The New Me
Written by Volunteer Rich
November 5, 2017
Only one TGA episode, over four years ago triggered by 'mind blowing sex' following strenuous field work. Too bad I don't remember it or the several weeks before the event. There was a three day hospital stay with a slow recovery of who, what, where, when, and why. I was a classic TGA with repetitive questions just several minutes apart. I knew who I was, but not much else for the first 24 hours. I reverted back to my Marine Corp mindset of 1974. I wore everybody out with the same four questions all thru the night. My memory circuits were skipping like an old record player.
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For me, so much has changed. I have very little if any short-term memory, I can't multi-task, I have issues with crowds, bright lights, loud noises, and telling time. I have come to the mindset that I don't have to like "The New Me" but I have to live with him. I just recently with support from my psychiatrist, asked to be taken off an ADHD stimulant because it was affecting my lifestyle.
This photo sums it up pretty close. Every thought all day long always seems to have a piece missing. I try not to get frustrated or tired out from worrying about whatever it is I can't remember, because in less than 5 minutes I will have forgotten that because of something new I just forgot.
I have a few tools to get me thru the week: Post-its, lists, text messages, smart phone apps, my daily charts, my daily routines, and a supportive family. And now this TGA Clubhouse to be a part of.