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Medication & Memory Loss??

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Sallyb
Regular Member
Joined : Jul 2005
Posts : 29
Posted 9/27/2007 7:07 AM (GMT -6)

 Hi all!   It has been a long while since I have posted but I am never far from healing well - my lifesaver!!

I am really hoping you can give me some much needed advice.   I have been on a slew of meds, for about 2 years, since my resection.  My problem is this - I am having memory loss!! Sometimes it is short term, but sometimes I can't remember things that happened a long time ago.   My family has questioned me before and now my co-workers have started pointing things out and I am really getting freaked out!  Has anyone ever experienced this from taking the "meds cocktail" we are prescribed?  

Your answers are most appreciated.......especially since no one else could possibly know what we go thru every single day!

Thanks & God bless!

Sally

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gachrons
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2007
Posts : 4527
Posted 9/27/2007 7:28 AM (GMT -6)
Hi Sally Yes i find I have some problems with memory and was bad when I first started the pred even trying to remember words was difficult and still having problems I certainly find I have to work the brain harder so to speak to remember like names of flowers and stuff almost like having to find a different way to connect to the line of thought process if that makes any sense. Hoping it is not interferring with your work too much. I guess it is something to put up with .Just glad things that come automatically like eating and stuff aren't bad although with all the weight I gained from pred' it wouldn't hurt if I did a few times. Are you finding it hard to deal with ? lol gail
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Sallyb
Regular Member
Joined : Jul 2005
Posts : 29
Posted 9/27/2007 7:57 AM (GMT -6)
Thanks Gail!   Yes, I do find it frustrating at times, but not horribly bad.  I think it is worse for my co-workers & family and them trying to understand when I have to ask the same question 2 days later!!  :-)
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Nanners
Elite Member
Joined : Apr 2005
Posts : 14999
Posted 9/27/2007 8:00 AM (GMT -6)
Well I have fibromyalgia along with Crohns (lucky me) and I think alot of my shortterm memory problems are related to what they call "Fibro Fog". Sometimes I wonder though if some of it isn't from the Crohns too.
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Sallyb
Regular Member
Joined : Jul 2005
Posts : 29
Posted 9/27/2007 8:05 AM (GMT -6)
I guess it started to panic me when one of my co-workers asked if I was getting Alzheimers! I know she was joking but it caught me off guard and that is when I thought I better get in tough with my network!!
Nanners, I do sometimes feel like I am in a fog - especially in the morning - noon hours. Don't know why, but it sure seems like it.
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Sugarmarie
Veteran Member
Joined : Jul 2003
Posts : 1267
Posted 9/27/2007 9:01 AM (GMT -6)
Satins meds for cholesterol are now know to cause memory loss are you taking them?
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Sallyb
Regular Member
Joined : Jul 2005
Posts : 29
Posted 9/27/2007 9:07 AM (GMT -6)
No, currently I am taking Humira, Immuran, Menest, Folic Acid, multi vitamin, Calcium, B-12 injections, Lexapro, Prilosec, Pentasa, Vicoden, Fentanyl patch - 50mg, Wellbutrin. Entecort, Levsinex, Trimethobenamid, and an antibiotic for UTI that I just started.
I guess I need to go through each one on webMD and take a good long look at all the side effects. It has been a while since I have read through them. I get used to taking them and don't even think about it sometimes.
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gachrons
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2007
Posts : 4527
Posted 9/27/2007 10:40 AM (GMT -6)
Hi Just a suggestion but you could tell your co workers your on meds and sometimes they do that to you. The mind is not always concentrating on what it is doing but you know at least this site gives us a chance to work it a little. They say reading keeps the mind sharp .lol gail
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Aimee =)
Veteran Member
Joined : Jun 2004
Posts : 1020
Posted 9/27/2007 11:01 AM (GMT -6)
I have memory and concentration problems, so much that I saw my doc for adult ADD, but instead they concluded that due to my low hemoglobin levels, I wans't getting enough oxygen to my brain... I am hoping the iron infusions will help..
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raynie_dai
New Member
Joined : Sep 2007
Posts : 5
Posted 9/27/2007 11:09 AM (GMT -6)
When I was on mulitple medications I had a much harder time with cognitive abilities. I discussed it with my doctor and we were able to reduce some of the meds and that helped for a while. I still have extended periods of times, sometimes weeks, where little tasks such as typing out a simple sentence or remembering how to spell words is difficult. I am always calling people by the wrong name, can't remember my phone number without a lot of thought and it can get so frustrating. Especially since I'm a writer and sort of need to show some ability with the English language.
I used to really stress about it but I have found that stressing made it worse, now I just relax, accept that this is how I am going to function today, slow down and do what I can.
Also, I have found that drinking lots and lots of water helps. Not sure if it flushes the system and prevents build up of the medications or what but I've talked to a few other people who have said the same thing. Especially if you are on things like phenergan which has a serious drowsiness side effect.
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Aimee =)
Veteran Member
Joined : Jun 2004
Posts : 1020
Posted 9/27/2007 12:07 PM (GMT -6)
Sorry - double post!
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pb4
Elite Member
Joined : Feb 2004
Posts : 20577
Posted 9/27/2007 12:13 PM (GMT -6)
I'm not even on RX meds, nor have I been on them for a very long period of time, pred was the only med over my 16 yrs that I was on and off and my memory and retention of info and such are TERRIBLE.

I'm only 40, but I've noticed it getting much worse over the last few yrs, I think it's the stress of the disease, it literally takes over your mind with worry of having to poop more then I used to (before getting sick).

Maybe I should get my hemoglobin levels checked....hope I remember to do that, LOL!


:)
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Sallyb
Regular Member
Joined : Jul 2005
Posts : 29
Posted 9/27/2007 12:32 PM (GMT -6)
Wow - that is good to know! I forgot to add phenergen to my list of meds. Sometimes I take either the tablet or the suppository (if things are bad). I work outside the home everyday (that I can get out of bed! :)) and sometimes take work home, but I find myself so forgetful. I guess the worst part is when people call you out on it. IF they didn't say anything - I don't think I would feel so bad or worry about it!
Thank you so much for all of your advice and stories - I can't tell you how much better I feel when I realize I am not alone in this battle!
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Nanners
Elite Member
Joined : Apr 2005
Posts : 14999
Posted 9/27/2007 1:53 PM (GMT -6)
SallyB I agree, maybe it is some of our meds doing it too. Never thought of that. I take 1/2 Percoset as needed for pain, as well as Phenergan daily, so its possible some of my forgetfulness is meds. Plus you use Fentanyl and that stuff makes even High Drug Tolerance me loopy, so that could be part of the problem. Oh well, I will take forgetfulness over pain anyday. God Bless!
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Sallyb
Regular Member
Joined : Jul 2005
Posts : 29
Posted 9/27/2007 2:06 PM (GMT -6)
You are ABSOLUTELY right Nanners - forgetfulness over pain always !!

Thanks so mucn!
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Sugarmarie
Veteran Member
Joined : Jul 2003
Posts : 1267
Posted 9/27/2007 6:11 PM (GMT -6)

Sallyb said...
No, currently I am taking Humira, Immuran, Menest, Folic Acid, multi vitamin, Calcium, B-12 injections, Lexapro, Prilosec, Pentasa, Vicoden, Fentanyl patch - 50mg, Wellbutrin. Entecort, Levsinex, Trimethobenamid, and an antibiotic for UTI that I just started.
I guess I need to go through each one on webMD and take a good long look at all the side effects. It has been a while since I have read through them. I get used to taking them and don't even think about it sometimes.


Holy cow that is a lot of meds you need to get a medic -alert bracelet so there is a data base doctors can refer to should you need medical assistance. Please look into that. I have one since 1996 a great service I have the stainless bracelet.


http://www.medicalert.org/home/Homegradient.aspx
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tinglebell
Veteran Member
Joined : Apr 2007
Posts : 532
Posted 9/27/2007 10:17 PM (GMT -6)
I can relate to all the memory problems mentioned in this post, but it started before I was on any meds due to B12 deficiency. It has never been back to normal (going on 2 yrs), have peaks and valleys) but I think steroids have def made it worse. I am on lortab now, and ambien at night, but this started when I was taking only motrin. And remicade made things much worse. I keep calling it memory problems, but mostly I get distracted, forgetful and very anxious when I have to remember something.
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Sallyb
Regular Member
Joined : Jul 2005
Posts : 29
Posted 9/28/2007 6:54 AM (GMT -6)
Thanks for the advice Sugarmarie - I never thought about getting a braclet for all of my meds. That would be so helpful! I will definetly look into it! :)
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Sugarmarie
Veteran Member
Joined : Jul 2003
Posts : 1267
Posted 9/28/2007 9:41 AM (GMT -6)

Sallyb said...
Thanks for the advice Sugarmarie - I never thought about getting a braclet for all of my meds. That would be so helpful! I will definetly look into it! :)

Its only something like 15-20 dollars a year and you can call 24-7 as many times a year as you want to update your meds , medical condition or personal info. On the back you put the diseases and if you are allergic to anything then when they call the 1800 number they will get the complete history of meds and conditions doctors and personal info they also give you a card to carry in your purse and a sticker to put on your windshield alerting first responders that you are a member.

I wear gold jewelry so I got the Stainless bracelet so it will stand out and be noticed I wear it on my right arm and wear nothing else on that wrist so it will be seen right away.
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Sallyb
Regular Member
Joined : Jul 2005
Posts : 29
Posted 9/28/2007 9:47 AM (GMT -6)
That sounds great! I think I am going to get one - it would be so worth having all of my info in one area for those who may need it.
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Dave D
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2005
Posts : 404
Posted 9/28/2007 1:04 PM (GMT -6)
Meds? What meds?
Dave D
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Sallyb
Regular Member
Joined : Jul 2005
Posts : 29
Posted 9/28/2007 1:36 PM (GMT -6)
HA!
Dave D - you Rock!!
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rootsmith
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2004
Posts : 629
Posted 9/28/2007 2:13 PM (GMT -6)
I had memory problems with gabapentin (neurontin) It was more like recall problems, I guess that is memory, like the information I needed was behind a closed door in my brain, I knew it was there and I couldn't get at it. Maybe this is what they call brain fog. I got off the drug and have noticed a big difference.
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Sallyb
Regular Member
Joined : Jul 2005
Posts : 29
Posted 9/28/2007 2:56 PM (GMT -6)
That does give me hope!! Maybe someday I won't be on so many meds. I do know how you felt - sometimes I get so frustrated because I know that I used to know the answers or it embarrasses me when someone tells me I asked the same question two days ago.

Thanks for the response!!
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Glad Bag
Veteran Member
Joined : Mar 2007
Posts : 699
Posted 9/28/2007 3:18 PM (GMT -6)
your insurance co. must be going bankrupt paying for all those meds!

just curious. Sally...i can't remember what surgeries, if any you have had?
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