Do you ever have one of those days where it seems like you've been busy all day... yet at the end of the day you look around and can't see that you've really accomplished anything?? You wonder what in the world happened to the day. What were you doing all day long? You remember starting several activities... You know you did something because you are very tired.
Let me tell you more about this disorder. But wait just a few minutes while I go get something to eat.
Hmmmm...before I do that, I need to check to see if there are any new posts on allnurses...
But wait...I better check my email first.
Now, where was I??????????
You get the idea...
Is it that we have too many things to do or get distracted too easily...or what?? Maybe we have lost a few brain cells as we've grown older. Who knows. One thing is for certain... whatever it is...it is definitely frustrating!!
We start wondering. Do I have dementia? Gee, I seem to be forgetting things more often... names of people...
I go upstairs to get something and by the time I get there, I forget what I have gone there to get.
I go to the grocery store for just a few items and don't take a list. I get there and for the life of me, I can't remember that last item. (At least I can remember where I parked the car.)
You start to tell a friend a story... You get part-way through, and you can tell by the look in your friend's eyes that they have already heard that story......from you.
Does this sound familiar???? Oh...sorry...I already asked that. I forgot.
Let me put your mind at ease. I got an email today that explains the entire thing. It has a diagnosis now. "Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder." I don't know if it will be covered under Obama Care or not. But at least it does have a name and it isn't fatal.
So watch this video for more information. Enjoy!!
Now I don't want anyone to think I am making light of true dementia or Alzheimer's disease. I realize those are serious conditions and are not funny at all. So please do not take any offense. This article is merely to let us laugh at ourselves for normal forgetfulness that happens to us.
How do you know if a spouse, parent, friend or loved one has memory issues that could signal the onset of Alzheimer's disease or if you need to seek medical advice? The Alzheimer's Association developed Ten Warning Signs that identify areas of concern surrounding memory versus the normal aging process. The warning signs are simple and straightforward and can be used by anyone. They do not need to be administered by a medical professional; however, having one or more of the warning signs should be followed up with an evaluation by a physician or other medical professional.
Ten Warning Signs:
Memory changes that disrupt daily life; missing a monthly bill payment is normal.
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Confusion with time or place; forgetting which day it is and remembering it later is normal.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
New problems with words in speaking or writing; sometimes forgetting which word to use is normal.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps; losing things from time to time is time is normal.
Decreased or poor judgment; making a bad decision occasionally is normal.
Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.
You know........I think I might lose a car like that. My car is taller so if I forget exactly where I parked my car, I just use my key fob to activate the lights. I think smaller/shorter cars like that one need a flag that rises up in the air when activated.
Isn't that one of those "smart cars"??????? Just like the "smart phones". Only as smart as the operators. My smart phone was pretty dumb so I traded it in for an iPhone. Much smarter.
Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.
I think I remember seeing a car just like that in the parking lot at the grocery store this weekend. Same color even. The license plate said "Elphaba" (for all fans of "Wicked," you'll get the humor in that). Maybe I just made it up or have forgotten? I can't quite tell for sure. (typing with one hand while writing a letter with the other).....
Yep, that's my smart fortwo. It's not 'smart' like a smart phone; it's smart in terms of fuel efficiency, interchangeable parts, and economical use of space.
God love you all who suffer CRS with me! CRS = can't remember sh*t ha!! The way I look at it is; when the oncoming RN comes in to relieve me. 9.5 out of 10 times. I have had such a crazy. busy shift. Taking care of situations as they arise, proper assessment and expediting orders accordingly, solving a 'lil CNA drama here and there, redirecting mostly the same residents numerous times through out the shift, (depending on who my LPN's are that evening, redirecting them numerous times too!) Begging them to please be proactive with the PRN meds. Not as a chemical restraint mind you. I don't want our patients snowed and staring at the wall all day and night. But please my dear c0-workers; if Mr. Delusional Sundownder, Sr. has been raising a ruckus for hours while upsetting other patients and sometimes hurting staff. A nice dose of something to help Mr.Sundowner relax isn't too much to ask. Although Mr. D. Sundowner, Sr. is most likely unable to verbalize gratitude. I am pretty sure the poor agitated patient appreciates a break as well. Whew! Ok now what was I doing before and during all that ruckus and interuptions?? hmmm let me contemplate this for a moment. Heck if I know!! Looking at the paperwork in front of my computer is usually a clue, shoot! Trying to figure out where I put that paperwork, chart, incident report etc. I thought I was working on is at times a challenge and a mind numbing experience in and of itself... Okay I digress = /. When the day/night is over and I really don't have that much to pass on in report to the oncoming RN. Not because I wasn't productive. It is because I have taken on, dealt with and handled my shift. I am not passing all the problems on. YeS! As it is all happening it becomes a big blur by shifts end, no doubt and unless I made notes on my census sheet, heck if I can remember what all happened during my shift. Funny thing now that you mention it, it is SO true.
Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.
Hey hindsight......love your username. LOL But with this age-activated ADD, my hindsight isn't so good either. Heck.......my sight in general isn't as good as it used to be.
Loved your post, by the way. Mr. Delusional Sundownder, Sr......... ha ha ha
Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.
Just checking in with everyone to make sure you know who you are and where you are. That is a good start.
Now....remembering what you were doing or what you are supposed to be doing........that's another thing.
I want to know........Has this affliction caused you to forget your New Year's Resolutions????????? It has caused a total blackout for me in the fact that I just keep eating. While I am stuffing my face, I kinda sorta remember saying to myself I need to lose some weight. But then everything gets a little fuzzy about what is supposed to come next. So I just stuff another morsel into my mouth.
Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.
I am finding this happening more and more recently. I think it is a result of all the extra activity involved in transitioning from the old allnurses site to the new allnurses site. LOL
tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN
83 Articles; 5,923 Posts
We love you too!!
Is that little car in your avatar your car???? It is tiny but very cute!!