Hi Debbie,

In the period following my arm break, I was sent to OT as well as PT. They did indeed work on memory (serious memory testing with cards and stuff), it was all very interesting - I was extremely impressed with the range of challenges they were working on, and in truth I hadn't a clue before I went there quite what they did, apart from teach you to relearn specific motor/physical skills if you were in rehabilitation.

It was through the OT experience that I discovered I responded much better on a lower dose of neurontin than was being prescribed at the time, and my memory scores improved significantly once I'd had the dose adjusted.

Anyway, this is what Wikipedia says about OT:

"Interventions used by occupational therapists to achieve greater independence by clients include rehabilitation of neuropsychological deficits (memory, attention, complex reasoning), motor function, sensory function (vision, perception of touch), interpersonal skills (e.g. social skills). The medium of treatment usually involves the use of purposeful activities, which have some meaning and relevance to clients' lifestyle (these are also called 'occupations' and include routine behaviors associated with work, leisure and self care.) Occupational therapist also work in the field of mental health.

Another important area of intervention is by means of environmental manipulation to maximize ability (such as environments for wheelchair users) or afford the desired behaviors (e.g. set up the environment so that it contains cues to compensate for memory impairment).

Occupational therapists might work in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, school, outpatient clinic, or in the client's home as in home health. Some occupational therapists also conduct research to assess new techniques, rate the effectiveness of existing services and investigate other areas into which occupational therapy might be beneficial. Additionally, there are some non-traditional roles such as consulting with lawmakers and doing home accessibility modification and ergonomic assessments of work environments."

all the best

It seems there is not a clear line between the speech therapist and OTs when it comes to working with memory- Hay but the more the better! Its not a battle between OT & ST- we can work together- as with any disiplines -it depends on the individuals...

Debbie

This memory thing for me drives me nuts. I put my sweet n low container up in Nov after Bill passed and still have not found it. Last week I bought a jar of sugarfree jelly and I put the jar up and have not found it at all. I went to the store yesterday to buy another jar and forgot to get it. I can write things down and forget to take my list with me. I write things on the calender and forget to look at it.

At times I think my mind is getting better and others I think I'm getting worse.

Forget concentration. I cannot concentrate on a book or article long enough to read a few pages. When someone is talking to me I am only half listening.

If someone is here with me I sat and just think that I wish they'd leave so I can be alone. I donot like being around people. I can't keep my mind on what they are talking about.

Ada

I've had RSD for 8 years now, but and have definitely noticed some of the impairments you all describe. I do not seem to suffer as much, though - and I wonder whether that's due to the fact that I've been treated for severe ADD since I was 8.

When I don't take my ADD meds, I can't concentrate, hold a thought pattern, engage with people well...anything. I wonder now how much of that is my RSD and how much is my ADD!

I thought for the longest time that I might have ADD but the Drs. have said no to that one. IT apparently goes with the RSD.

Ada

I have noticed my own lack of ability to concentrate since I have been diagnosed. I believe some of it is due to our medication but I think the brain has been overwhelmed with pain receptors in addition to normal thought processes. I am making notes for my "to do list" so I don't forget; have handed my checkbook balancing duties to my husband, and generally force myself to concentrate on whatever is immediate. I live with my calendar in hand. This is a terrible disease; it is almost like dress rehearsal for Alzheimers

wow...it's not only me.....i try to explain to others that my brain is working,when i try to talk,but somehow the connection is not making it to my mouth..i start to talk and the words just don't come out or they come out all wrong...feel foolish and go back to being quiet and just listen and fade into the backround..
i havae to check 3-4 times for where i put things..car keys,pocketbook..sometimes leave house and have to return home to take off slippers and put shoes on...
use to read at least 2-3 books a week..now i read the same words over and over,then the sme sentence..reading is no longer enjoyable anymore(add it to the list)
i write everything down..all the time..even the smallest of things these days--so afraid i will need the info at some point and won't remember it..
been in a really bad,bad place lately...trying to fight the depression and pain from taking over--not helping--
wish so many others wouldn't depend on me to always be there--but they do--can't let anymore people i love down--i am trying so hard.. feel like i am failing..
my great friend just had a baby girl****such a beauty**** so proud of her to have so much strength (she is mostly on her own--baby's father out of state and out of mind) i am trying to be strong for her and help her as much as i can--phone calls--at least 20x's daily...she wants me to be her god-mother...can i accept knowing i am unable to function most of the time??? sorry this has gotten very long...
wish my dark thoughts would ease up some...losing what little sanity i have left...........sorrry-----linda

Just wanted to post a quick aside here - I know how careful we all have to be about supplements and such, but have any of you tried Fish Oil and/or Flaxseed Oil?

It's basically just an Omega-3 supplement - similar to drinking a glass or two of red wine.

Anyway, Omega-3's were recommended to me by my doctor. Although the studies have been inconclusive on many subjects, omega-3's have been shown to promote cardiovascular (emphasis on the vascular) health and to aid neurological function. They aid in the repair of damaged cells, and have been shown to have effect in treating everything from Huntington's to bipolar disorder.

As for me - when I increase my intake (I take supplements and drink red wine), I notice that I'm more likely to maintain a positive outlook, have an easier time staying focused, and my circulation improves. None of these effects are drastic, but they are definitely noticeable.

Again, taking supplements can be problematic depending on your specific medicines and medical conditions, but it might be something to talk to your doctor about.

Best!

Me too, despite my 30 mg. of Namenda a day.

When HubbyWithRSD put up the thread CNN Report - Has everyone seen this? [http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...d.php?t=12819] I realized that I had no memory of seeing it!

This I lay personally credit to my Baclofen, which is a pity because it's the best anti-cramping/spasm medication I've taken yet.

Mike

I was thinking also that this memory loss and concentration problems could be due somewhat to the depression we go through with these illnesses. I think most everyone on here deals with depression due to the pain. Could this attribute to the memory loss and lack of concentration.

I am still looking for my jar of sugarfree blackberry jelly. I have torn the kitchen apart and I am beginning to wonder if I didn't throw it away. I am such a mess anymore.

I am anxious to see if the VNS will help with these problems as well as the depression.

Ada