memory problems: I have been suffering... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

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memory problems

bbstport profile image
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I have been suffering with short term memory for a while now. Does anyone else suffer this ? i spoke to my doctor a couple of weeks ago and i have to go to see him on friday for a memory test !! have any of you had a memory test and if so what does it entail please.

Belinda

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bbstport
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15 Replies
LindseyMid profile image
LindseyMid

Memory, language and concentration problems are quite common with Fibro. Research has shown that people with Fibro can have changes in the areas of the brain that deal with this kind of thing, possibly as a result of the low available dopamine that is associated with Fibro. Fortunately these changes seem to be reversible with effective treatment - but of course many people struggle to get effective treatment, particularly in this country!

ladymoth profile image
ladymoth

In a memory test, the doc will give you simple tasks like repeating a short rhyme, and counting backwards from 20.

Even 'fibro-foggers' can do this, tho' they may not remember it for very long afterwards. Certain neurological diseases will prevent even these short term 'memory-chains' from being formed, at which point you would probably be referred for further investigations.

I find that my 'fog' has a direct correlation to the amount of pain and exhaustion I suffer. On the rare days that I'm free of pain, my brain is perfectly acute, but even moderate pain will cause an alarming decrease in mental function.

I suspect this is true of all painful illnesses, but with chronic pain conditions, where we must try to carry on with our normal life, we notice mental dysfunction far more.

I manage my memory problems with a large diary and lots of post-it notes! Everyone develops their own strategies, so don't worry too much! I hope you get on OK at the docs Bbstport, and that nothing serious is found.

Moffy x

fyrefly profile image
fyrefly

I've had short term memory problems for some time but wasn't aware of it. One particular day I snapped at my husband and said ''stop finishing my sentences for me''. His reply was that he had to.

It crept up on me and it was hard to accept. I'd watch a film and couldn't remember anything about it the next day, would swear blind I hadn't seen it. I then realised hubby was right. Why I kept forgetting to attend meetings at work and why I had started making lists of things to do. Why I couldn't even toast a piece of bread and let it burn 3 times in a row because I would forget or be sidetracked. Eventually I came to accept it and can now laugh about it.

I've not heard of a 'memory test' but as my hubby just remarked, ''You'd never pass the test in a month of sundays'' Let us know how you get on :)

she33 profile image
she33

the thing im worse at is forgetting where i put things and then find them where they shouldnt be like the phone in the fridge i once lost my car now that was funny but was then told i was in the wrong car park in the shopping centre inearly phoned the police what an embarressment that would have been.

bbstport profile image
bbstport

Thank you all i will let you know how i get on

Hugs to all

Belinda x

I also suffer memory; speech; and concentration problems, as far as i know this is a condition related to Fibro upsetting as it is 'brain Fog' is something that once we understand what is going on and how we aren't going mad then the stress of it isn't so bad. I haven't had a memory test tho .

Kira x

bbstport profile image
bbstport in reply to

thanks for that

Belinda x

Memory test ....

A short sentence will be given to you and you will be told to repeat it later.

There are a very simple questions..

Who is the priminister now?

What year is it ?

They may point to an item and ask you to remember it for later

They are very simple questions that people with fibro fog can answer to be honest , it seems your mind is ready for the test and not distracted at all therefore more capable of answering the questions.

Being in the real world is so different too many distractions to cope with . In the morning questions from your partner or children seem difficult to answer as you are trying to put the kettle on and make breakfast , find the childrens reading book , put up lunches for the day etc.

I do not feel the test is ideal to represent our daily lifes .

Good luck :-)

bbstport profile image
bbstport in reply to

thanks for that

Belinda

millymoll profile image
millymoll in reply to

i agree with the fact that the test does not get the full picture,we have memory loss,lack of concentration,we are not senile,it is trying to remember day to day things ,what someone has told you 10mins before hand,where did i put my purse,?i can find it in the freezer ,in the cupboard with the towels etc,all the test does is tell the dr you are ok ..rubbish they want to borrow my head for a day,

lizzc profile image
lizzc

A year ago I told a doctor that was not too aware about Fibro what experience in terms of very short term memory, concentration and loss of words during a sentence she replied "Oh dont worry about that its just probably stress" ...... I felt like LOSER then. Its good that you are having some support from you doctor with this test.

dixie58 profile image
dixie58

My 'fibro fog' has been particularly bad these last couple of weeks, forgetting words, actually getting words round the wrong way, forgetting where I parked the car, put my car keys, wandering from room to room and forgetting what you were doing. I have to laugh all these things off, I have had 12 years of fibro now, sometimes its easier to laugh about what happens to us, that is the funny side of it, the pain, well thats another matter, you do get used to a certain amount of pain and frustrating niggles that goes on, but other days your just fed up with it, unfortunately it seems to come with the terriotary and I try and get on with it, I do push myself alot, but like today, I am still in bed, with my dog beside me having a lazy morning. Gentle hugs x

greeny1200 profile image
greeny1200 in reply to dixie58

reading this is like i'm reading about myself apart from i have 4 cats. it helps in a way to know you're not the only one going through it but i certainly wouldn't wish fibro on my worst enemy. we have to keep fighting the many symptoms as best we can. take care :)

jpars profile image
jpars

A couple of years ago, for a different reason,a doc was supposed to give me a memory test on our next appointment, and she forgot !

bbstport profile image
bbstport

thanks to all of you for your replies

Belinda

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