Lived Experience Forum

[Missygirl]

I was forced to retire from Nursing when I was 47 when I became really depressed. Ever since I've been in and out of hospital with Bipolar disorder. However, in the past year I've been getting worsening short term memory and losing my words. But by far the scariest thing to happen has been forgetting how to lock the front door. It's happened twice and is not usually associated with medications. I'm seeing a Neurologist at the end of the month. I have to restrict my food budget to $40/wk until then so I can pay all of my bills and pay the Neurologist's fee. I just hope any tests she sends me for aren't expensive.I can't help thinking the worst given my symptoms and family history.

[Mazarita]

Hi @Missygirl welcome to the forum.

There are many others here including myself with bipolar. Some of us get together in a discussion thread called Let's Talk About Bipolar.

Sorry to hear of your distressing symptoms of short-term memory loss, losing words and forgetting how to lock the front door. Glad to hear you have some neurological testing set in motion.

I went through a number of neurological tests for symptoms I was getting a few years ago, mine were mainly to do with persistent pins and needles in different parts of my body.

If I hadn't gone through the public health system there is no way at all I could have afforded any of it. I am eligible for this because I receive the disability pension. I wonder if that is an option for you. It's slow going with waiting lists but eventually your name comes up.

Nothing sinister showed up on my neuro tests. My neuro symptoms are still with me, but far less than before. It turned out that an anti-depressant I was on was really worsening the abnormal sensations.

Psych meds are pretty powerful. My memory was particularly poor when I was taking anti-psychotics. For me it was less intense but similar in a way. To this day I really have to concentrate to remember which way to turn the keys in locks, pull blinds up and down. Small issues but frustrating.

Wishing you well in finding some answers to your distressing symptoms. I hope you find helpful support on the forum.

[Missygirl]

Thank you for your kind words. I am on the public waiting list as a back up plan. I'm on the DSP too. I just can't afford for someone to walk in my front door because I've forgotten how to lock it again,hence, the urgency to see the Neurologist.

[outlander]

Hi @Missygirl that sounds scary!
im not sure whether Bipolar causes those symptoms or to that extent but im glad that your going to see a neurologist. i hope they can get down to the bottom of whats causing it.

I dont suffer from Bipolar but i do suffer from Depression, anxiety amongst other things so i can relate to you. I also see a neurologist as well and it can be quite expensive.
If you have a low health care card/pension card, those fees should be reduced and Medicare should also give you a rebate as well. Also from my experience with specialists is, if they refer you for testing generally its free. Ive had Mri scans from a dr and it cost me a kidney but when the specialist refferred me it was free. Possibly double check with any radiography centres your refferred to but i think thats the general gist of things.

[Lost9]

Hi @Missygirl ,

I'm glad you made it through Nursing to get your degree and possibly further studies. unfortunately I made it through my first semester of Nursing when when I became psychotic and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. I am on a DSP and have found since taking antidepressants and antipsychotics for about 30 years that my memory is dreadful too. Concentration is also a problem which I guess is hardly surprising. I can forget what someone has just told me and I am forever groping for words. I remember it was much easier for me to remember and concentrate before I was on antipsychotics and antidepressants and I feel frustrated that I pay heavily for taking such medication when I still feel depressed and still hear voices daily. I have been through just about all possible drugs for me to take so I have to accept my fate but it doesn't stop me feeling frustrated and angry about it. You are not alone with memory problems and I am so sorry you have to accept the outcome of such symptoms. I can't really offer you any practical advice other than the old trick of wear a ribbon on your finger to remind you to lock the door. Wright down what you must remember, use an iPad or iPhone or some mobile device to tick off to do lists and set alarm reminders. Hope you find something that helps.

[Missygirl]

I'm sorry to hear you didn't get to complete your studies. My cousin has schizophrenia but hers was brought on by chronic cannabis use. Thank you for your suggestions.