The Problem
I struggle with memories. Actually, it’s worse than that. My memory sucks. Oh, you’re probably thinking, well sure, my memory sucks too. Now, I’m not trying to one-up you, but unless you are taking some kind of medication or have a health problem, I’m probably out-doing you. Three of the six meds that I take daily have memory loss as a side effect. Trust me, they’re doing their job and I’m a light weight. I have friends who take three times as many drugs as I do. I can only imagine how their memories are affected. I think It’s a miracle I don’t wake up each morning and wonder who the hell I am.
Memories Lost
What do I forget? Movies, getting the mail, restaurants, people, people’s names, dates, discussions, taking my meds, returning phone calls or emails, TV shows, getting the mail, books and more. We own a copy of three of the Transformers movies. I remember the first one, but have no recollection whatsoever of the other two. Maurice and I used to have heated discussions every time we watched the second one because I would insist I’d never seen it before. Apparently we have seen it many times. I’ve reached the point that I now remember that I’ve seen the second and third movies, but still have no recollection of them whatsoever. You know the saying that you never forget how to ride a bike? Not true. A friend gave me one and I gave it back because I almost killed myself several times.
The Worst
The saddest of all my lost memories is books. Once I put a book down I forget all of it. If I’m lucky enough to remember the title, I can usually tell you if I liked it or not, but that’s about it. As a writer, I think I have a responsibility to rate books that I purchase on Amazon. I can’t because I have nothing to say. I feel guilty because of it. My love for mysteries is why the novel I’m currently writing is a mystery, but it’s ironic. By the time I finish a mystery novel, I can’t remember the characters, settings and possible clues enough to understand how the sleuth came to their conclusion. The only way I can keep track of mine is because I have notes everywhere and have to review them daily.
How bad is my memory? I was concerned I may have written about this topic before and came up with three previous articles. The last one was posted in November 2014, so hopefully you don’t remember it.
If you’re expecting some kind of positive solution here, you’ve come to the wrong place. I have none. This post is just a simple frustrating rant. Do you know of something that helps with memory loss? If you do, I’d love to hear it. And the best part is it will be placed permanently in the comments section, so I won’t have to try to remember,
I have the same problem: http://wp.me/p4e9Hv-6k
You sure do and eloquently said
I have the same issue too.. Mind you I think a side effect of depression anyway is no short-term memory, so add meds to that mix with their still further ‘withering’ away of what little memory is left and you get the picture.. or better still you know exactly what its like. I have a solution to your issue with the book review though.. Have you thought about having a slip of paper attached to the inside cover of the book and as you read it, jot down what you liked about the chapter or chapters you read, straight after reading them. That way, even when you get to the end of the book, you’ll have information there in front of you. It might help your memory recall. At the very least, you’ll have something to write in the review.
Great idea!
Bradley I haven’t been getting notifications of your posts. I’ve subscribed again so hope that fixes that. Memory… I was not well November – December so wasn’t at work. When I started again in the new year, I forgot how to do my job! I work on various programs and my mind was just blank. I had to relearn my job. Very embarrassing. But looking back before being booked off, Mondays were always difficult because I can’t remember my job properly. So I have notes and hope no one notices. Makes Mondays very stressful. I often forget where I’ve parked my car – even just to nip and out the shops and I forget how to unlock it – is it turn left then right, or right then left??? Have I paid the bill? Sometimes I pay something twice without realising. I’m same as you with books, so just don’t bother reading anymore. For me this is not frustrating. It is frightening. I live on my own and I wonder am I safe? From myself and my unreliable memory.
I just checked my subscriber list and I don’t see you there. I don’t know what is happening. I guess try again and I’ll research to see if there’s a problem. (sigh)
The struggle with your job sounds awful, but good for you for finding a system that works, even though it’s difficult.
I hope we get the subscription problem fixed. It’s so frustrating.
Thanks Bradley. I’m trying the subscriber thing again. I’ll let you know what happens