| writerjp |
Short term memory
I have been clean for almost 3 years.
My short term memory is SO bad. Sometimes my husband
will call me and ask me to do something for him and then
5 minutes later I forget what it was and I have to call
him back. Is this normal? I always forget stuff and it
drives me nuts. Also, I get headaches just about every
single day. Sometimes I get numbness or tingling on my
head or on the back of my head near my neck. I went to
my regular doctor and she said that the headaches could
be caused by stress and tried to prescribe me a non
narcotic muscle relaxer but I told her that I do not
want to take medicine because of my past. Should I go
see a neurologist? Thankfully, I have health insurance
now through my husband's job and I could go if I want to
but I am a little afraid to be honest. What would I ask
the neurologist to check or look for? I have never been
to one. I am not sure if this has to do with my past or
because I have had a couple of concussions before. If
you guys have any answers, I would appreciate it. I
really hope that I am not getting on your nerves by
making all of these posts all of the time. I really
appreciate every single one of you guys! |
| Replies... |
| Loraura |
Re: Short term memory
Short term memory is harmed by meth
use. Your brain has to learn new pathways to store
information, and while using detours.... sometimes
information gets lost in transit. It does SLOWLY get
better with clean time.
I wouldn't expect someone who has had a stroke to
instantly re-learn tasks that previously used portions
of the brain that were damaged by the stroke. Same
theory applies here.
Brain damage sucks.
However, different parts of the brain are used for
different types of memory. SO try using as many of those
types as possible. Write it down, say it out loud more
than once.
This uses visual, verbal, and auditory memory types.
Perhaps ONE of them will make it through the detours.
As for the headaches, I would ask a doc. I used to get
headaches every single day. First they thought
allergies or stress. Turns out it was a blood
sugar problem. I can control them with a low sugar diet.
|
| writerjp |
Re: Short term memory
Thanks for the reply! That totally
helps a lot. I will go back to the doctor soon. I repeat
stuff at work all the time. I am sure that it drives my
boss crazy but she knows about my past and does not
judge me for it, thankfully.
|
| vctry7 |
Re: Short term memory
I've burnt 2 out of the last 5 meals
I've cooked. I just forgot. I forget everything, but at
least I am clean.
|
| iw2q06 |
Re: Short term memory
Being clean is what counts... even if
u have to eat burned food for it. (NO I'm not
laughing with you I'm laughing at you)..... i said that
wrong didn't I??
|
| Lisa |
Re: Short term memory
Hi jp,
My nickname is Swiss because my brain is just like Swiss
Cheese...fulla holes. I guess memory loss is part of the
whole aftermath of meth. Try writing everything
down...make lists. It's easy for me to say, because I'm
a compulsive list maker, but I know it works for normal
people, too.
It's SO irritating to forget stuff like we do, but we're
all part of the CRS Club, so you're in good company.
Anytime you have continued headaches or numbness or
tingling, I think you should see a doctor. If the doctor
doesn't know, see the neurologist. He (or she) will ask
you everything he'll need to know to make a diagnosis. I
do think you should get the headaches checked out. I'm
certainly no doctor, but I'd guess after three years of
being clean, the headaches aren't from the after-effects
of using. |
| writerjp |
Re: Short term memory
Thanks for all of the answers, you
guys. I really appreciate it. I almost forgot that I
actually made this post.
|
| iw2q06 |
Re: Short term memory
you are funny. at least u don't
forget how to spell and u don't forget to push the
add reply button and u don't forget to put the right
smiley.
see your not that bad
|
| Kellhappy |
Re: Short term memory
I still forget stuff. Sometimes it's
silly, but sometimes it gets pretty bad.
I think it's been affected by my sleep problems lately,
too. I have been forgetting wayyyyyy more than normal. I
did the questionnaire they have for new patients, and it
seems like forgetting things might be pretty common when
you haven't been getting enough rest. Also a lot of
other things I've been experiencing lately (more than
what I normally experience due to drug-damage).
I think the trick is finding ways to live with it. It
does get better. And you can do stuff like make lists,
write notes to yourself, etc., whatever works for you.
|
| vctry7 |
Re: Short term memory
Quote:
Being clean is what counts...
even if u have to eat burned food for it.
Thanks. You're absolutely
right. And I burned the chili again, the day after I
posted that.
|
| iw2q06 |
Re: Short term memory
*smacks hand in face*
if u have kids... tell em i sayz... i sorry. and
to buy themselves microwaveable mac&cheese cuz mommy
can't get the chili right....
meanwhile... keep practicing with the chili
don't forget to turn off the stove when its all done
you'll get it one day.... i believe in u *hugz*
|
| UCLAngel |
Re: Short term memory
My short term memory is toast. I
think that's very common, especially with ex meth users,
due to the amount of brain damage meth causes.
I agree with others here...you might want to see a
neurologist about the headaches. If the neurologist
doesn't find any concrete somatic cause, consider
visiting a chiropractor to check the alignment of your
cervical vertebrae and cranium.
The reason I mention chiropractics, is that your
symptoms you are describing sound very much like the
symptoms of having a "misaligned atlas joint", a
condition which I have had before. The atlas joint is
where your head connects to the spine, and if that joint
is out of place, it can press on nerves which can cause
symptoms identical to yours. A chiropractor can correct
the problem.
BUT...again, see a neurologist first to rule out other
more serious causes.
Hope that helps.
|
| writerjp |
Re: Short term memory
Thanks for all of the wonderful
advice Angel!
I never thought about that, my back seems to be in pain
sometimes too. I am going to go see a neurologist if my
headaches do not go away after I get my wisdom teeth
taken out, because I was thinking that it might have to
do with that. I should probably work on my posture too.
I bet that has something to do with it.
|
