Cirrhosis Support Group

Due to my health and unemployment I don't get out much and socialize anymore. I do talk to a few friends on the phone. Last night I had a troublesome situation. We were talking about some funny incident and I wanted to refer to a show I had watched. I couldn't say the title. Then my brain just froze and I couldn't carry on the conversation. My friend picked up on this (she has been educating herself on cirrhosis) and asked if I could give her some hints so she would know what it was. Again I froze and couldn't talk. Finally I got out something but not clear. My friend knows me well enough that she guessed right. It felt horrible. I happened two more times during our conversations. (We usually talk for an hour or so.)

Is this mild HE? I will tell my doctor tomorrow, assuming I remember. (yes I take notes along but forget to look at them quite often.) The feeling that went with this different than just having a blonde moment, short memory lapses come bac quickly.

Post edited by: TzuWho2, at: 05/02/2011 01:54 PM

Tzu

I can only speak for myself. I do have problems with HE and that laps of memory does happen to me. I sometimes will be writing and can't remember how or just can't make certain letters. I have forgotten my password at work but was sure I knew it and continued to put in what I was sure was the right one. I got angry that it wasn't working. I have had the same password for 6years. I loose focus constantly. They always check my amonia level. It is never to high when they check it. Before you think the worse, it could be the dreaded age related, stress related issues we all face. I hope all is well and you are just having a senior moment as my 36year old say when she forgets something.

My first experience with HE was caused by a UTI

We had been out to supper and when we got home I couldn't figure out how to get out of the car. Logically I knew that you pulled the handle to open the door, But I had no clue how to do this.

In general I have plenty of "senior moments" I too lose focus easily.

My Dr told me years ago that he didn't worry too much when I said I was confused.

That he got concerned when my family called and said I was confused.

Do talk to your Dr he's the best judge.

Post edited by: mpmom, at: 05/02/2011 06:18 PM

im terrible at handwriting, remembering names and months even writing on here is a struggle, i used to be eloquent and took it very much for granted. i'm very embarrassed when paying for things sometimes i have to ask a few times "how much did you say" while flustering around in my purse. i get very nervous going out. the docters advice was to make sure i take lactolose twice a day.

I'm reminded of the famous Beatles song "Help!"

"When I was young, so much younger than today,

I never needed anybody's help in any way."

All the lyrics are at this link:

http://www.lyricstime.com/the-beatles-help-lyrics.html

Post edited by: Capedrifter, at: 05/02/2011 07:27 PM

Cape, I thought that was somewhat funny so I posted the words to the song along with a comment about aging and health issues bring the song to mind.

A lovely friend responded with GREAT LOVE & COMPASSION along with a prayer. I so needed the prayer and the compassion but it was funny to me that she was so moved to what I thought was humerus. (I told her that I so appreciated her prayer and compassion.)

Thank you Tamie and I do hope no one feels a little levity is in bad taste. Should anyone think humor is in poor taste I want to say I do understand having that opinion. These are serious subjects and laughter, regrettably, can be in short supply. I believe in the therapeutic value of humor and regularly try to lift Momma Cape's spirits that way. But, when she is suffering and is sicker then usual I know there is no place for humor. J

Cape your "levity" was proper and well timed.

It was nice to smile.

Post edited by: mpmom, at: 05/03/2011 02:53 PM

This week Momma Cape has been totally confused about the days of the week, when her PCP appointment is (it's Friday) and I review the days with her. She just has a block against processing the information. Still, she can recall life-long memories, some things I don't even remember. But, for today, she does not understand when Friday will arrive.

Bless her, I do know the feeling... what day is it, when is that happening ..., but I knew that Perri would get me where I needed to be when, just as Momma Cape knows that about you!