Speeding up abc's and 123's

[pinkvision]

Hi, my PCS neuro assessment pointed out that among other things that I was very slow recalling simple sequences such as abc's and 123's has anyone else had this and subsequently went through a 'speeding up' process. What other things should I be aware of? Have realised I need to relearn my times tables. What did other people do? How did you find all the missing and slow info. It's odd because I would not have known I was slow or have forgotten, I think I can still do these things as before.

[cat3]

Yes, it's only after being tested that our weaknesses are revealed. My haemorrhage coincided with (or was triggered by as doctors suggested) a successful scam on my online bank account.

So the minute I felt fit enough after discharge from hospital I had to open a new bank account to catch up with 2 months-worth of unpaid bills, but on finding myself sitting opposite to the assistant manager it was instantly clear that my previous cognitive skills had deserted me big time.

I reluctantly blurted out that I was fresh out of hospital after a haemorrhage and the asst. manager was SO patient and helpful ..................and determined to send me home with all my financial arrangements firmly in place.

That started me on a mission of improving my brainpower starting with crosswords, reciting poems - times tables - memory exercises & all types of mental acrobatics to encourage my brain to compensate for the damaged areas with its amazing plasticity capabilities.

My short term memory will always be deficient and word recall is still a struggle at times, etc....etc.....but even after 7 years I lie in bed before going to sleep each night doing either mental arithmetic or dredging my memory for every person I've ever worked with, or every animal beginning with every letter of the alphabet ……& more and more stuff..…...

All we can do is strive to make the best of a bad deal and keep ourselves as active and alert as possible, and laugh off the frequent gaffs !

Good luck Pink in finding your own particular brand of contentment and quality of life. Cat x

[pinkvision in reply to cat3]

Thanks Cat. I have been mulling over the idea of not reprogramming with what I used to know but going down a different path. I am finding I am becoming a little creative especially at 3.30-5 am in the morning. I slept for 10 to 12 hours up till a month or so ago when I followed my psychologists advice to try and meditate to calm down and not get stressed. This seems to have led to the 3.30 wake up, at first I thought bugger, I'm going to become a sleep deprived depressant, but no I just sleep in the day in patches, I got bad light sensitivity anyway, so it makes sense to nap at the times that make me stressed. So I think a new pattern for living is emerging, rather than living to a pre-programmed set of rules, your brain make up before BI, that was your life before, let a new life emerge and forget the old one, kind of been there done that move on. I'm going to explore the world with fresh eyes and find my own slot, let it develop naturally. Trying to live in the normal 9-5 would be a nightmare for me, jumping from shadow to shadow, cowering from light, buildings are like microwave ovens to me with all their low energy, buzzing, frequency emmiting, brain destroying death rays.

I really enjoy writing, it just seems to flow in small parcels. Also a bit of art, I have started to just draw lines and squiggles and patterns that just come to my hand, I don't think about what the shapes are I just let it flow. I've got a good six months at least before I get any pressure to commit to the so called 'real, totally fake, economy driven world'. So I'm just going to try and just flow with what comes and let life develop on it's own, there is a place in mind and body for everyone, relax and I'm sure the place will find you. Yes I think that's a good way to begin.

Cheers Cat.

[WinB in reply to pinkvision]

I awoke and thought there is nothing wrong with my memory, until I found BT had taken my sim card for phone away. No problem I'll get another one, could I remember it? No way ..Passwords on computer had to be altered banks never listened to me as I couldn't remember questions like what was your last transaction, so I said hold on I'll ask my husband the woman on the other end said "No this conversation is between us two" So I did what I do best cussed and said " I have had a brain bleed you moo" and cried and passed the phone to hubby. I was so upset as she treated me like public enemy No.1. Wished they treated the real baddies like this. So I withdrew my money from that bank. See I used to bank with Giro but while my brain was healing they went to the wall. Can still remember that No. but new ones I give up on. Well I am back in the land of the living can remember my card pin no. and my code but got no help when I first got back to the land of the living...Here endeth the lesson lol xxxx Arghhh

Good luck Pink xxx 3am I wake up lol

[pinkvision in reply to WinB]

Did you ever get tested by a psychologist?

[WinB in reply to pinkvision]

I had hydrocephalus so I do not remember anything apart from falling down and shouting help me Mum who died in 1976. Might have but if I did I do not remember. I'll ask hubby later and get back to you xxx

[cat3 in reply to pinkvision]

Well said Pink !! x

[Music789]

In some ways the earlier days were easier, when I was unaware, or didn't remember that there was anything wrong. I don't think it is about working out what is missing or what you are slow at. It is about accepting yourself as you are now and meeting the challenges as you become aware of them. It is a waste of time trying to work out what you have forgotten just meet each challenge as they arise. I was told to use childrens computer programs, for maths and English and games which tested your reactions. Pick a level you can do and challenge yourself gradually. Some days your score will go down. But gradually, I am talking painfully slowly, I found things improved. Things will never be what they were, but I think it is about accepting that whilst still challenging myself. Sounds easier writing it down than it actually is.

[pinkvision in reply to Music789]

Must keep plugging away, forget the old, there is only new.