how do i get past this?
 

When i was a child i had head trauma that triggered Epilepsy. Since then, i have been diagnosed with ADD and Depression as a teen, and i am consistently on medications and a lot more than when i was a child. I often have a horrible memory and it makes it hard for me to remember things and even think sometimes which makes studying hard, makes people think i am being ignorant, and selfish.

These memory blocks seem to contribute to delays of progression of success and doing important things. How do i overcome the memory thing? I do not want to be a failure, and want to be more self-sufficient, and i don't want those that i love to think i am being neglectful or rude when it is not the case.

Hi Twofish and welcome.

I had this problem while growing up as well and it took a lot of time and hard work to overcome. What I did was make copies of everything. Like my study sheets, I'd copy and fill out over and over until I had it memorized visually more than mentally.

Many medications, and especially with AED's can and do cause problems with your memory. Keeping a notebook handy, post it notes, etc. really helps. Also printing out information about Epilepsy, Brain Injuries and medications for your neurological conditions and sharing them with people who may question your memory (or anything else) could help them to better understand these things.

You will not be a failure, I barely made it through high school and once I self-trained my brain - I graduated college (twice). Don't give up, and don't be so hard on yourself.

You can find my story sharing post in this forum if you'd like some information about me.

Feel free to chat all you like here, I'd be happy to help in any way possible.

*Hugs*

Ellie

one of my studying problems is recently i memorized paintings and artist names for a test, but when the test came, i knew the pictures, and artists, but no longer could i put them together. there was a mental block and i failed the test.

My medications are an extended release version of Depakote with two 500 milligram tablets, some Primidone (i forget the dosage), sometimes Enderal (extended release also). What is interesting is Depakote is used against seizures and depression, seizures can be caused by being overtired, depakote can make a person tired, and sometimes i am very very depressed.

Hi Twofish,
Welcome to the forum! I started having seizures when I was 10 and just like you I had a hard time in high school especially when it came to doing a test. I was also on the same AED's as you are.
One thing that I did is take extra notes for myself and I would read them over and over which was a great help to me. I also found that I could concentrate better in a room with no noise.
Don't be so hard on yourself take a look at Elton John, he's had E. for many yrs. but he still made it big. I've had E. for 34 yrs. and I've been working as a teacher aide is special Ed. for 21 yrs. I never thought I would make it that far but I just told myself not to give up and I'm sure you won't either. Here's wishing you well and May God Bless You!

Sue

Twofish,

I have had epilepsy ever since I was 10, back at that time so lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggggggggggggg ago I was on dilanton and mysoline, with I had a hard time remember things for test in school. For the last few years since I was taken off those meds my memory has become better.

I agree with Ellie just don't give up. I keep looking at looking at other handicapes I don't feel so bad.

Welcome aboard.

Darlene;)

Hi Twofish and welcome!

I too suffered severe head injury as a child and have depression and Epilepsy.

Have you tried asking for accomodations in college due to your memory problems?

Julie

i took dylantin, tegratol, depakane, then now i am on depakote and primidone which is actually mysoline.

I do have an digital organizer, i guess maybe they will let me use it if i talk to the disability department.

i am not sure how it will work though if i forget to use it.

Look into Cognitive Remediation Therapy. It can be helpful in cases of brain injury caused by meds, trauma, etc. They will teach you different ways of remembering, studying etc.

My dd had this for about a year at age 12 or so. It really helped her get organized and begin to work on ways that helped her learn best.

Flash cards
 

Hello Twofish,

Don't ever give up on yourself. Ask your teachers for suggestions, they may have resources you have not considered. Have you tried making yourself flash cards? Words or phrases on one side, and the answers on the other side. I know that sounds so simple, but it does work.
I hope you find what works for you! Have a nice Thanksgiving and keep trying.


Cathy(Garney)

I second the flash cards. I passed medical terminology with a perfect score using flash cards.