memory loss and difficulty with words and speach

[Lesleysunshine]

after leaving icu , I’ve discovered that I’ve forgotten some events from weeks previous to my illness. Also I find remembering some words and what things are called happens quite often. I was diagnosed with meningitis. I’ve also experienced a lot of hair loss. Is this normal? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Sepsur]

what you mention is pretty standard for us I’m afraid. This short video is brilliant

m.youtube.com/watch?feature...

[Sepsur in reply to Sepsur]

as is hair loss - it’s called telagon effluvium.

An interesting side effect of the sedatives administered to us whilst in a coma cause retrograde amnesia ( forgetting periods of time in the past) & anterograde amnesia ( struggling to problem solve in the present).

[Lesleysunshine in reply to Sepsur]

Thank you this has been really helpful.

[Lux95]

Yes, all of what you are experiencing is common. Over two years later now I still can't recall the 2 weeks prior to going into the hospital, and of course anything while sedated. Given how sick I was, I'm not really disappointed anymore about missing so much time, lol. I still remember the nightmares/dreams I had while sedated, but those memories rarely resurface anymore.

Recovery varies from person to person, so what seems "off" now may not last long, or it may take a while. I still forget words and sometimes a task I walked into a room to do, but I'm learning to work around it and not let it bother me. Patience is key as it takes time to heal, but you are not alone. This is a great place to ask about anything that comes up.

[Lesleysunshine in reply to Lux95]

Thank you it’s so reassuring to know I’m not alone.

[FamilyHistorian]

I have no memory for the period of 3 months before being put in a coma. I had photos , diary entries and was “told” and this made no difference. I was told to accept it - that wasn’t good enough for me however I had CBT which helped me understand more.

Obviously I have no memory of my time in the coma other than I can remember all the hallucinations in detail, they does me a problem any more however I do have difficulty in working out the difference between real memories and what my other reality memories are.

Remembering some words is very difficult so if I want to say something I write it down. A typical example is I can rember the word hallucinations but not the word that is the medical term.

My brain doesn’t control my mouth so if you don’t want to hear the answer don’t ask the question🤭

[Lesleysunshine in reply to FamilyHistorian]

This sounds very much like me at the moment, I’ve got to the stage with family and the hubby, that I now say ile get back to you with the word I want to say when my brain decides to fart. They think it’s amusing and to be honest it makes me feel better about not remembering.😜

[FamilyHistorian in reply to Lesleysunshine]

It’s good that your family are coping. My wife would say something and I would break into song - I’m not a singer! It pissed her off but got use to it but I’m not so bad now.🤭