I came on here about a year ago worried after my doctor tested my memory and found the results poor. I have continued to struggle with things over the course of the year suffering from confusion, increasing forgetfullness, having problems holding a conversation as I cant always remember words. I have had numerous blood tests. At one point my B12 was low and the doc thought this might have been the cause, but B12 levels have returned to normal. I had a CT bran scan in September and various xrays to rule out other courses. I am on medication for PTSD and this was thought to have been a possible cause. I am male and 56 years old and today was told that my most recent MMSE test scored at 20 and was causing my GP concern for someone of my age and educational background. ( I was a mature student and gained my Honors degree 1st class in 2003 and now struggle to even read the newspaper.) I have to have another chest x ray and more blood tests but I am getting really worried about this and find it hard to talk to anyone about it. Can anyone give me some positive slants on all this ?
My mmse score
- Thread starter bridekirk
- Start date
Hello,
I am sorry to hear of your continued problems and feel a bit unsure whether I can help.
You say you are on medication for PTSD but are you and your Dr not convinced this is helping you? On this website it does suggest those suffering from an earlier trauma are wise to receive some specialist therapy and I wonder if you have tried that route.
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/post_traumatic_stress_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm
If the Dr is now ruling this out as a possible cause then you possibly have to wait for the x-ray and blood test results to come through before he decides what treatment or support you need.
Have you any close relatives or friends who can help you through this difficult patch? If not then it may be worth ringing the local branch of the Alzheimer's Society and explain the situation. They do deal with other forms of mental illness other than Alzheimers and they may be able to send a Support Worker out to see you.
Sorry I cannot offer more but hopefully others will be along soon with their own throughts.
Best wishes
I am sorry to hear of your continued problems and feel a bit unsure whether I can help.
You say you are on medication for PTSD but are you and your Dr not convinced this is helping you? On this website it does suggest those suffering from an earlier trauma are wise to receive some specialist therapy and I wonder if you have tried that route.
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/post_traumatic_stress_disorder_symptoms_treatment.htm
If the Dr is now ruling this out as a possible cause then you possibly have to wait for the x-ray and blood test results to come through before he decides what treatment or support you need.
Have you any close relatives or friends who can help you through this difficult patch? If not then it may be worth ringing the local branch of the Alzheimer's Society and explain the situation. They do deal with other forms of mental illness other than Alzheimers and they may be able to send a Support Worker out to see you.
Sorry I cannot offer more but hopefully others will be along soon with their own throughts.
Best wishes
Hi Becky Jan and thank you for your words. Its all a bit of a mess really. I had some really bad and scary stuff happen to me a good while back. In fact several incidents which left me with the PTSD, and although the medication I am on helps with this I do live in constant fear of what happened happening again.. like I say its complicated. At first I thought my memory / confusion problems were as a result of my being stressed out and anxious as a reult of the PTSD, but this memory confusion thing is fairly recent. Whereas I have been treated for PTSD for the past 4 years this memory thing is only the last 18 months or so and seems to be progressing too fast to the extent I don't trust my own judgement anymore. I really have done some silly things recently. I dont know which way to turn. This is hard to discuss with family and I cant bring myself to talk to anyone about it apart from the doctor 
Hello bridekirk,
Just wanted to relay to you my thoughts, although I have no personal experience of PTSD, a close family member has suffered.
It has been well documented that severe trauma can have lasting impact on the mind and body. I read your original posts from a year ago. It's good that you have returned to Talking Point as there are many people here who can empathise with your memory problems. For what it's worth your latest thread seems to be more coherent in terms of your writing skills than a year ago. That struck me as a positive thing.
Medication may be helping you in one way but there might possibly be side effects - have you checked these?
I am sorry to read how you cannot talk to anyone other than your doctor. TP is always here and day and night there is someone on line with ideas or simple comforting words. Don't give up hope - it may not be as bad as you fear. I do hope so.
Jancis x
Just wanted to relay to you my thoughts, although I have no personal experience of PTSD, a close family member has suffered.
It has been well documented that severe trauma can have lasting impact on the mind and body. I read your original posts from a year ago. It's good that you have returned to Talking Point as there are many people here who can empathise with your memory problems. For what it's worth your latest thread seems to be more coherent in terms of your writing skills than a year ago. That struck me as a positive thing.
Medication may be helping you in one way but there might possibly be side effects - have you checked these?
I am sorry to read how you cannot talk to anyone other than your doctor. TP is always here and day and night there is someone on line with ideas or simple comforting words. Don't give up hope - it may not be as bad as you fear.
I do hope so.Jancis x
Hi bridekirk,
You could try talking to an Admiral Nurse. They are thin on the ground but there is a helpline. Check out this link:
http://www.dementiauk.org/what-we-do/admiral-nurses/
I hope you get some help. Remember that a GP is just that - a 'general' practitioner - and may not be well-equipped to give you the best advice. You really need help from some kind of specialist as there are clearly unusual aspects to your case.
You've come to the right place and will, I'm sure get further advice here.
You could try talking to an Admiral Nurse. They are thin on the ground but there is a helpline. Check out this link:
http://www.dementiauk.org/what-we-do/admiral-nurses/
I hope you get some help. Remember that a GP is just that - a 'general' practitioner - and may not be well-equipped to give you the best advice. You really need help from some kind of specialist as there are clearly unusual aspects to your case.
You've come to the right place and will, I'm sure get further advice here.
Still in unresolved situation
Its february now. Back in December I had a call from my doctor asking me to make a half hour appointment. When I got there I was told that they had referred my case, and the results of my ongoing memory and other tests to the hospital where I was being treated for my PTSD and OCD issues. They had received a letter back asking my GP to carry out a longer test ( something callewd a Montreal?). I think I did quite badly and got quite upset, especially when I could not remeber words, draw a diagramme or do the maths part. Doctor said she felt there was definatly an issue and that I would need to be referred to a memory clinic and that she would write to them for an appointment. I have now had several MMSE tests, all with quite poor results, and now this other one and have been told that my scans, blood tests, x rays etc are all OK. ( I did notice my MMSE score was 17 ) I dont know how long I have to wait for this appointment, but the worry is almost unbearable, especially as I am noticing the problems more, or at least others seem to be noticing it and keep telling me that I am repeating myself and getting arrangements wrong. I live alone and am finding it easier to stay more islolated at home where I dont get into situations that cause other people to notice what I get wrong. I feel very embarrassed and dont want to annoy people or cause them inconvenience because of the way I seem to be behaving. Sometimes I feel I have things under control, then get really upset when someone tells me I have done something stupid, then I lose confidence and start questioning everything. the worry is wearing me out
Its february now. Back in December I had a call from my doctor asking me to make a half hour appointment. When I got there I was told that they had referred my case, and the results of my ongoing memory and other tests to the hospital where I was being treated for my PTSD and OCD issues. They had received a letter back asking my GP to carry out a longer test ( something callewd a Montreal?). I think I did quite badly and got quite upset, especially when I could not remeber words, draw a diagramme or do the maths part. Doctor said she felt there was definatly an issue and that I would need to be referred to a memory clinic and that she would write to them for an appointment. I have now had several MMSE tests, all with quite poor results, and now this other one and have been told that my scans, blood tests, x rays etc are all OK. ( I did notice my MMSE score was 17 ) I dont know how long I have to wait for this appointment, but the worry is almost unbearable, especially as I am noticing the problems more, or at least others seem to be noticing it and keep telling me that I am repeating myself and getting arrangements wrong. I live alone and am finding it easier to stay more islolated at home where I dont get into situations that cause other people to notice what I get wrong. I feel very embarrassed and dont want to annoy people or cause them inconvenience because of the way I seem to be behaving. Sometimes I feel I have things under control, then get really upset when someone tells me I have done something stupid, then I lose confidence and start questioning everything. the worry is wearing me out
Hello Bridekirk
Didn't want to pass by without replying. I am by no means an expert, new to all this myself but your latest post reminds me very much of how my mam was feeling before she went to the memory clinic. Her appt came through about 4 weeks after referral. During that time, (& the months leading up to it) she was so anxious, worried, checking up on herself constantly. Of course all this made her memory even worse, as I'm sure you know.
What I wanted to say is she found the whole experience at the clinic very reassuring. The lady she saw was extremely understanding & patient & for the first time we felt like we were really being listened to. Mam is waiting now for a scan, we have no diagnosis yet, but they did change the anti-depressant she was on & she is feeling & coping much better.
I do worry about you dealing with this on your own, is there anyone you could confide in? Certainly I think it would be a good idea to take someone with you when you go, if only to take notes etc. Mam's appointment lasted over an hour & a half so it was quite comprehensive & can be a lot to take in for anyone.
I hope I have helped reassure you a little about your visit to the memory clinic. I'm sure others with more experince will be along soon with more advice. In the meantime good luck x
Didn't want to pass by without replying. I am by no means an expert, new to all this myself but your latest post reminds me very much of how my mam was feeling before she went to the memory clinic. Her appt came through about 4 weeks after referral. During that time, (& the months leading up to it) she was so anxious, worried, checking up on herself constantly. Of course all this made her memory even worse, as I'm sure you know.
What I wanted to say is she found the whole experience at the clinic very reassuring. The lady she saw was extremely understanding & patient & for the first time we felt like we were really being listened to. Mam is waiting now for a scan, we have no diagnosis yet, but they did change the anti-depressant she was on & she is feeling & coping much better.
I do worry about you dealing with this on your own, is there anyone you could confide in? Certainly I think it would be a good idea to take someone with you when you go, if only to take notes etc. Mam's appointment lasted over an hour & a half so it was quite comprehensive & can be a lot to take in for anyone.
I hope I have helped reassure you a little about your visit to the memory clinic. I'm sure others with more experince will be along soon with more advice. In the meantime good luck x
Hi marymary, and thanks for that I have thought about taking someone, but I assume that we will be sitting in an office being asked a lot of questions and that the person who might be with me will come to know lots of stuff that I have tried to hide, which is going to be traumatic and make me look rather stupid. So far I have managed to cover a lot of things up by making a joke of my mistakes, or just lying about why something went wrong when confronted about yet anothe faux pas. I dont know why I should feel so embarrased about this, but I can see people get frustrated with me, and my younger brother gets a bit impatient. I am not that far gone that I cant see the effects on others. Repeating the same story, having people insert words I cant grasp in a conversation. Its not that long ago I helped an elderly lady who had alzheimers and who constantly had problems with her medication. I can still feel the frustration I had with her even now having to go over and over her medication rityuals, though I never showed it. So I know people are starrting to feel the same about me in a smaller way. i wonder if my friend will still be my friend after he accompanies me to this clinic
I have thought about taking someone, but I assume that we will be sitting in an office being asked a lot of questions and that the person who might be with me will come to know lots of stuff that I have tried to hide, which is going to be traumatic and make me look rather stupid. So far I have managed to cover a lot of things up by making a joke of my mistakes, or just lying about why something went wrong when confronted about yet anothe faux pas. I dont know why I should feel so embarrased about this, but I can see people get frustrated with me, and my younger brother gets a bit impatient. I am not that far gone that I cant see the effects on others. Repeating the same story, having people insert words I cant grasp in a conversation. Its not that long ago I helped an elderly lady who had alzheimers and who constantly had problems with her medication. I can still feel the frustration I had with her even now having to go over and over her medication rityuals, though I never showed it. So I know people are starrting to feel the same about me in a smaller way. i wonder if my friend will still be my friend after he accompanies me to this clinic
Hi Bridekirk,
I am sorry to hear of your situation, but it is good that you are continuing to get to appointments and hopefully there will be an answer of some kind for you soon. If i were you, I would want somebody I knew to be with me. I think if the person truly is your friend going in, they still will after the meeting be no matter what gets discussed. They may be a little confused, or concerned or hurt depending on what you have been hiding, but these feelings can be worked out.
Good luck with it, let us know how it goes for you.
I would think any friend going with you would be able to be a better friend afterwards. Forgetfulness is frustrating to deal with, but when we know the reason it is that much easier. For example I can make arrangements with my mam, but now I know she is likely to forget I ring & give a gentle reminder closer to the time. It's not a problem.
I would urge you to take someone with you, there's always the option of asking your friend to wait outside for a while if there are things you want to discuss in private. When I went with my mam I told both her & the doc I was happy to leave at any point if mam wanted some privacy. I'm sure they'd understand & it's quite normal practice. Alternatively you could prepare a letter beforehand to give to the doctor or even email them in advance.
One useful tip I was given when I first came here is to keep a diary of any problems/difficulties/incidents to show to doctors, it can be very helpful.
In the meantime, if there's anything you know helps to relax & calm you do try it. I know how difficult that can be having been through ptsd myself x
I would urge you to take someone with you, there's always the option of asking your friend to wait outside for a while if there are things you want to discuss in private. When I went with my mam I told both her & the doc I was happy to leave at any point if mam wanted some privacy. I'm sure they'd understand & it's quite normal practice. Alternatively you could prepare a letter beforehand to give to the doctor or even email them in advance.
One useful tip I was given when I first came here is to keep a diary of any problems/difficulties/incidents to show to doctors, it can be very helpful.
In the meantime, if there's anything you know helps to relax & calm you do try it. I know how difficult that can be having been through ptsd myself x
Hiya Bridekirk,
I wonder whether a good person to take with you is your younger brother? You say sometimes he is impatient with you etc. so perhaps this would be an opportunity to hear from a medical professional what is going on and as well as you, he might have some questions that will help him gain a proper insight about the nature of the disease. This could have a good outcome and make him more supportive and less likely to be impatient with you.
I won't lie to you about how some of the people around you might react once you have been formally diagnosed. I believe that you will truly see who your best friends are and some might, for their own reasons, drift away over time. Ultimately though you will end up with the group of people who will understand the challenges you are facing and support you to deal with these. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. Ok so you told a few white lies but those can be explained away by saying you yourself didn't know what was happening and that lots of scenarios were being investigated with no feedback having been given to you!! Let those in your inner circle know what is happening and maybe have an open discussion with them about what they can do to help you. Equally, tell them the things not to do, especially those which frustrate you or cause you unnecessary distress. Having people in the know, to me, is imperative as sometimes when you are out and about, something might happen which needs them to intervene on your behalf.
Then there is Talking Point, you'll get lots of support here too.
As always, just my views based on my experiences.
Fiona
I wonder whether a good person to take with you is your younger brother? You say sometimes he is impatient with you etc. so perhaps this would be an opportunity to hear from a medical professional what is going on and as well as you, he might have some questions that will help him gain a proper insight about the nature of the disease. This could have a good outcome and make him more supportive and less likely to be impatient with you.
I won't lie to you about how some of the people around you might react once you have been formally diagnosed. I believe that you will truly see who your best friends are and some might, for their own reasons, drift away over time. Ultimately though you will end up with the group of people who will understand the challenges you are facing and support you to deal with these. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. Ok so you told a few white lies but those can be explained away by saying you yourself didn't know what was happening and that lots of scenarios were being investigated with no feedback having been given to you!! Let those in your inner circle know what is happening and maybe have an open discussion with them about what they can do to help you. Equally, tell them the things not to do, especially those which frustrate you or cause you unnecessary distress. Having people in the know, to me, is imperative as sometimes when you are out and about, something might happen which needs them to intervene on your behalf.
Then there is Talking Point, you'll get lots of support here too.
As always, just my views based on my experiences.
Fiona
I feel for you, as the waiting toward finally knowking what's wrong is taking so long, and you being afraid of losing your friend. I too would be afraid to lose people important to me. All the confusions and difficulties you're experiencing are hard too on your self-esteem. Sending prayers for you.
Thanks
many many thanks to all of you who have taken the time to give me support and encouragement. In recent weeks I have been a little bit more open with those close to me... Dipping a toe into the water kind of thing to see how they react. I guess that for now I will just have to be patient and stop climbing the walls. I am not working right now and have been worried about my ability to get a job, hoping that my physical and mental health woulkd improve and not go retrograde. What with poor mobility following a car accident a few years back and my other OCD / PTSD problems, this fairly recent development on top makes me think that nobody will employ me if the worst comes to the worst and I get a bad diagnosis. I always beleived I would get back into work at some point, as I really need to. I am only 57 and a way off official retirement, and in honesty dont know now what the future will hold, and non of this worry is helping. Sorry guys I complain too much but thanks for letting me get it off my chest
many many thanks to all of you who have taken the time to give me support and encouragement. In recent weeks I have been a little bit more open with those close to me... Dipping a toe into the water kind of thing to see how they react. I guess that for now I will just have to be patient and stop climbing the walls. I am not working right now and have been worried about my ability to get a job, hoping that my physical and mental health woulkd improve and not go retrograde. What with poor mobility following a car accident a few years back and my other OCD / PTSD problems, this fairly recent development on top makes me think that nobody will employ me if the worst comes to the worst and I get a bad diagnosis. I always beleived I would get back into work at some point, as I really need to. I am only 57 and a way off official retirement, and in honesty dont know now what the future will hold, and non of this worry is helping. Sorry guys I complain too much
but thanks for letting me get it off my chestMemory clinic
It has been a while, but I recently received my appointment for the memory clinic, having been referred by my GP back in December. A close friend accompanied me to the hour long appointment.
I kind of knew that after 2 years of testing, scans,memory tests etc that today was going to be important. The specialist I saw was very professional and business like, asked me lots of questions about various things and then gave me yet another memory test. After it was over my friend came into the consulting room where the specialist gave us his view saying that there was clearly a problem. At the close of the hour, he was very nice and very relaxed.I have to have another scan, to finally rule out any other problems and then will go back to see him. If the scan is clear then the outcome seems to be inevitable. He did mention memory medication that could be given to help and told me to try and not worry. I am not sure how I feel. I built myself up to this appointment for weeks, worrying about the outcome and am exhausted by it all. Even though the outcome looks less than good and it hasn't really hit home yet and I feel numb but strangely relieved.I'm not sure what to do now, a bit lost. I suppose there isn't a lot I can do just let things take their course. I just wanted to write it down. Thanks for listening
It has been a while, but I recently received my appointment for the memory clinic, having been referred by my GP back in December. A close friend accompanied me to the hour long appointment.
I kind of knew that after 2 years of testing, scans,memory tests etc that today was going to be important. The specialist I saw was very professional and business like, asked me lots of questions about various things and then gave me yet another memory test. After it was over my friend came into the consulting room where the specialist gave us his view saying that there was clearly a problem. At the close of the hour, he was very nice and very relaxed.I have to have another scan, to finally rule out any other problems and then will go back to see him. If the scan is clear then the outcome seems to be inevitable. He did mention memory medication that could be given to help and told me to try and not worry. I am not sure how I feel. I built myself up to this appointment for weeks, worrying about the outcome and am exhausted by it all. Even though the outcome looks less than good and it hasn't really hit home yet and I feel numb but strangely relieved.I'm not sure what to do now, a bit lost. I suppose there isn't a lot I can do just let things take their course. I just wanted to write it down. Thanks for listening
Hiya Bridekirk,
Firstly, I want to say congratulations in staying the course and being persistent at finding out what is going on. The fact that someone now agrees that there is a problem and that medication is available to help, in itself must be a relief. Sometimes just being able to give a name to something is all that is needed to get rid of a lot of the worry and it also makes it easier if you can say to someone that you have XXXXX rather than 'I do silly things from time to time', makes it easier for others to understand what is happening to you too.
As well as here on Talking Point, I hope you are now getting more support from family and friends. Have you contacted your local Alzheimers Society? It could be that there are others in your area that are going through the same as you are right now.
Once again, congratulations in having the courage to get the help and attention you need right now. The majority of people would, I feel, just ignore it and put things off.
Fiona
Firstly, I want to say congratulations in staying the course and being persistent at finding out what is going on. The fact that someone now agrees that there is a problem and that medication is available to help, in itself must be a relief. Sometimes just being able to give a name to something is all that is needed to get rid of a lot of the worry and it also makes it easier if you can say to someone that you have XXXXX rather than 'I do silly things from time to time', makes it easier for others to understand what is happening to you too.
As well as here on Talking Point, I hope you are now getting more support from family and friends. Have you contacted your local Alzheimers Society? It could be that there are others in your area that are going through the same as you are right now.
Once again, congratulations in having the courage to get the help and attention you need right now. The majority of people would, I feel, just ignore it and put things off.
Fiona
Hi Bridekirk,
I'm glad you were able to have a friend accompany you, it's always better to have a familiar face and an extra set of ears at these appointments.
I think you're right - there really isn't much to do right now except to keep on with your life as you have been. I do hope it doesn't take too long to have the other scan and get back to see him. The waiting and worrying can be worse than getting an answer and knowing where you are. Hopefully you will be able to relax a little now that this appointment has gone OK.
Do keep us informed on how things are for you.
I'm glad you were able to have a friend accompany you, it's always better to have a familiar face and an extra set of ears at these appointments.
I think you're right - there really isn't much to do right now except to keep on with your life as you have been. I do hope it doesn't take too long to have the other scan and get back to see him. The waiting and worrying can be worse than getting an answer and knowing where you are. Hopefully you will be able to relax a little now that this appointment has gone OK.
Do keep us informed on how things are for you.
Hi Fiona, Thanks for the words of encouragement. Things were getting a bit silly with people finishing off my sentences, telling me to "try harder" generally having a go at me all the time for acting in what they saw as a ridiculous way. I knew there was something not right, struggling with the most basic things like following microwave instructions, forgetting to put handbrake on car, leaving shopping in the shops, leaving front door open when I go to bed, even pouring scalding water over myself from a kettle and and lots of other things I can,t now remember ( its taken me an hours to even write this as I am having to write and re write as I lose track ) and I was worried that a time was coming when I wouldn't know that something was wrong and become unaware of it and that makes me scared. - not knowing makes me feel sick - I'm not sure what to do now. Obviously it helps knowing my friend understands. It was good he was in the end of the consultation, but I have told my younger brother this morning and he was quite calm about it. I don't really know how to tell anyone else as for some reason I feel embarrassed ( I think ), then I have the whole burden of the future on my mind. Biggest worry now is that I have not worked for some time due to bad health but how will I ever get a job now ? and then how will I be able to live ? so many questions. Its not just the illness to worry about but how I am going to live my life now that its starting to sink in as I know things will not get better. I feel really in the doldrums this morning and a bit lost
Thanks Richard, well I know I did the right thing hard as it was, although I almost backed out of the appointment at the last moment as I was truly terrified and dreading yet another memory test. Yes Mixed emotions at the moment. I still cant imagine talking to anyone face to face about this which is why I guess I am on here just to feel a bit less isolated. Somehow I seems a bit easier to talk to others who understand than friends and neighbours as I really don't want to bring that word into the conversation
Hiya,
Well, already today you have increased the number of people that know what is going on by 100%!! WOW. I can understand about telling others. I am quite deaf and rely on lip reading to hear properly and struggle in groups or when in noisy places. I don't like to have to tell or remind people that I am deaf, so, that is where the folks that know me step in. I don't mind them telling others or other folks talking about it to me (crazy I know) but I just don't like initiating it. You also have something in common with this and that is that there are no physical signs of anything being wrong, so folks don't seem to comprehend their is an issue yet they would be. Wry helpful if I turned up on crutches or with my arm in plaster! Maybe there was something to be said for those old ear trumpets! Hahaha. Maybe you get your brother and your friend to spread the news around your other family and friends for you? Would that work?
In the meantime, what you could do is write a list of things you do and don't need help with. Things like, not finishing your sentences for you but giving you more time to finish speaking. Don't treat you any differently. Don't keep reminding you over and over again about something. Unless it is a matter of your or someone else's safety then let you manage to work things through yourself. It might not be the way you did things before, it might not be how they would do it, but you have to learn new ways that work for you. Get a diary and make that your organiser. A big A4 one where you can write appointments in then file the letters at the back of it. Use post it's as reminders. If you do something that worries you, like scalding yourself, then make a note in front of the kettle to remind you to check if it is hot. Consider getting a white board for the kitchen and get used to checking it before going to bed. Put on there to lock the door, turn lights off, make sure cooker is off...then go to bed.
As to work...what kind of work did you do before?
Hope you find this of some use to you. I'm just throwing some ideas out there for you to think about or discard,
Fiona
Well, already today you have increased the number of people that know what is going on by 100%!! WOW. I can understand about telling others. I am quite deaf and rely on lip reading to hear properly and struggle in groups or when in noisy places. I don't like to have to tell or remind people that I am deaf, so, that is where the folks that know me step in. I don't mind them telling others or other folks talking about it to me (crazy I know) but I just don't like initiating it. You also have something in common with this and that is that there are no physical signs of anything being wrong, so folks don't seem to comprehend their is an issue yet they would be. Wry helpful if I turned up on crutches or with my arm in plaster! Maybe there was something to be said for those old ear trumpets! Hahaha. Maybe you get your brother and your friend to spread the news around your other family and friends for you? Would that work?
In the meantime, what you could do is write a list of things you do and don't need help with. Things like, not finishing your sentences for you but giving you more time to finish speaking. Don't treat you any differently. Don't keep reminding you over and over again about something. Unless it is a matter of your or someone else's safety then let you manage to work things through yourself. It might not be the way you did things before, it might not be how they would do it, but you have to learn new ways that work for you. Get a diary and make that your organiser. A big A4 one where you can write appointments in then file the letters at the back of it. Use post it's as reminders. If you do something that worries you, like scalding yourself, then make a note in front of the kettle to remind you to check if it is hot. Consider getting a white board for the kitchen and get used to checking it before going to bed. Put on there to lock the door, turn lights off, make sure cooker is off...then go to bed.
As to work...what kind of work did you do before?
Hope you find this of some use to you. I'm just throwing some ideas out there for you to think about or discard,
Fiona
