Memory Problems

[Lawrence Dawson]

Let me begin by saying I have never been diagnosed with PTSD. I never really thought of myself as having PTSD and also knew that there were many others who'd experienced way worse that I had so I never brought it up during my VA appointments.

For the last couple of years I've noticed that my memory isn't exactly what it used to be. Oftentimes I will forget appointment, little details about things and even full conversations. When I looked up what could be the cause of this, one of the things that came up was PTSD. My question to the community is whether or not this could be possible and if so, would everyone recommend that I see my primary care physician and discuss it? How should I bring up the topic? I don't want to come across as the kind of person who is just trying to get attention, but at the same time I'd like to get to the bottom of what is going on. It's getting to the point that my work is suffering and while it isn't affecting my relationship with my spouse, I will forget entire conversations I've had with her (which I'm certain frustrates her to no end, even though she never lets on that it does).

This is getting extremely frustrating. Any suggestions would be very welcome!

 

[digger]

one of the things that came up was PTSD. My question to the community is whether or not this could be possible and if so

Do you have any other symptoms of PTSD?

 

[Bliss]

Let me begin by saying I have never been diagnosed with PTSD. I never really thought of myself...

Welcome:) u will find tons of info here, it has helped me to become more clear with what is going on with me, reading posts has really helped. I write everything down and sadly family knows i dont remember stuff and they are compassionate about it. Good luck to u!

 

[Lawrence Dawson]

Do you have any other symptoms of PTSD?

For years if I would hear anything that sounded like an explosion, I would immediately hear alarms in my head (similar to what I would hear in theater). I don't really experience this anymore. The only thing left over (that I can think of) is occasionally daydreaming, for lack of a better word, that I am back in theater.

The confusing thing for me is that I never really experienced anything crazy. The closest thing to anything crazy was during my second tour when a mortar round landed about 50 feet away from me. I didn't realize it hit so close only because it was a dud. This is all another reason why I never really brought it up with doctors.

Thanks again!

 

[Lawrence Dawson]

Welcome:) u will find tons of info here, it has helped me to become more clear with what is going on with...

Thank you very much! I will definitely look through other posts to see what info might be available to help out. Good luck to you as well!

 

[Deleted member 37085]

For years if I would hear anything that sounded like an explosion, I would immediately hear ala...

@Lawrence Dawson, I hope you will seek out a qualified trauma specialist to determine if you have (or not) PTSD. The reason I strongly suggest a qualified trauma specialist (do you belong to the V.A?) is because for decades I was misdiagnosed with other than PTSD and decades of time lost because of misdiagnosis. I believe because I have lived this and been through it (misdiagnosis for decades) that only a trauma specialist will be able to assist you with diagnosis. Wish you the best in everything and in every way.

 

[Lawrence Dawson]

@Lawrence Dawson, I hope you will seek out a qualified trauma specialist to dete...

Thank you very much. I am registered with the VA. I never considered seeing a specialist before as I didn't really feel like I had PTSD. I, like many I imagine, assumed it was only related to extreme cases such as death, etc which is not the case for me. It was only when I started to research my memory problems that I started seeing PTSD thrown around. It was then that I decided to start reaching out.

I think the reason I'm hesitant to bring it up is the fear of what happens. Can there be negative consequences with work, etc? Am I required to tell employers that I have PTSD if I am positively diagnosed? These questions are some of the big reasons I'm afraid to talk to someone. That being said, I'm afraid that if I don't get help it will have a negative impact on my current job.

Thank you again for your help!

 

[Bliss]

I am not an expert by any means, so don't base any decisions on this info! but I don't know of any case where you would tell an employer, in fact when I have tried to tell employers or housing people they say it is none of their business! If you don't get the answer you need about work and diagnosis on this thread, which often happens because people just see the original title, u can always start another one.