Yup thats one of my issues. For example I love reading. But now its severely limited because I have trouble after a while focusing and I forget some of the story. Like im fine with the main story and main character, but minor chacters and minor substories or easy to spot plot twists I now have trouble with. Ill often find myself wither taking notes, or going back pages to reread stuff. My comprehension of it seems fine though

I have the same problem. I gave up trying to read fiction. I lose track of the characters. These are issues you need to note in a journal.

Kev,

Have you called any WC attorneys yet.

Not yet Mark. Im severely strapped on cash, but I do have one in mind that I have limitedly spoke with for now.

Also I am keeping a journal of this per order of the therapist.

Im having some definite anxiety over this testing though. I just want to do well so I can go back to work.

You don't need cash to hire a WC attorney. They get paid by the WC system. Plus, they all offer an initial review of your case with no strings attached.

Ok thank you.

Is it normal to feel anxious for this particular test?

Can you share some of your memory work-arounds... I am beginning to think more and more that my memory is not going to come back and that I am going to have to come up with work-arounds... This has been a VERY depressing thought since I have ALWAYS had a great memory!

sarah,

Tell me about the situations where you have memory struggles. I will tell you how I handle those situations. For example, if I am using the stove, I turn the timer on for 5 minutes if I need to walk away so it will buzz and call me back to the stove if I forget.

Like Mark, before my injury I didn't need any memory aids. I shopped without a list, never missed an appointment and memorized contact information effortlessly. Yeah, I was a bit of a freak.

As a result I had never developed basic skills, like keeping a scheduler, making lists, etc... After my TBI, I was a babe in the woods - and a complete disaster. Fortunately, I had a therapist who really helped me find workarounds for my memory issues.

As Mark said, let us know your specific deficits. If it's one we've had to address, maybe our little tricks will help you.

Agreed. Willing to help teach you workarounds that my therapist has taught me so far.

Evidently im really good at chunking.

I seriously struggle with word recall, especially when I get flustered. Honestly there were not many debates, on subjects that I was well versed, that I would turn down... Now I find myself walking away and being upset with people because I know that they are wrong but I can not debate because I can not come up with a stream of words that will last long enough to get my point across.

When I do stop to search for a word i can not look at the person while I am doing it... I have to shut my eyes and I am sure I seem extremely rude.

Like Hockey said... I could shop with out a list, I had phone numbers in my head and could recall on a dime... I knew where everything was and could articulate where it was even if it was, I wan the black shirt that is third form the top in the drawer that is to the left of the sock drawer (example)...

I have signed my maiden name to checks, and doctors records... I have been married for 10 years...