Path: utzoo!censor!geac!torsqnt!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!apple!olivea!oliveb!bunker!wtm
From: cas@mtdcb.att.com (Cliff Stevens)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Epilepsy
Summary: Meds or CHI?
Message-ID: <16440@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 19 Dec 90 05:10:45 GMT
References: <16375@bunker.UUCP>
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Reply-To: cas@mtdcb.att.com (Cliff Stevens)
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Index Number: 12514

In article <16375@bunker.UUCP>, Donna.Siren@p19.f5.n396.z1.fidonet.org
(Donna Siren) writes:
> Index Number: 12456
> I think that it's what's causing my memory loss.  For
> example, I never used to have to write down phone numbers, but
> unless it's a number I dial all the time, there's no way I'll
> remember it.  I can read a good book, but a month later, if you ask
> me about it, I can't tell you very much about it, except that I
> enjoyed it.  The strange thing is that I can remember phone numbers
> ETC. that I knew years ago and haven't thought about since I was a
> kid, but give me a phone number or address ETC. and if I don't
> write it down, I'll forget it by the next day.  I'm pretty sure
> that it's the medicine.

Donna,
I don't know, but the memory loss you describe is exactly what I 
experienced after my Closed Head Injury (Cerebreal Contusion, R Occipital
Parietal region, 9 weeks in coma, 1.5 years on sick leave, 2.5 years
in wheelchair.)  But my memory
loss is different than yours, I've lost about 2.5 years premorbid also.
I've always assumed that the memory loss was due to the CHI; but I guess
your're saying it could be due to the meds also.  

I was on Dilantin, but strictly as a prophylactic (I never had a seizure.).
And I was on it for 3 years.

But if you'd like some advice, here's what I've discovered: 
It's good to forget movies, that way you can enjoy them 10 times!
*NEVER* try to do something at a more convenient time; you'll forget! 
	Do it now while you remember! 
Write everything down you'll need to remember; I carry a pen and
	small notebook in my breast pocket for such purposes. 
I've also started a daily diary, and started using a calendar.  Every night
	look at your calendar for the next day, copy the entries for tommorrow
	onto a small piece of paper; that is your "To Do" list for the next day.
	You can also make other notes of things to do, like "Buy beer!". 
Everytime somebody gives you a map, save it; you might have to go back someday.
Keep a list of things you're working on at work; my "Stack", it was neither
	LIFO nor FIFO, it was prioritized.
It also helps to keep a log of your work, that way at 5:00 when your boss 
	asks what you did all day, you can show him.
Make a list of things you do every night or morning. Like:  "Plan Lunch",
	"Take Meds", "Do Exercises", and "Pick Wardrobe".
Calculators that print out everything you tell it are essential.  How else can
	you tell how many entries in a column you've entered?
If necessary, at night before you go home, send yourself email w the junk you
	have to do the next day; that way, it's the first thing you read in 
	the morning.  If you're a real "Computer Jock"! :-)
I've started a personal phone book also, and a list of all my friends!
Make a list of things to remember and carry it w you.
Verbose check book entries are good, or "Why the h*ll did I send him $1000?"
Make a note describing each picture you take, like:  "19Feb85, guards
	in front of Buckingham Palace."
Also, w every roll of film you take; on the first picture take a picture of
	your photo notebook, w the date, film type, and location.  Ie:  
	"18Feb85, TriX, London.".
It also helps to keep a daily diary of your vacation.
Become Obsessive Compulsive, you've got to realize, "If forgetting this is bad;
	then I will forget it!".

------------
A man's gotta know his own limitations!
	Cliff Stevens	MT1E228  att!cbnewsj!ncas  (908)671-7292