Memory loss!!

[sorryass]

I have definetly noticed that my memory is not what it used to be.  Things like passwords, peoples names, pin numbers, are all becomeing a problem to remember.  I thought for a while, that this was just normal, silly kind of things, but yesterday I discovered something that truely, truely has me worried.

I was on facebook, looking over my messages.  I was re-reading for the fun of it, when something came up that really sat me up straight.  A friend of mine, Quienten, and his wife Zoe, live in Toronto.  On facebook, it recorded about 12 conversations that Zoe and I had, from Nov 2010 - Feb 2011.  Then there is a gap, untill March 22/11 where I contact Zoe, clearly haveing forgotten that I have had the previous conversations  Nov/10 - Feb/11!  I still don't remember ever having those conversations.  I don't know for sure, but I'm starting to think I may really haveing a memory problem.  I see there is a Mental Health forum, I will be checking that out.

Bertram.

[mewithu]

Tell your HIV DR about this also it may be a problem he needs to know of.

[denb45]

Bertram, I have that problem as well, I think it's apart of the aging process and long term HIV/AIDS, I told my otherhalf Bob the other day, that what if I forget who you are one day, he replied, well I'll just shove my dick down your throat, and then you'll remember me  ; but in all seriousness, if you think this is becoming more problematic, then YES, you need to discuss w/ your doctor 

[bear60]

I'd just like to say that I had a good friend who died from a brain infection which is considered an OP (opportunistic infection).
His problem was not memory loss.  Rather, it was progressive personality change and anger, outrage and hostility which came and went.
If you are experiencing mild memory loss it most likely has nothing to do with HIV itself but rather (possibly) medications you are on.  For instance, did you start (or stop) any medications during this period of time you refer to?  I started taking Celexa ( in addition to the Ativan) and can tell you that I find whole conversations that I dont remember when I repeat myself to my partner.  He says" You've already told me that."  Or on the other hand I think I have told him about something but never did.  I can also tell you that Ativan, Celexa and Vodka, are a wild mixture.
It also has a lot to do with your "numbers".  If your numbers are in the normal range....CD4 of over 500 and percent over 25,  you most likely will not have memory loss due to HIV.
There are a few wierd diseases out there which I have heard of...for instance in Arizona and New Mexico....its a cytomegalovirus...I forget the name. lol   But its related to mouse droppings and such.  If you live in a rural area this might be a  concern.  But I think Canada is wet enough so that mouse dropping dust isnt blowing in the wind.
As far as pin numbers and such...we keep a cheat sheet in a binder on a shelf by the computer.

[Theyer]

Hi Bertram

I know ts distubing and I would mention it to the Dr at my next app, It is easy to see how potentially over worried friends get, leaving out all the harmless  things it is/could be. I trust a couple off friends when it comes to the am I mentally deteriorating/acting strange ? as with treatment and illness There have been times where a whole load off realities present there self's.
Keep us informed Bertram
t

[northrock]

I had the same issues of memory loss and my doctor tested my B12 levels and they were low.  He put me on a serious regimen of B12 shots and my memory improved.  I know take B12 capsules every morning along with a multi-vitamin and that has helped my memory.  Hope things improve.

[Tim Horn]

Hi Northrock:

Please note that you're currently posting in a thread in our Long-Term Survivors forum -- which is intended for individuals who have been living with HIV since the 1980s and early 1990s. As you're relatively new to your HIV diagnosis, please understand that the threads in this particular forums are off limits to you. You're free to read, but participation is only for long-term survivors. 

That said, please continue to post in most of the other Forums on this site.

Thanks for understanding,

Tim

[Joe K]

I think you should follow your instincts, because you know the real you. I'm 56, been poz for 27 years and I forget things all the time. I think it's important if you can determine if it is short and/or long term memory loss and then discuss this with your doctor. Not knowing what you drugs you may take, there may be alternatives for you to try, or possibly a medical cause, so talk with your doctor, explain it the best you can and then decide on what to do. Best of luck to you and let us know if you find anything that works. 

[wolfter]

I wouldn't take this lightly.  If it's a sudden change, I'd definitely be concerned.  My previous ID doctor was a complete idiot and I had this concern for quite a while.  I was forgetting simple things, like what road to take even though I've driven them for years.  I could not function without writing everything down.  My doctor said it was just the long term affects of HIV.  Thankfully, my family insisted I visit a different doctor.  After a month in the hospital with crytpcoccal menningitis, I'm slowly getting my memory back.  2 years ago this month. 

[denb45]

My previous ID doctor was a complete idiot and I had this concern for quite a while.  Thankfully, my family insisted I visit a different doctor.  After a month in the hospital with crytpcoccal menningitis, I'm slowly getting my memory back.  2 years ago this month. 

Wolfter, I hear ya there, some of these so called HIV/AIDS Doctors are a real piece of work, getting a 2nd opinion is always a good idea, I do it and get referrals when I'm not satisfied w/ some of the snarky answers
I get sometimes, doctors are human, but they aren't infallible, I 've had more than my share of em in my 23
yrs. of this disease........good for you 

[Sfteve]

I have noticed some memory loss as well, the simplest of things become a big deal from time to time just like Sorryass mentioned above.

I am fairly healthy, 52 yrs, CD4=497, undetectable, no smoke, casual drinker and keep in shape. I can recall complex issues but simple things just fade away quickly. This is a casual issue, or maybe I have forgotten how often it happens. I will check with my MD.

Thanks guys!