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Pain meds and memory problems

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 9/12/2008 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I have been taking pain meds for a few years, and I have had my share of side effects from them. I recently changed from Morphine to Methadone as my primary pain medication. The outcome of the change has been mixed and I will give it some time to adjust. One thing I have noticed and it has become a problem is that my short term memory has been effected. I am not sure if it because I am getting older or is it the Methadone? I have noticed that as a thought comes into my mind, it does not stay there, for an example is that I am going downstairs for something and in route I forget why I am going. Things like this seem to increased when I started the Methadone, I have asked my Dr. but he felt that there was no connection with memory and Methadone. any thoughts?

Posted 9/12/2008 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmmmm? Who are the candidates for the Republican Party. (Both husband and
Wife)
Who are the candidates for the Democratic Party. (Both Husband and wife)
Where is your remote?
Where are your glasses?
Where are your keys?
Where is your brush?

I take Methadone. I hate it that I can't remember things. The above are things
I have trouble with. Sometimes I think I have beginning Altzheimers but I think
that's when one starts to do real bizarre things like putting salt in the sugar bowl?

Often I'm in a fog or sometimes I fall asleep when I don't want to ... like watching
my favorite TV show. I think it's the Methadone and just that I have the added
burden of dealing with pain every waking hour.

If you can answer the above questions, it's my best wild guess that you're ok.
Maybe someone else will have some ideas for us.

Pamela
Posted 9/12/2008 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
I have short term memory problems for sure! I think most of mine are from fibromyalgia, but who knows? I'm not that old, 49, so it can't be old age. I do have malabsorption from Crohn's so I'm sure that plays a part in it too. I keep trying to find supplements I can take that help with memory. I have begun to do word puzzles & PS2 puzzle games to "exercise" my brain (if you will). When I type, most days it's almost dyslexic, which I am not. I have to repeatedly go back and correct. My fingers seem to type ahead of my brain, or something. When I talk, I lose words. It can be frustrating, but I've told those around me, so they don't hesitate to help me find the words (lol)!!

All the best! It's just part of the journey. Learn to laugh at it.
Posted 9/12/2008 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys, i see two of u have crohns. I have UC. I am NOT on methadone, but am on percocet, and have been for many, many yrs.

My PM doc says that my memory loss is not related to my pain meds, and my GI says that it IS related to my UC meds. I take 6mp.

My short term memory is horrible. I can have to conversation with someone, and turn around and ask them the same question a few minutes later. It has become quite a pain, and i even have friends who do not get it, and acutally poke fun at me for it (idiots...) I digress...

anyways, i am only 35 and this has been getting worse as the yrs pass. Can't find my glasses, oh, they are ON my face! Can't remember any meal i ate just yesterday, ect.... I would check w/ ur GI to see if it's related to ur meds, rather than ur pain meds...
Posted 9/13/2008 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
d2Parrotperson: you said.

"It's all part of the journey. Learn to laugh at it."

I like that.

It is what it is. Take one day at a time. Or one step at a time. Keep on truckin'

yeah

Pamela
Posted 9/14/2008 8:56 AM (GMT 0)
I have asked my friends to help me find a word when i can't seem to find it.It can be very frustrating to know what I want to say but the word or sometimes words just don't seem to come to me.Oh well, it helps me figure out who's listening and who's just nodding their heads, not in agreement but because they like to listen to the rocks rolling around in their heads. tongue
Posted 9/15/2008 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
I think my memory problems are related to my medications. I do have crohns & UC and take several meds for both diseases, but this did not start until I got on opiods. I will be talking and miss a word in mid sentence and I will know the words just as well as me standing there. Oh, now this one this aggravates me alot. ,lol Susie
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