Difficulty concentrating???

[TigerM]

I had a hemorrhagic stroke in 2017 followed by my NHL diagnosis in 2018 & treatment with Rituximab. Ever since I've noticed a shift in my cognitive abilities especially with concentrating and comprehension. Anyone else had that experience? What did you do about it?

[buttrflymeme]

I didn't have the stroke to factor in but I did go thru a yr and a half of chemo...3 different types and what we thought would be short term "chemo brain" is still an everyday challenge 2 and a half years in remission. I've had psychological and medical testing to be sure not Alzheimer's....determined long term effects of chemo not going to go away. I am taking ADHD meds and 2 other meds that help

[TigerM in reply to buttrflymeme]

So sad to hear about your result. I just read two studies about chemo brain and how it occurs. I didn't put two and two together until a work situation cemented the concept in my head. Epiphany! Unfortunately, the studies are pretty young and sparse and how to combat it is even more scarce. What have you found that helps?

[buttrflymeme in reply to TigerM]

I have become a cell phone reminder fanatic, setting alarms all throughout the day and night to remind me of tasks but honestly that only helps if I attend to whatever it's reminding me of immediately. I however need a reminder upon wake up of important happenings such as dr appmnts and meetings etc happening that day but likely will need 3 or more additional notices before the event. It DOES help with reminding me to take meds. I struggle with cooking as if I leave the stove I forget I was cooking til it's burnt (yep, boiling eggs become exploding muscles when the water boils out) and can't tell ya how many times I rewash a load of laundry...

I could not stay focused long enough to get anything from my church services which really bothered me. Following the cognitive testing, I was suggested trying ritalyn at 64 yrs old. I struggled with taking it but in time I could actually notice capability to follow the sermon with taking notes as pastor is speaking even though I can't recall after walking out afterwards in order to share with someone. I still struggle with use of words at times as it seems the thought cant make the complete journey from brain to mouth... my job prior to early retirement due to the toll taken on body thru the journey of treatment was one of constant multi tasking and very detail oriented so the new me is a hard adjustment. I'm just thankful i'm alive so I accept i'm just not capable anymore of all I used to do but i'm here!

I hope your issues are truly the short term effects and it will pass.

[Traveller6]

No Stroke factor but I do have memory problems. I am working around them with phone app Health which list medicine dosage etc. This is an Apple app. which can be opened in an emergency without a password.

I also need to make shopping lists.

I find that the reaction I have is like flu muscle pain. This happened after the second and third infusion. As I also have Polymyalgia I now take 25mg Prendisone the day of treatment then for 3 days later. Seems to work

All the best for your ongoing treatment

[pollyg2016]

Hi TigerM, Thankfully no stroke involved but my partner is currently taken Rituximab and Bendamustine for NHL and I have noticed his memory going to pot. I've brought him a pill dispenser for the days and amount of drugs he has to take each day. He forgets to shut the front door and it's been left wide open all night. At the moment it's not too bad, but he is starting to become more forgetful. Short term memory more than long term memory.