Greetings from the "Occasional Shareposter"!
Just to bring you up to date:
Connie had a masive stroke in March 2009; NICU 7 days,Rehab 20 days; shattered wrist, requiring surgery; cracked ribs two times; recovery ongoing; permanent disability - I was diagnosed in 1984 with Bipolar Disorder I; multiple med cocktails over the years; 4-ECT sessions; self-injury; prescription drug abuse; self-medication with alcohol; went on permanent disability July 01, 2010; currrently taking 5 psychotropics plus 2 dementia medications. (Namenda and Aricept-Younger Onset Dementia)
A few years I began having problems with my short-term memory and my ability to find the right word to describe something. Also, the words coming out of my mouth were either slurred, or weren't the same words that were in my mind. At first I thought this just a part of aging or my MI. However, he soon became the norm.
And the band plays on.
So it looks like when I get to the time in my life where I can sit back and really enjoy my MI, I won't even know I have it.
Throughout this entire experience, God has blessed Connie and I more than I could have possibly imagined .We have received blessings that cannot possibly be explained any other way than from God. We are ill, yet we are blessed.
God is good all the time!
Mike
I have no clue how old you are but I, just recently turned 44.
Over the last 2 years, I've steadily and progressively have had memory and cognitive skill deterioration. My short-term is sporadic and my long term is nearly non-existant and I used to be complimented for a memory like an elephant (and chided by others for the same ability) and the ability to memorize by relating things together to produce the memory... I can't anymore.
I also used to be complimented on my eloquent and cohesive speech, when I spoke. Now, I can be talking about something and many words come out completely garbled or entirely mis-pronounced. I hear it, and know something does not sound right but, for a long time - sometimes - I can't figure what is actually wrong with the wording.
Then there are times when I know the word, I know it.. I do and then I go to speak it and it has disappeared. Then there are times when I absolutely have no idea what the word is.. I know there is a word and I frantically search my mind but can not come up with it.
My family chides me about this. My daughter just shakes her head and says "it's okay Momma I know what you are talking about." It bothers and disturbs me because it is worsening.
You are taking 5 anti-psychotropics you said. I've taken anti-psychotics in recent history and currently am taking an anti-convulsant (also used as a mood stabilizer but not what I'm taking it for but it hits 2 birds with one tablet each time) and a narcotic pain killer and have been for about 1.5 years.
Why am I saying this? Because being under prolonged stress can have effects on the brain's ability to remember and to be able to do the cognitive stuff. Taking the medications, also has effects on the brain's ability to do cognitive stuff and memory.
Many folks, on another Bipolar board I frequent, comment a lot of their seemingly eroding memory and ability to think, speak, calculate, comprehend, and associate. So, I do not know if any of this has anything related to your situation but thought to put it out there.
I am glad to see you posting again, am sorry for the new malady, and am glad to know you are still finding strength and comfort in your faith. Each day, each step... just keep stepping each day.