I'm new here so sorry if this has been asked before but how do you cope with the daily distress of your symptoms? Especially when you live alone and have to do embarrassing things like fone a friend and ask how do you use your coffee maker coz you can't remember...or where do you usually put your keys coz their not on the hook?

Sorry if this seems a silly question to anybody but it's the sort of thing I frequently find distressing. So does anybody else live like this and how do you cope with the distress?

Thank you in advance to anyone who answers, sorry if this is posted in the wrong place...and peace & love to you all.

First, you need to come up with a routine for where you would like to
hopefully find your keys. And things like this.

I know that its hard but work on it. Maybe go have another set made
to keep in a safe place. Always try to put the extra set back after
using at home.

And when it comes to how to call someone and ask how to use household
items, this is part of your tbi, so maybe find a support group. This is
something were you need a person that can be used as a therapist
like that you can call for support. Maybe there are others going thourgh
the same thing that have already figured out how to solve these dilemnas.

I didn't have these kind of problems so I'm not good help on this one.

I am here to listen though. And there is no wrong place to ask as far
as I'm concerned.

Donna

Thank you Donna, that's a useful answer and thank you for taking the time.

My hubby has brain damage from seizures five years ago. He learned to accept it and doesn't feel so bad asking for help anymore. If you have loveable friends and family who understand it makes the world of difference doesn't it?

One thing Jim used and still does is a voice recorder. He lists things he needs to remember on it. Not to mention how useful it is to me when we go shopping so I don't forget either! You could list how to use the coffee machine and things like that when it happens. Then you would have something to help you instead of calling others?

I hope more come in to offer suggestions. We are here for you anytime. Shoot, come here when you forget something and I am sure there will be someone who can help you.

Sandy thank you, I never thought of using a voice-recorder. I've written it down so I don't forget to buy one. Thank you and take care.

Klamity, I use a tape recorder too and also keep a small pocket size notebook with me at all times, to write down any thoughts I don't want to lose or where I put something. Try writing out the instructions, when you can think of them, for the washer dryer, coffe pot, etc. I have had to make notes because I kept forgetting to put the clothes on the right load size. It has been a year for me and at the age of 65 now I also have some normal aging issues so I get double whammy sometimes.
My husband is afraid I am going to burn down the house while cooking when he is not home, so I am beginning to use the crock pot. At least it won't set the house on fire when I think I am cutting on the right eye on the stove and cut the wrong one. I also set a clock when I cook to remeind me I am cooking. If I am not looking at what I am doing like cooking or washing clothes I forget about it! Can't drive anymore either due to my attention span being so short driving. I look off the road and forget to look back at it! Whoops, that is not to safe. Gaye