I lost my nursing career because of what I call "bipolar brain-fade". I don't know whether it's the disease or the meds used to treat it---maybe it's a combination of both---but my short-term memory is crap and I don't see it coming back. I am on a high dose of Lamictal and two anti-psychotics, any and all of which can contribute to cognitive difficulties.

I haven't read a book since 2011. I used to be a voracious reader, but now I lack the attention span required to read a book and I forget what I read anyway. I can't retain new knowledge so I really appreciate having lived long enough to have a past upon which I can draw for wisdom. This does NOT help with job situations where I have to learn new skills, however. I lost my last one because I could not learn their computer system or memorize large amounts of material.

I get along fairly well, though, because I use Post-it notes for everything I have to remember, like phone numbers and reminders for appointments and such. I do better when I write things down---it seems to help make the connection for me if I physically write something on a piece of paper.