[SpaceCadet]

One of my main struggles is not having the ability to retrieve information that is stored in my brain. The memory/info is there but it can't be pulled up without a queue. This makes it hard for me to make conversation with people because I just don't know what to say next. I'm a much better talker when other's pick the subject or remind me of something we did in the past.

How do I get better at retrieving information?

One more thing I noticed is my short term memory isn't transferring to long term like it should be. I know this is supposed to take place overnight but when I wake up, there is really nothing there from yesterday. If it wasn't for my girlfriend reminding me what someone said or what happened the day before, I would be in a lot of trouble.

My apologies for not talking much on here. I'm still in the process of putting my life back together. Looking for a job that I can handle, I have a baby on the way and I'm still looking for that one doctor who will understand me (or at least try to). I hope all is well with you and Godspeed in your recoveries.

Nick

[Mark in Idaho]

Nick,

I find I have this same struggle the most when there are more than one other voice in the room or conversation. It puts too much strain on me to be spontaneous in conversation. I CAN NOT chit chat. I do not have an ability to talk abstractly. When people are just making conversation rather than discussing ideas of substance, I have to just back away and listen.

There is an old adage.

Simple people talk about people.
Smarter people talk about things.
Wise people talk about ideas.

Rather than feeling inadequate, gauge whether the conversation is important.

[rmschaver]

I frequently work at crossword puzzles, soduku, cryptographic puzzles. Any puzzle pretty much. Somedays I do OK and others not so much. The nueropsych I saw gave me the recommendation to use a day runner with a week at a glance view with a smart phone to augment my memory deficit.

I also use a note pad and write in it frequently things I want to remember. I use the timer function in my phone to prompt me to look at the notebook. Its not as tedious as it sounds once you are in the habit.