Communication and Writing Problems?

[Unstrung Harp]

I'm posting this in the Side Effects forum for lack of a better idea. Sorry it's long. I've been having various kinds of communication problems for a while now, going back about five years or so. Initially it was word recall problems -- an inability to think of the word for things when, more often than not, it was a simple word or one I used frequently. Because I teach, it presented awkward and embarrassing moments, including one when a student had to fill in the blank for me on a theory name for something that's pretty central to my field. Roughly equivalent of a mathematician forgetting the word "algebra." I brought it up with my neurologist a few months after I noticed it along with other neurological concerns, and though he did an MRI because of those things and migraines, he didn't seem all that concerned, and mentioned sleep deficit as a possibility (didn't ring true to me at the time). At the time I was on Zoloft and Buspirone, but I had been for years. I was also concerned because I had hit my 40s, and my aunt was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers around age 50. Again my neurologist seems not so concerned.

 

In the past year, especially since the spring, I've had other communication issues. My words seem to get all jumbled in my head, especially with people I don't know well, so there's probably some anxiety component. My speech will come out haltingly because it's like I have to unscramble what's coming out before I say it. I feel like this one is likely related to the nortriptyline or lithium or both because of the timing, but I can't be sure, and the general fogginess I've felt while on this combination both supports that they're the problem and complicates the situation, since the fogginess makes it more difficult for me to remember what happened when.

 

The last one is really driving me crazy, and I don't know to what I should attribute it. I've always been a confident writer, and have gotten good feedback on my writing even in my PhD program. But for the past several months whenever I write anything, for instance posting on Crazyboards, it is fairly difficult to write without having to think really hard about it. It's as though I've lost the knack for proper syntax, or I can't figure out which preposition makes sense where. Everything I write I'm asking myself "is that right? Does that make sense?" because I can't tell. It's very frustrating. I've joked that it's because of grading too many poorly written undergraduate papers, but it's really bothering me because I don't know if it's all med related or something worrisome. Has anyone had experience with these problems, as side effects or for other reasons? If so have you developed any workarounds or strategies for dealing with them?

[jt07]

 

 

The last one is really driving me crazy, and I don't know to what I should attribute it. I've always been a confident writer, and have gotten good feedback on my writing even in my PhD program. But for the past several months whenever I write anything, for instance posting on Crazyboards, it is fairly difficult to write without having to think really hard about it. It's as though I've lost the knack for proper syntax, or I can't figure out which preposition makes sense where. Everything I write I'm asking myself "is that right? Does that make sense?" because I can't tell. It's very frustrating.

This is true for me too. I struggle a lot also with punctuation. Recently the thing that I have trouble with is the American rule for punctuation inside the quotation marks. It just seems so ... wrong. The only thing that helps me is practice, practice, practice. In other words, writing in your blog and keeping a journal are helpful. Also, doing creative writing exercises is helpful. Anything to keep your skills up so that you will automatically do the right thing even if you don't think about it.

Edited December 15, 2013 by jt07

[crtclms]

That's funny, it has gotten much harder for me to write, lately. I substitute totally bizarre words, that aren't remotely close to the word I mean, either in spelling or meaning.

 

I have assumed it is my migraine. How often do you get migraine? I am on SSDI for them, so I am kind of an extreme case: 4-6 days a week.

 

This is possibly baloney, but I wonder if it is the shorter days? That is totally a gut response, based on nothing scientific.

[Bam]

I have trouble with coming up with words, writing, and other communication problems. I, as well, always attributed them to Migraines (& seizures).

 

Lately it has got worse, however I also started a new AC (Depakote ER) and considering the Stoopids I try to not worry too much. However considering other worsening neuro problems, I can't help but wonder.

 

I honestly have no advice, whatsoever. But I wanted to reply and say that I read your concern & I relate. Especially about the Neurologist not worrying, but you know something is definitely going on.

[Unstrung Harp]

 

 

This is true for me too. I struggle a lot also with punctuation. Recently the thing that I have trouble with is the American rule for punctuation inside the quotation marks. It just seems so ... wrong. The only thing that helps me is practice, practice, practice. In other words, writing in your blog and keeping a journal are helpful. Also, doing creative writing exercises is helpful. Anything to keep your skills up so that you will automatically do the right thing even if you don't think about it.

 

Interesting. I'm sure you're right that writing more will be helpful, or at least keep the problem from getting worse. Thanks.

[Unstrung Harp]

That's funny, it has gotten much harder for me to write, lately. I substitute totally bizarre words, that aren't remotely close to the word I mean, either in spelling or meaning.

 

I have assumed it is my migraine. How often do you get migraine? I am on SSDI for them, so I am kind of an extreme case: 4-6 days a week.

 

This is possibly baloney, but I wonder if it is the shorter days? That is totally a gut response, based on nothing scientific.

The substituting odd words is more something that happens to me with speaking.  I usually have somewhere around 7 migraine days a month (though some of those I can usually abort pretty well with Maxalt if I get to it in time. Interesting thought, though, that it could be migraine related. As I'm sure you can relate to, it's become increasingly difficult to tell what causes what in my brain. I haven't noticed that it's related to the shorter days.

[Unstrung Harp]

I have trouble with coming up with words, writing, and other communication problems. I, as well, always attributed them to Migraines (& seizures).

 

Lately it has got worse, however I also started a new AC (Depakote ER) and considering the Stoopids I try to not worry too much. However considering other worsening neuro problems, I can't help but wonder.

 

I honestly have no advice, whatsoever. But I wanted to reply and say that I read your concern & I relate. Especially about the Neurologist not worrying, but you know something is definitely going on.

I appreciate your input. It is frustrating to feel as though I'm the only one with these issues, so it's good to hear others have it going on as well. As for my neurologist, he's been on my watch list ever since he told me to reexamine my life, and scared the shit out of me by having his receptionist convey scary-sounding test results that she couldn't adequately explain. Other doctors I trust tell me he's not so bad though, so I've kept him around.