It has been 8 and a half years since my surgery. I have been living on my own only about 9 mos. I am not doing very good at it. My sis, the one who takes care of me, thinks I need to move in with my bro and his wife. I don't want too. I will be the first to admit I have problems. My memory is basically non existent. On occasion I will go 2-3 days without eating. Sometimes my house is a mess and I just don't notice it. I don't understand this at all. Has anyone else had problems living on their own. And if so how did you get past these problems. I plan on making lists for everything I need to do. But was wondering if anyone had any other ideas.
Tamarack,
I agree with Beeba. It sounds like Depression may be playing a hand in your situation. Also many medications will make you loose time and motivation. I was put on several that made me ignore things and not care about things I normally care about. Some made me feel hopeless. What ever is going on it's not your fault and you shouldn't beat yourself up about it. I would talk to you doctor and also look up the side effects of any meds you are on. They can change them to something that doesn't make you so forgetful. Many of us have brain fog and difficult remembering some things but not remembering to eat is the thing that stuck out for me. I often don't have a very strong hunger instinct but I want to eat every day. Many of us struggle with Depression and it's perfectly normal in our situations. It may be that your meds are exacerbating your situation. Your doctor can help you review your meds and change them if that's the case. Don't stop taking any of them without doctor supervision. We are here for you and I am praying for you.
Wendy
Definitely start with your neurologist. When is the last time you have had an MRI? There could be something going on with your Chiari. I would be more willing to bet there is an underlying problem like depression that could be causing these issues. I agree with the other replies that this plus medications need to be reviewed. Please speak with your doctor about this issue. You should be able to live on your own. You are young and healthy other than these issues, right?
I would ask your doctor for a referal to Occupational Therapy. When I was having memory problems (and I still do!) the OTs were able to give me lots of tools that I could use to remember things; when to take meds, when to eat, where I put things down, making lists, using timers and calenders, etc. They also did some testing to see how much my memory had been effected. That might be a place to start and can help you with a decision about living on your own. There are also health aid services that you can use...they can come in and help you with cooking and cleaning and daily living skills. With all the support there is out there to take avantage of, every person should be able to live independently if they want. That's my advocate side talking...;)