Cognitive Issues

[DM0329]

Fatigue and cognitive issues are my most troublesome symptoms. I'm embarrassed to admit that I have the worst time trying to balance my checkbook. Can anyone relate and give me some tips on how to better cope? Thanks for your input! 😇🙏🙂🤞

[Gstrait]

Hi, I have the same symptoms plus more and also have trouble balancing my checkbook. I don't know if you clear your amounts daily that have cleared your bank, but I need to start doing this again. Have a great day.☺️🙏

[DM0329 in reply to Gstrait]

Thanks for your tip! 👍

[NorasMom]

Nothing specific for balancing numbers, because I've never balanced a checkbook in my life 😱, but when I'm having cognitive issues I swear by Post-Its everywhere. I forget how to write checks, so I keep detailed instructions in the checkbook. Maybe get a large calculator or an actual adding machine? An accounting ledger instead of the checkbook register? For me, small print and fine lines are confusing, so perhaps some larger versions of your supplies might help?

[DM0329 in reply to NorasMom]

Thanks for your tip!

[ahrogers in reply to DM0329]

I haven't used a checkbook register in years either and rarely write an actual check. I used to get the carbon copy checks and would tab the corner of the carbon copy once it cleared. That way I could add up what wasn't folded up and subtract from bank balance to know what funds were available. I pretty much have always lived paycheck to paycheck so not too hard to track. Now I do online banking for everything. Before each payday I go online and go down my list of payees and enter payments for any due before the next payday. Then all I need to do to see what funds are available is go to the activity section of bill pay which totals pending payments and compare to checking account balance to know if any funds are available.

I use my memo pad and calendar on my phone a lot. I have several entries in my memo pad that I update. For example, I plan my menus for the week in one memo and then go to my grocery list in another memo to enter what I need for those meals. My right hand dexterity and strength are affected so it is more difficult to write on paper so the memo pad is an easier way for me to keep a grocery list, saves paper too. Although, when I used to keep hand written grocery lists I would write on envelopes I got in the mail rather than buy paper to write on. I my phone I can expand the size to see better. You can change settings on your phone to make things larger too. You can probably also have the information automatically share with your computer so you can see on a larger screen.

I have also found I have to write more detailed reminders to myself where I used to be able to just jot down a couple words and know what I meant.

Having routines also helps me. For example, I take my medication with dinner. Now I know when I eat dinner it is time to take pills. For a back up I have set an alarm on my phone for 7pm every day to tell me to take meds. I have an estrogen patch twice a week and have alarms to remind me to do that too. I have appointments on my calendar for every payday to remind me to go online and pay bills.

Good luck, let us know what hacks you come up with!

[DM0329 in reply to ahrogers]

Yummy! I bet you make/order great meals and/or groceries! I'm jelly!! 😅

[bxrmom in reply to ahrogers]

I have an alarm/reminder on my phone for dr appointments, to schedule rides to my various appointments, and medicine alarms.

[Humbrd]

I use a bill book where I have a list of all the bills I have for that month. After I pay it I put a check mark next to it so that I know that I paid it. They are listed in order of what's due first throughout the month. When I have all my check marks I can turn the page to the next month. It's the only way I can remember what is due. I also use post-it notes for things that I have to do for the week. Even though I have a date book. Couple days before I write on the sticky note what I have to do on what days and cross it off when it's done. I stick it on the counter so I can see it. Even if it's something simple like making a call or errands I have to do.

And if I need to remember to take something with me the next day I put it in a bag and hang it on the front door knob. 😁

We do what we got to do to remember.

[DM0329 in reply to Humbrd]

Thanks for your very detailed tip! I'm impressed with your level of detail, too!

[DSuer]

I have this problem too. I don’t understand things that are said to me, and it’s embarrassing.

[DM0329 in reply to DSuer]

Boy can I relate too!

[Elizt3]

in terms of memory, I put everything in my iPhone calendar. The problem is if I forget to check the calendar. And, if I were to ever lose my phone, I would be lost. Because I really can’t remember what’s coming up each day.

[DM0329 in reply to Elizt3]

Great idea, too!

Unfortunately, I find that since I'm now 56 years young LOL and need reading glasses, yet my only bout of optic neuritis in back in 2003 has given me a legally blind right eye.

With only a good left eye (that needs reading glasses horribly now) I can't really view posts on my phone or my iPad, but fortunately I still have a slim HP Tower Desk PC with a 26-inch monitor, which I blow up to 150-175%.

Yep: MS Sucks! 🤣

[alsorenson]

I'm 70 with PPMS and fatigue/cognitive issues often overwhelm me. Three things I do is 1), try to pay bills as soon as I get them, 2), Use online baking so I can check the bank's transaction history against my check register and

3) I pay most bills with a credit card so I have fewer transactions to reconcile and less chance of a math error in my check register. Also gives me a record of my spending (only works if you off the balance every month.) I never use cash anymore except when I have to (my barber doesn't accept plastic). It helps me keep track of my spending. With cash, I lose track of what I'm spending.

[DM0329 in reply to alsorenson]

My brother has something like that arranged with his bank too. His salary is direct deposited and all his bills are paid directly from his bank accounts too.

But, I'm sooo old and old-fashioned. I feel like an eight-track player sometimes, too! 🤣🤞

[alsorenson in reply to DM0329]

Not old, just vintage like the eight-track.

[DM0329 in reply to alsorenson]

OMG: I love it. Vintage! 😽

[falalalala]

I use the calendar on my laptop to help remember things or emails to myself.

[Essaad]

Hi , listen to your body and have a rest when your body wants you to do so.Try to limit your intake of sugar. Do your best to avoid infections.This a personal experience.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

I keep my bills to a very min. and l make sure that they send me a paper bill! If l dont get it, they dont get paid🤷‍♀️ I get paid around the 1st, they all get paid around then. I write the date, amount, and confo # on the bill, and file it. 🙂 I check my acct weekly to see that its empty! 🤣🤣🤗💕🌠

[BettysMom]

I haven't balanced a checkbook in many years. I trust the bank to get it right. I write only 3 or 4 checks a year anyway. I let my bank pay all my bills, even the ones that require checks.