[jbug]

When is it time to give up and let someone else care for you?

I sent my T an email last night and I don't know if she is going to respond to it. I don't know her policy on that yet. I just got her email address. I hope she calls me or emails me back.

Anyway life is getting very overwhelming right now and I am wondering if I need to give up and let some take over for awhile...meaning should I go to the hospital?

Today I was in the grocery store and when I got outside I couldn't remember where I parked (no biggie that happens all the time) but what really scared me was for a moment I forgot what my car looked like. I was just standing there trying to remember. In last few days I can never remember if my cat is inside or outside I always have to go check. I have called my pdoc about the forgetting and he doesn't seem to concerned so should I be concerned?

How do you know if you need to give up?

Jbug

[Junerain]

I wouldn't call going to the hospital 'giving up..' it's a great resource!! Maybe it's just because we have one of the leading hospitals in my town, but I have got such great care there!! You can get your meds adjusted while in a safe environment, which it sounds like you might need to, you can bond with the other patients (my favorite part) you can do art therapy, music therapy, just relax!! If you're checking YOURSELF in, you can go prepared- with books, quarters to make calls, pictures for the walls, a deck of cards, lots of clothes....and the focus can be on YOU again, taking care of YOU...you know I do the same thing only it's while I'm waitressing and cannot ever remember putting the order in....quite scary when dealing with customers...if life is overhwelming, and the thought of the hospital cam to mind, that's a sign, right? write back- love junerain

[jbug]

I think I will give my pdoc's office a call and speak with his nurse. That way he will know how the weekend went and get her impression on why the forgetfulness. I swear I am losing my mind.

If I do have to go to the hospital I don't know what I will do with my cat. I can't take him with me and he only goes potty outside. I guess I could have a neighbor look in on him but I would miss him terribly.

Jbug

[Perna]

I'd take things a little slower for a bit, write things down? I often don't quite remember where I've parked and what car I have, etc. I think some things aren't "worth" remembering very hard or worrying about and writing them down if forgetting them frustrates one is the way to go for a bit?

I know they have those clean/dirty tags for dishwashers because people can't remember or figure out whether the dishes in there have been washed yet or not? Get or make something like that for the cat and put it on the door? My husband routinely can't "find" one of our cats on a 10 x 12 foot porch with huge windows and locks it out on the porch at night. I have to physically look for the cats and make sure both of them are around There's nothing wrong with his memory at all, either! It's just not that high on his list of priorities of things to remember!

When you let the cat out, repeat out loud that you've let the cat out (so you hear it in addition to just thinking it) and look around when you park the car, at the car in relationship to the store/door, or how far you're from a light pole with a specific sign, etc. Get your head to draw a mental picture of the car and its parking space. If you "care" you're more likely to remember, no matter what memory problems you are likely to have, whether they be meds, stress, or whatever related.

[jbug]

Those are good ideas Perna.

I will have to break out the cardstock and get to creating. The forgetfulness is just like the icing on the cake. Its the latest thing that is bothering me.

I guess I am still waiting on my fairy godmother to come wave her magic wand and for me to be ok.

Jbug

[sunrise]

jbug, I'm sorry life is so hard for you now.

I think you should talk with your regular doctor about your memory troubles. He/she will have a bigger picture than your pdoc. There are lots of causes of memory loss--declining hormones for women, alzheimers, growing older, etc. Plus, if you are taking any medications, these could influence your memory. I was very depressed for some time, and my memory during this period was terrible! This went on for a few years and I attributed it to getting older. Well, when I finally overcame my depression, my memory improved so much! So if you are at all depressed, I urge you to work on that and maybe your memory will improve too. Also, getting enough sleep each night is very important for memory. The brain does not function well without enough sleep.

I think the question about whether to give up or not is a serious one. Can you discuss with your therapist before making a decision? Hang in there and TC.

[lauren_helene]

Jbug, are you still taking Topamax? I ask because it wreaked havoc with my memory big time and word choices, thoughts etc.

This could be why your having some of these issues if you still take it.

[jbug]

Yea I am still on Topamax...LOL I had to go check. I see my GP on Thursday and will mention it to him then.

I think I said earlier that I emailed my T yesterday but I didn't get any response. I guess cuz I didn't tell her to respond she didn't. I guess I am a bit disappointed she didn't just call on her own though and see how I was doing but then again she isn't a mind reader so next time I should instruct her on how to respond.

My pdoc's nurse said she'd call me tomorrow with what my pdoc has to say about the whole situation. So should be interesting.

Jbug

[lauren_helene]

I know Jbug, I have often hoped T would call me and check on me after difficult sessions or whatever. Wishful thinking...

Definitely talk about Topamax because honestly I was lost driving, losing my keys, and other stuff all the time. Not anymore!

Take it easy

[Merlin]

I'd be inclined to trust my psychiatrist's judgement

[jbug]

I will let you guys know what Dr. H has to say about treating me right now. I am wanting to assume things are gonna be ok because his nurse didn't call me tonight and say Dr.H wants you to go to the hospital so maybe I won't have to go.

My mom's solution to the problem is send me on a drug holiday and then slowly add meds back. She thinks I'm on too many meds....I will address this tomorrow when the nurse calls.

Jbug

[lauren_helene]

Yes let me know what they say...

[jbug]

When the nurse called to let me know what the doctor said I forgot to address the fact my mom wants me in the hospital. I was sleeping when the nurse called and I wasn't prepared.

When she called she told me that the doc is switching one of my meds. I going to their office tomorrow for therapy and to get my shot and will pick up the samples of the med Dr. H wants me on. Of course I can't remember what it is just what they are switching out. I am to stop taking the one med tonight and starting tomorrow am to start the new one.

I plan on talking to my T about the fact my mom wants me in the hospital tomorrow.

Jbug