleep.

I know this because I have been dealing with sleep problems for 11+ years. My wife can predict my day by how she sees me sleeping in the morning when she gets up.

I would not worry about these memory struggles as a long term issue. Once you get back to getting good sleep, they should be rare.

btw, You can avoid the previous post being quoted by using the POST REPLY button on the lower left.


My best to you.

Processing finding memories.
 

Mark, I like your idea about re-focusing this thread on how others process finding memories.

Does anyone else do this? I am so new to all of this, i'm not even sure how to train my brain to consider these methods.

My memory lapses are dreadful, it takes me about 4 walks from lounge to kitchen and back to get everything I need. The most disturbing example of what you're experiencing is the day I ended up looking for one of my cousins on facebook to see how she was. Four hours later I was distraught when I remembered that she had died of breast cancer 4 years ago and could not believe that I had such a memory blank.
I have reminders on my phone for everything and make notes and let my family know what I need to remember.

A good memory trick is to say the things you are trying to remember. I have very little visual memory. If I come to a stop sign with uncontrolled traffic crossing, I will look to the left and see the cars, look to the right and see the cars. Now, I have already forgotten what was on my left.

I overcome this by, when I look to the left, once it is clear, I will repeat to myself, "Clear on the left" as I turn to look to the right. I can combine the audio memory of the left with the visual memory of the right and make a safe decision.

If you need to go get something, say " Get my purse and cell phone from the car." Changing the 'in your mind only' idea to a verbal idea can be a big help.

I also need to not hide things too much. I will have no idea where I put them. I keep my cell phone on a lanyard around my neck.

My wife sent me a picture in an email of a desk plaque that says, "Please don't clean up my mess. You'll confuse me and screw up my world."

She commented, Sound like someone we know, :o)

I also will look around a room saying the names of things I see in my head to spur my brain into finding a lost word I need to say. Think of it as shuffling the cards to see if you can find the card you want if it is in a different order.

Speech therapists teach some memory coping skills. I learned my on my own.

PCS and Memory
 

I have had memory loss too. My friend asked me today what I did yesterday and I did not know. I often forget what my kids are doing after school--they used to remind me by text but I put my cellphone through the wash. I couldn't find my cellphone for a few days, and that was why. I like the idea of wearing around my neck with a lanyard. Mark you are very wise--thank you for all of your ideas. Now, they verbally remind me in the morning.

I did not have a good memory before, and it is certainly worse now. I am also peri-menopausal so that is a contributing factor as well. Not sure how to tell which is causing what, but I keep my to-do list very short each day.