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unfoldingxwings
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unfoldingxwings If you cannot move the mountain, you become the mountain.
 
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Default Nov 15, 2018 at 07:25 PM
  #1
Back in 2015 I was diagnosed with MCI after a psychologist ran some tests on me. I was 30 at the time. How someone my age managed to develop MCI, that was not explained to me. When I gave the report to my neurologist he took one look at me and told me the assessment had been wrong because I was too young for such impairments. But I struggle daily with an impaired memory and some minor cognitive impairments. The memory is honestly the worst. The psychologist's report said my mind functions as if I'm 60 years old. I also seem to have amnesia about my past, though I never officially sought a diagnosis. I don't recall enormous chunks of my past. Some years are black spots that I can only recall a fragment of memories from if anything. I hardly remember who I use to be before going into remission.

My memory is an endless frustration. I still haven't gotten down how to best live/function with an impaired memory. I still forget and lose things. Like how many times I misplaced my keys or student ID when I was at school. I had to write down on a small white board on my wall when my classes were in the morning and which days because otherwise I'd get them switched or confused. Or forget altogether. I had extensive study and memorization techniques just so I could do well in classes (which worked! But it was hard work).

I have the biggest heart and a beautiful soul, but I think I drive people crazy with my memory issues. And I honestly don't mean to. I forget conversations, and to do small things that eventually tick people off. And I swear I never mean to.... It's difficult because I have an above average IQ, but the psychologist who gave me this assessment advised me not to return to college because "not everyone has the IQ to do school". I proved him wrong by excelling in my classes this semester. And that having MCI doesn't mean you are academically incapable.
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Default Nov 15, 2018 at 08:39 PM
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Good for you! I was diagnosed with MCI when I was in my forties. I think it's due to the meds I take for bipolar. But I am now in my sixties, so I guess some impairment is due to age now. We just need to write things down. Sometimes I just tell people off the bat that I have memory problems, so maybe they won't get so aggravated with me.
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Default Nov 15, 2018 at 08:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Travelinglady View Post
Good for you! I was diagnosed with MCI when I was in my forties. I think it's due to the meds I take for bipolar. But I am now in my sixties, so I guess some impairment is due to age now. We just need to write things down. Sometimes I just tell people off the bat that I have memory problems, so maybe they won't get so aggravated with me.
I take bipolar meds too, so it must be my medication. It was disappointing my neurologist wasn't willing to run his own tests to figure it out. But I also guess he was confident it wasn't my brain itself. I'd love to get off of some of these medications but I'm not sure it's possible. My psychiatrist is reluctant to take me off them. But at the same time my memory sucks....

But I do tell people. They are patient to an extent. For instance I live with my mother and she will leave notes telling me to do things that bother her if I don't. I get mad. But at the same time, I do forget without a reminder or being told. Sometimes my mother thinks I should just do everything but doesn't realize it's a challenge for me to remember to do everything. Then she gets mad at me. And she knows about my memory issues but complains that I don't try hard enough. And what I do/don't do inconveniences her. Which I'm at the point of not really caring because life is full of inconveniences and you have to get over it. My memory is a massive inconvenience. She doesn't know how easy she has it.
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Default Nov 15, 2018 at 08:54 PM
  #4
I have noticed that my memory is terrible if I don't get enough sleep. I forget everything and can't focus on anything. Driving and even reading become almost impossible. So I have to make sure I get enough sleep.
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Default Nov 15, 2018 at 09:20 PM
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I have noticed that my memory is terrible if I don't get enough sleep. I forget everything and can't focus on anything. Driving and even reading become almost impossible. So I have to make sure I get enough sleep.
This too! But even when I get enough sleep I'm still forgetful. But it is improved when you do. Days when you're tired, it's nearly impossible to function.
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Default Nov 16, 2018 at 01:16 PM
  #6
((((unfoldingxwings)))) I'm sorry you're struggling with this. However, be proud of yourself. Despite your difficulties, you're still going to school, and getting good grades, and you're still able to lead a normal life. That's a HUGE accomplishment and I admire you a lot for that. It seems like you've learned how to cope with it, so if I were you, I'd get myself a reward. Don't give up, you can do it!
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Default Jan 18, 2019 at 06:19 PM
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I just received a report from psych testing that indicates MCI along with panic disorder & PTSD. My psychologist explained to me that The 2 psych disorders contribute to our are the cause of the MCI. She also indicates that it should improve vastly over time as I work through my issues in therapy. Like you, I have memory issues and will even forget what people are talking about while we're in the middle of a conversation!
It sounds like whoever did your testing was not very positive when they gave you the outcome. It also sounds like your neurologist might not be an expert in psych testing.
Glad you are getting through school!
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