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Coping with Memory Loss

Tue, September 01, 2009 12:00 AM

Hi, everyone. I'm new to this online community, but I was diagnosed with UC in 2003. I've been on high levels of prednisone for six years, but I've recently responded well to Remicade and have only been taking 2.5mg prednisone daily for the past three weeks or so, which is when I noticed this new memory problem.

I'm a 21 year old college student with a 4.0 GPA and aspirations for a Ph.D., but right now I have ZERO short term memory. I've never experienced anything like this before. I'll start to do something and then forget what I'm doing. I can't remember people's names or find the words for everyday objects. (Once I had to ask my sister, "What's it called when a chair has wheels so it rolls?" She answered, "Um, a wheelchair?" Bingo.)

What's worse, I am in a 400-level Japanese language class, and memorizing new vocabulary--and finding old vocabulary--is like pulling teeth. For the first time in my life, I'm feeling really stupid.

I still have memories of events, places, people, etc., but I'm slowly losing verbal recall. It's like the part of my brain that assigns names to things is on vacation. I'm a super verbal person, so this is scaring me to death, and if I don't watch it, it'll kill my grades this semester.

Has anyone else experienced something like this? Any thoughts on how to deal with it?

~zeroable

zeroable
Joined Aug 31, 2009

Tue, September 29, 2009 12:00 AM

Reply posted for zeroable.

HI: Are you sure that you did not have some type of stroke. I'd ask to see a neurologist. Good Luck

marilynaz
Joined Jun 4, 2008

Sun, September 06, 2009 12:00 AM

Reply posted for zeroable.

Hi zeroable, I'm sorry about your problem, but was surprised to learn that's what I've been experiencing for a while too. Not sure about the prednisone or maybe a pain medication. I've had very painful arthritis for ages & do take a lot of pain prescripts. I have to ask my husband to introduce himself to my friends, I've know their names, but just freeze when I try to bring it to my memory. If you do find out what is the cause or if I do, please contact me & let me know as I will you also. Right now I'm taking Vit D & Vit B complex as I read it helps. My best wishes for you to regain this needed memory, I'll remember you in my prayers. Granny Grump

grannygrump71
Joined Feb 2, 2009

Sat, September 05, 2009 12:00 AM

Reply posted for zeroable.

I'm not saying you have this, but have you surfed the net for anything about Alzheimer's? There's a lot of information and I think some of it is reassuring. November 17, 2009 is some kind of memory day. If I can find it, and remember!, then I will write you again.

anonymouse1
Joined Mar 22, 2009

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