newbie with short term memory loss

neonatal3 · Apr 28, 2008

Hello all,

I am a retired nurse who has had intermittent short-term memory loss for over five years. The development of memory loss and some associated mild cognitive impairment are the reasons why I was forced to retire a few years early. My goal is to use coping strategies and to be thankful for the many things I am still able to do.

One of my coping strategies for memory loss is to always keep pen and paper handy and to write down key words as instant reference. For example, when first starting to use this all nurses internet site, I carefully wrote down key words listed in the intro section for the steps to use this site. Then, I refer to my notes each time I use this site. In addition, if I want to post a reply, first I write down key words in the posting of interest.

Best wishes to you!

RedZeppelinRN · Apr 30, 2008

Hello all,
I am a retired nurse who has had intermittent short-term memory loss for over five years. The development of memory loss and some associated mild cognitive impairment are the reasons why I was forced to retire a few years early. My goal is to use coping strategies and to be thankful for the many things I am still able to do.
One of my coping strategies for memory loss is to always keep pen and paper handy and to write down key words as instant reference. For example, when first starting to use this all nurses internet site, I carefully wrote down key words listed in the intro section for the steps to use this site. Then, I refer to my notes each time I use this site. In addition, if I want to post a reply, first I write down key words in the posting of interest.
Best wishes to you!

I am having memory loss but have had a long standing depression. Taking medications probably doesn't help. Anyone else.

Red

Liddle Noodnik · May 4, 2008

I am having memory loss but have had a long standing depression. Taking medications probably doesn't help. Anyone else.
Red

DEFINITELY depression AND meds have effected my memory. It is frustrating because the way I see it "I used to be smart" and now I find myself in the "deer in the headlights" situation far too often - where I get CAUGHT not remembering something I should have (chuckle) more embarrassing than dangerous since I got myself out of nursing for now. Don't know if I will ever have that memory back, sigh... I'm on minimal meds right now and not too depressed and STILL having a bit of difficulty.

Good luck Red and all

RedZeppelinRN · May 4, 2008

DEFINITELY depression AND meds have effected my memory. It is frustrating because the way I see it "I used to be smart" and now I find myself in the "deer in the headlights" situation far too often - where I get CAUGHT not remembering something I should have (chuckle) more embarrassing than dangerous since I got myself out of nursing for now. Don't know if I will ever have that memory back, sigh... I'm on minimal meds right now and not too depressed and STILL having a bit of difficulty.
Good luck Red and all

How nice of you to reply. Thank you for confirming what I feel about meds. I had a pretty bad problem with panic. My pdoc has had me on a generic Klonipin for a couple of years. While beginning to heal I have found that not only does that med make me sleepy, .5 mg bid. As I have been feeling better, I have noticed some days I don't take it all, and some times just one .5 mg instead of .5 bid. I have found that the lessening of the the med, I don't feel as spacy, and my memory is better. I do take .5 sometimes when I get to feeling a little stressed, but it seems my mind is clearer and I don't sleep as much. This is rather encouraging for me, and I am starting to heal from the depression. Maybe you won't get the memory back, but I am finding that as I get better and not taking meds as often, at least my life at present is getting clearer and I am starting to remember more and I and I am more alert. Exercise and yoga help also. I read a lot about it, and I found one to be very good, "Self esteem." I always had a feeling that people were more powerful than I. And this book added a lot to my unreasonable feeling that "I was't good enough.

I'm not saying that I am against taking these meds when you need them, but I am pleased to find that my memory and concentration is getting better. But of course a lot of work went into this.

So you are out of nursing aso? I had such ambiguous feelings about nursing, because I had been out 10 years, and when I came back, I found nursing to be so much different. It seems like nursing is much less caring, and more mean. Now I think one of the reasons I am starting to heal is because I have removed myself from a very toxic work environment. It effects me financially, but you know what, I feel so much better and healthier now. Hang in there, and educate yourself all you can about depression. It really helps.

Red

sharona97, BSN, RN · May 4, 2008

Hi Red,

I found the same sorts of dispositions attempting to return to nursing as you described in your post. Uncaring and mean.

I too, am disabled and am working 7 years strong on my prgrams. Hoping I'll end up where I'm needed with co-workers who are compassionate about their work and are there for the cause of helping others.

Good luck!

Sharona

Hi Zoeeeeeeeeey! Smooch!

Liddle Noodnik · May 4, 2008

...I am pleased to find that my memory and concentration is getting better. But of course a lot of work went into this.
So you are out of nursing aso? I had such ambiguous feelings about nursing, because I had been out 10 years, and when I came back, I found nursing to be so much different. It seems like nursing is much less caring, and more mean. Now I think one of the reasons I am starting to heal is because I have removed myself from a very toxic work environment. It effects me financially, but you know what, I feel so much better and healthier now. Hang in there, and educate yourself all you can about depression. It really helps.
Red

I'm glad it is coming back! Yes it SURE IS a lot of work, oh my!

Out of nursing since Oct 2003 after fighting w/ severe anxiety and depression. Was on many different meds, have had a couple episodes of mania w/ hospitalizations ... pretty stable the last two years. However, so far I haven't felt like I was sharp enough to go back to nursing. Like maybe the anxiety and depression have healed enough for me to go, but my head just (bang bang bang:banghead: ) won't work well enough yet! It's frustrating!

What is the "self esteem" book, is that its title?

Thank you Red - you seem really neat - (I know people don't say that word anymore but it's the best I can do) and I think you will be ok. So what are you doing now? Or did I miss that part (it happens)?

Hi Zoeeeeeeeeey! Smooch!

Back atcha Sharona lol