memory issues

Does anybody have any remedies for bad short term memory issues. I have such cognitive issues and it's getting scary. Very simple things I can't remember…like which way to turn the wipers off in my car, mixing up words, sequencing thoughts, knowing what I want to say but can't find the words, and speech hesitation. Sometimes I think I would rather have more physical ailments than this!!

These cognitive issues are fundamentally disturbing. Unfortunately the more upset you get, the worse they are!

So what I found helped was to remove as much stress as possible. Plan things out, get friends and family to help. Stop and take a big breath. Don't pile too many things on to the day. Write things down.

When the words won't come, say in the simplest way that you are having trouble speaking. People will help -- or if they are good friends they will make fun of you in a good natured way. My family used to play "Guess what word Grace is trying to say!"

There are some supportive supplements that can help. My LLMD had me take Vinpocetine and Bacopa -- they are herbs that help with blood flow to the brain and are used for Alzheimer patients. I also found Pinella helped with brain detoxing.

Above all, stay calm and try to keep your humor -- panic and worry are your enemies!

I do to. For me certain times of the day is better than others. Last night I couldn't figure out if I took my last meds for the day.

Mine was really bad when I started treating lyme and even after for about 8 months. I think part of it was the lyme and most of it was the stress from lyme (ie did I take all my supplements today, when is my next appointment - can I make it to next appt- can I pay for my next appt - will I ever get better)

I feel like we have a lot more serious concerns then most people and it can really influence things like memory. I started doing online memory games and it has helped a LOT. I started out in the top 80% for problem solving....and everything else was like the bottom 20% (for my age group) - including memory.

The mind is something that can heal....it just takes awhile. Even still, today - I can tell you my mind isn't quite normal. I am not certain but believe if I were to go in for an MRI - it would be abnormal. There are still memories that flood back to me that have been GONE for a decade, most of it to do with smell.

Which is somewhat odd I think, but just as an example I went through a coffee shop the other day and it smelled EXACTLY like a diner that I worked for years, I remembered everything instantaneously; the floors, the grease, the apron I wore, the way the food tasted....it was really freaky but nice I guess, normal maybe? I wouldn't know anymore.

It will get there - you just have to keep plugging away and try to destress!

What I find most prevalent for me is that I forget things that were just told to me like minutes before. I"ll be in a meeting, reviewing stats, details, etc...and 2 minutes later I forget it all. I HAVE to write everything down now, as fast as I can otherwise, I look like a dolt in those meetings.

It happens at home too, like I'm about to go do something, walk to that room where it should be done and forget why I went there in the first place. I know this happens sometimes to most people, but it happens to me ALL the time. Very frustrating.

Thank you so much for all your replies, advise and support. Yes, it's very scary especially for the simple things I can't remember . My long term memory is somewhat better but as Misha said, I too forget things that were JUST told to me.So embarrassing sometimes. I get that weird stare! I also mix up words and say them backwards. Even writing an email can get difficult because of not being able to sequence the thoughts. What I find hard is that is effects all aspects of life. I'm trying not to identify so much to LD and ask what is can teach me. It certainly has given me a lot of compassion since we have to find it for ourselves many times.

too funny… LOL. Thanks for a good laugh…but please get your blood work done

I have short term memory issues so bad!! I use to be such a sharp person and now I just want to hide at work when I have an issue about my memory especially since I'm the most seniored in my department. My long term memory is still there and of course I can't remember every.thing. but like someone said someone will ask me what was the last movie I watched or what I did over the weekend. I use to be a very descriptive person now I just say general things like "laundry, went shopping, and played a game" I don't go into detail because sadly it would take me too long to remember and once I finally remembered my words would come out all jumbled up. LYME UGH!!!!

I had no idea how much I depend on memory until I started to have problems. One thing that I have noticed is that it comes and goes in cycles. One day I will have a very bad memory day and the next I am memory normal.

One time I went shopping and when I came back to the car I could not find the keys. I looked everywhere and could not find them. As I went to check and see if I had left them in the ignition, not only where they in the ignition but I had left the car running. Another time I got off the car and proceeded to exit. I opened the car door and as I exited the car moved forward. I had forgotten to turn off the car and put it on park. I now take public transportation as much as possible or have my Honey drive.

One day I got to work and as I stood at the front door, I could not remember if I was coming to work or leaving. I get to work when it is still dark and leave after the sun goes down so that didn't help. It was morning.

To compensate, I have learned to do things more slowly and to go through a mental list. I have also learned to do things differently. Making coffee for my Honey? I put everything on my left and as I use it I move it to my right. Poor girl, she drank coffee with double sugar more than once and didn't say a thing.

When I cook, I make a note to double check the knobs on the stove to the closed position when I am done or if I leave the kitchen. I bought a small basket in which I put my wallet, phone, keys, and everything I need for work the next morning so I don't forget. I learned to get my clothes ready with my belt, socks and shoes the night before so I don't forget my belt again or to wear socks.

And I too seem to relate smells with memories from the past. Aromas out of nowhere seem to trigger memories and names of people that I have forgotten about.

What scares me the most is that I have been taking antibiotics for 15 months now and i should not be having these issues anymore.

Can the memory symptoms be permanent?

Girlie, unfortunately, this is only one of many symptoms after 15 months. I also don't think it is permanent since there are times that my brain is as sharp as a nail and then BAM! it crashes again. It comes and goes in cycles. The way I have days that I am sharp minded I will also have days when I can't remember the most basic things like how to turn the shower off (left or right?) or how to change the channel on the remote. I just stare at the buttons trying to figure out which one to use. It almost makes me laugh when it happens.

As for my symptoms, I saw posts about stopping abx so I joined in and did it too 4 days ago. By the third day I began to feel symptoms that I had not felt in months or almost a year. By the 4th day they began to get stronger and stronger so I broke down and took my abx again. I guess that the infections are alive and well but hiding in my body and as soon as I stopped the abx they all came out.