[jewel2560]

I am on so many medications, especially benzos don't help, and I've noticed in the last year my memory has gotten much worse. My memory has been bad for years, but now I find I cannot remember anything without a visual reminder.

I have always used to do lists, but last week I had about 12 notepads with all different reminders on them, who can look at 12 lists in a day!?!?

Some say take out the trash, puppy bath, shower....I don't do it unless I see it there because my short term memory causes me to forget, and with these things you'd think I'd remember right? Wrong.

I don't even remember to take my morning or night meds unless they are in the place that I take them so I can see them there. If they are moved, then well I have an issue for a few days which happened this week.

And this does include fun things too, not just chores.

I assume I am not the only one with this problem. Does anyone have any solutions for me? Any tips that could make any of this easier since I have no short term memory anymore? Please!!!

Big orange post it notes. I put them everywhere. I take Xanax for Parkinson's and anxiety. Not sure which one is robbing my brain , probably both. I tried list but would forget were I put them or just forgot to read them period. Also use my cell phone alarm to help me remember when to take meds. Hope this helps

[Travelinglady]

I have the same problem. Fortunately my husband helps me out a lot. I keep a small calendar and a big calendar in which I write all my appointments and activities. I agree that it does help to keep things in sight. And do something when you think of it, because you might forget later.

[shezbut]

jewel,

I can definitely relate! No fun at all Some of my big helpers have been:

~ Using a weekly medication carrier. My nurse comes once a week and fills each day: morning, noon, supper, and bedtime. I have had to fill it myself a week here and there, but I do best with the nurse doing it for me honestly.

~ I keep my medication carrier in the same spot every day. And the medications that fill it are in the cabinet above. I pull out my day's and carry it with me, then put it back after I take my bedtime pills & usually put the next day's pills into my purse.

~ I keep a daily journal beside my bed to write appointments, my ex-hub's working schedule (days that I'll have my daughters), and very brief instructions to myself. The journal is only a 5x7, so I can't write as much as I want or need to, but it's the best that I could do.

~ Keeping your house in the same order will really help you get into the habit of keeping your keys here, purse there, journal there, and so forth.

~ Putting up a couple of post-it notes may help, but I wouldn't advise going beyond 2 or 3 (tops!). Otherwise, it's too much information for you brain to process and you won't see it. So, make sure that the post-it's you're putting up are really important and effective for you!

~ Rather than post-it notes, I have a Christmas tree decoration hanging in my room 365 days a year. HOPE That's an important reminder for me. I also have a laminated 3x5 card listing Thinking Strategies to help me through the effects of my traumatic brain injury.

Figuring out if you have specific areas that you struggle with could be helpful in determining what Thinking Strategies would be most helpful for you to remind yourself of whenever you need to slow down and think.

I worked with an Occupational Therapist at a TBI treatment center for over a year 2 separate times. Getting myself accustomed to these new techniques wasn't easy. It did take some time, but I was able to do it, which was pretty amazing to me! I do recommend checking into local services to see if you qualify for some assistance to make your daily life easier to manage. Very best wishes to you!

Department of Human Services | TBI Fund - the New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury Fund

[Nicks_Nose]

Hi, Jewel. Do not worry, you are not alone. I have the same issue with zopiclone (Lunesta in the USA) and topiramate or Topramax. Both meds contribute to memory loss and I feel so embarrassed when I cannot recall simple facts or names or even what I went into a room to do. I feel your pain, hun.

[Maven]

I have the same problem, which I was attributing to the drugs I'm on. I write down almost everything I want to do or get, because I am likely to forget. But then, I've forgotten to read my lists of reminders! Or I just get lazy about it.

While I still think my pills have a lot to do with my memory problems, just yesterday on Dr. Oz, they were talking about something that made me concerned, because if they're telling the whole truth, memory loss (as well as tremors and some other health issues) could be caused by the amalgam fillings in my mouth. I have many. I've had them for many years, and that worries me. I try not to get too worked up, because I know these TV shows want to get everyone to freak out and even buy products from them and companies they endorse, but if it's a real problem, I want to fix it.

[Trippin2.0]

I know how you feel Jewel its a one hellava horrible when your memory's no better than a goldfish'!

Cellphone reminders are a lifesaver for things that need to be done daily, like take meds.

Since I quit my meds my working/short term memory is back at full capacity, (so it definitly was not caused by my fillings) but I have permanent gaps in my long term memory. Its very upsetting and I hope that you don't have the same problem

[jazelle401]

There are some good ideas in this thread. I had not thought to set cell phone reminders. That would be really helpful.

I too have memory problems. I tend to leave things out so I don't forget that I want to do something and write many notes for myself, but often lose them. Because I leave things out, I end up with a mess that I have to clean up, but never seem to get to unless I know someone is coming over to my house.

It sometimes seems like an endless cycle.

[jewel2560]

I've been having the exact same issue, 12 notepads. Only visual reminders. It sucks. Sometimes in even say something and once I have I've forgotten it which is scary. I do still write on the pads, I do put things out so I see them, I write things on my wrist or on a post in if it is very important and phone reminders are great. I hope it gets better and you find what works for you#

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Gus1234U]

after i stopped grieving for the loss of my beautiful brain, memory included,, i began to make jokes about it. one of my favorites is: My memory is soooo bad that i forget my memory is bad!

i forget to look at notes, forget shopping lists,, forget to turn on my portable oxygen~! :O darn meds. my damage was permanent from 22 yrs ago. it has improved some, well actually quite a bit, as i now have some recall if i get enough clues or wait a while for "search program" to do its work.

i think my 'brain healing sound therapy' did help quite a lot, it's called Binaural Beats,,, and you can find various sound tracks online under that name. be sure to use stereo headphones if you listen to them. they are also sold as a progressive repair therapy by CenterPointe.com. don't be put off by the 'used car/snake oil' presentation of the seller, the sound tracks really do work~!

um, er, ooh yah,,, best wishes to everyone who forgets to remember

[TryingToMoveForward]

Not the only one with this problem, because this is me too. I posted in another area of the forum about my memory issues. I'm going to talk to my psychiatrist and maybe my PCP. See what can be done about this, because if its effect your life that much then it really is a serious problem.