thread: When does memory problems become concerning?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Nov 2006
    Atop the lookout...
    2,777

    When does memory problems become concerning?

    I know that it seems "normal" for us ladies to have memory problems during pg/after birth. I just wonder when we should become concerned about our memory. Or rather, me and my memory.

    On 1 February 2011 I had a huge seizure, and lost all my short term memory. Totally. After sometime I started being able to keep new short term memories, until I got quite sick again, I think it was morning sickness with Mack, and my memoery seemed to be affected again (read: lost, again). After Mack was born, my memory has deteriorated further. I can remember old stuff, some memories of the Man and I when we started going out are much clearer now than they have been for years. I feel really, really dumb. The Man (and Boy) tell me things that they have been talking to me about all week, and I go off at them because what they are saying is all new. Like a bbq they had planned for Saturday just gone. I was adamant I knew nothing about it, yet the Man says that he and i discussed it. As far as i am still concerned, those conversations never took place.

    Why does my (short term) memory fail (and erase) when I get sick now? I forgot to mention last week I was really sick also (sinusitis), and memory is shot. I even have trouble driving around town because I can't remember where I need to go! Do I have a "problem" that needs further investigation? Because in terms of feeling useless, yep, that's me!,

  2. #2

    Jul 2009
    Out North, Vic
    8,538

    When does memory problems become concerning?

    Oh babe I think it's something you should chat with your GP about.
    iChat have you forgetting all the yummy goods you've promised me come Easter
    On a serious note though its something worth keeping an eye on especially with the previous seizure history.

  3. #3
    BellyBelly Member

    Dec 2005
    3,130

    When does memory problems become concerning?

    I think you should seek medical advice too.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Dec 2008
    Brisbane, QLD
    5,171

    Definately get checked out. That doesnt sound normal at all.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Aug 2006
    On the other side of this screen!!!
    11,129

    I think if it's affecting your functioning, then it's time to get it checked out. Especially in the context of having had a neurological event like a seizure.

    I've struggled with processing memory problems since I had chemo, so I fully understand how alarming it is. Processing or short term memory problems aren't about being able to retrieve memories, it's about whether you catch the info in the first place, whether you are able to pay attention to it long enough for it to even become a memory. So it's just as much about attention as memory, if that makes sense.

    One thing that can have a major, massive effect on memory and attention is the quality of your sleep. Some medications and even a high fever can mess with memory as well. Depression/anxiety can have a huge effect too. And lots of people are attentionally challenged these days - just because of all the sensory input we're getting from tvs, radios, handheld devices. Maybe the conversation about the BBQ was one of those where DH was chatting to you while you were actually concentrating on something else, kwim? So what you're experiencing might be within the bounds of normal (even if it's at the outer edge of normal) or it might not. But I think the important thing here is if you're struggling then you should get it all checked. Not being able to complete tasks (like driving somewhere) is a good sign that you're struggling.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    Melbourne
    6,745

    I do think you need to get it checked out as it is affecting your daily functioning and clearly upsetting you. In the meantime I would use a diary and write down things as they are discussed - so for example when you discuss the BBQ write on the date that it was discussed and make sure you mark in your diary the date it is happening so that at least you have some sort of control around what is going on in your life. Even without the issues you have described I find that I can't function properly without writing things down in a calendar as I just never remember everything that is going on.

  7. #7
    Registered User
    Add No.5 on Facebook

    Jan 2007
    Brisbane
    2,391

    When does memory problems become concerning?

    what a horrible thing!

    I would definitely go get checked out

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Geelong
    3,438

    Please speak to your GP about this hun, lots of .

    Regards,
    Dianne

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Mar 2007
    6,900

    Yep, I think it's concerning now and time to go to the doctor. That must be so frustrating xx

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    Adelaide, SA
    3,962

    Big that must be horrible for you.

    I do think that what you have described is cause for some concern and you should definitely get it checked by a GP, they may refer you on to a specialist.