Memory Loss and Health

Kathryn J. Raths, LLC photo

I have struggled with memory loss significantly over the past couple of years. My life 3 years ago was extremely overwhelming; my lack of sleep, anxiety, and diet left me feeling like a scatterbrain. I was stressed by the actions of those who surrounded me. I had just started my Master’s program at work, and my health was suffering significantly. Each morning, when I got out of bed, I felt more tired than when I had climbed into bed the previous night. I really felt like I was going crazy. I had always been able to count on myself to remember things naturally before this, but more and more, my memory was letting me down. I would go to the store for a particular item, get home, and realize I bought a number of things but forgot the item I drove to the store to get. At times, I would even get confused while navigating familiar routes. I felt positive that I was in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease.

During this time, I was self-employed (and worrying about my bills a lot), and the last thing I wanted to do was incur medical expenses, so the doctor was not an option for me. I kept trying to crawl into bed earlier, but it didn’t seem to help me; I was still just as tired each morning. A few months later I started physically shaking sporadically and, these tremors were the straw that broke the camel’s back for me, I decided it didn’t matter the cost, my health was more important than any bills. I started seeing the doctor regularly and underwent many tests. My doctor diagnosed me initially with mono, and she continued to test me for many other ailments in an attempt to find the cause of my tremors. About 1 year later, I was also diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. During this time, I also honed in on my diet and supplements to address potential deficiencies.

Eventually, a neurologist determined that my tremors were not a precursor to any illness but something that many people suffer. If they get worse or impact my life negatively, I was told I could get medicine for them, but I still believe they are tied to my diet. It seems like when I suffer blood level spikes, I get the shakes. If I eat right and take supplements, my tremors seem to subside.

I can’t express how horrific it is to not feel right and, of course, to think the worst of the situation; I thought I was dying, stricken with some horrific disease like Alzheimer's or cancer. It was a tough road to travel, but I’m grateful I trudged down it, perhaps reluctantly, but I got there. I’m still trying to figure out how to actually sleep while wearing an Apnea mask, but I will get there eventually. My memory isn’t as sharp as it was during my young adult years, but it I continue to stretch it as I embrace my mid-forties.

The message in my article is that silent suffering and self-diagnosing worst-case scenarios only add to our problems. When we face our fears, we can shed light on the darkness and find our way to a healthier future.

What are you suffering today? Are you facing it or hiding from it?