Danny, I doubt that you've lost the skill. Think of it as temporarily AWOL.
You're not alone. Sometimes it just is all too overwhelming on the senses.
I shut down when it gets too much.
In fact I have a headache right now from overload. It's that brick like foggy feeling between the ears.

I find it easier to write, too. It gives me time to order my thoughts, find words and eliminate repetition. I also don't ssssstutter on paper.

When it comes to appointments I, like Mark, write down what I hope to cover. I also take notes of what the other person says.

In casual conversations, I ask a question or two and then let the other person talk. People seem to like that.

Hi Hockey,

I am now constantly trying to remedy my new state of "disorganization."

Yes, I also use a list or an outline of what needs to be covered in appointments. Notes, too. I have an ongoing file of notes/info from each specialist.

I use lists at home, as well, or I will forget what I need to be doing.
I have found a dry-erase board helpful for daily reminders.
I also use a notebook for lists of tasks needing to be done and prioritize the list by "this week" and then "today" each day. I am trying to get over the sense of apathy and get tasks done.

I'd read a short and helpful book many years ago and still have it on hand. The book, The One Minute Manager, is written by Kenneth H. Blanchard. Ph.D. and Spencer Johnson, M.D. I was working in business management then and it was a part of our ongoing training. This book has been around for approx. 20+ years now.

Lists, lists and more lists.

DejaVu

Hi Danny,

I feel Lara is "right on."

I had also thought I had lost many types of skills permanently, as recovery has dragged on. This was a frightening and a discouraging thought. I had gotten very depressed and still try to cope with the ongoing depression. I have, over the past two years, recovered some skills. (Originally, I could not even look at a computer screen and did not do so for over 6 months.)

Hopefully, we can have self-compassion to the same degree we'd extend to anyone else in the same circumstance.

I have found it helpful to truly take it one day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time. I still do this.

Warmly,
DejaVu

I have a bit of a time on the phone now...don't always answer, I call back when ready.

I can have a short string on conversations. If I can sense a lengthy one I will avoid the person or call, if not I usually zone out after 10 minutes or so, if it is family I work at staying present and can in most cases.

Bud

Wow this really struck a chord with the community! Another symptom that seems to be very common for those recovering from brain injury. It's an extremely frustrating one as I would like to be able to converse normally every once in a while. For some reason texting is easier on my brain these days.

Thank you all for your support and suggestions. It's nice to know that there's hope, even for particular symptoms.

I will begin making lists of information to go over at my appointments. I was doing that before but I guess I never really used them at my neuro (he's not the best) so I discarded the idea. I currently try to make to-do lists for my days to feel some sense of accomplishment.

Do you find that you need to lay down now more than before and do you find yourself unable to wake up so easily as before?

Wiix,

Maybe you should start a thread about your question so you can be more specific.

Hi Wiix,

Yes! To both!

I need short naps during the day.
I have interrupted sleep at night and a tough time getting up in the morning.
I keep trying to be more active during the day, hoping I will sleep better at night. Yet, I seem to be sleeping with one eye open at night, hyper-vigilant.

I don't know how much of my current sleeping disorder is PTSD, PCS and/or depression at this point. I am working on all of the angles, hoping to improve.


DejaVu

Yes, Danny! You did a great service for all by posting your concerns.
I hope each day shows you improvement, in even some small way!


DejaVu