Everything is alright
There is nothing wrong
Just can’t remember the words to this song
They’re on the tip of my tongue
At the forefront of my brain
Tell me in time, I will recall them again
Let it go, laugh it off
What a relief it will be
Not counting the moments ‘till the words come to me
Eddie, 62, has been having trouble remembering things. He’s also frequently overwhelmed and beats himself up for not recalling all of the details of his day. He decides to report this to his family physician.
After a complete physical, a few standard tests and myriad health-related questions, Eddie’s doctor assures him that what he is experiencing is normal. “In addition to the symptoms you are describing, you have expressed being under pressure with work and the decision whether to retire or not, correct? Eddie replies, “Yes.” “Well, those factors might be exacerbating your forgetfulness.” The doctor continues, “Don’t be too concerned, a few healthy changes to your diet, some moderate exercise, stress reduction practices such as meditation and deep-breathing techniques will help. And, I do this myself...try writing down the most important things you wish to remember or say them out loud in order to keep them fresh in your mind..repetition is key. Here is an example, I am going in to see a patient, I review their file quickly before addressing them and say out loud Mrs. Smith is here for her test results. I repeat it several times until it sticks and when I enter the room, I say, ‘Hello, Mrs. Smith you are here for your test results..let’s take a look at things together.’ It works every time!”
Eddie thanks his doctor for his sage advice and heads home to share the details of his appointment with his wife, Barbara. She is relieved and encourages her husband of thirty-five years to follow the physician’s plan.
After a very busy Friday at work and a few weeks of following the physician’s advice, Eddie and Barbara sit down to watch a movie at home. Eddie turns to his wife and asks her to pause the movie. “Honey, I am going to go pop some popcorn, would you like to have some?
Barbara replies, “Well, we have been really good and doing our best to be healthy, so sure, I will have some! Maybe, you should repeat back to me how I would like my popcorn to be prepared as your doctor suggested.”
“Ha Ha! That’s funny, Barb! Don’t be silly, I can remember it!”
Barbara: “Okay, I will have butter, cheese, and salt on mine.”
Eddie: “Butter, cheese, and salt...on it!”
Barbara: “Oh! And I want the white-cheddar cheese, not the sharp cheddar...once the popcorn has been cooked, put my bowl in the microwave, and cover it with a paper towel, heat for about 20 seconds... and melt the cheese just the way I like it, alright?”
Eddie: “Alright love, I’ve got it!” Under his breath, he says, “white-cheddar, not sharp, cook popcorn, put the bowl in micro, heat for 20 seconds...blah, blah, blah.”
Barbara: “What was that, darling?”
Eddie: “Nothing, sweetheart.”
Barbara: “And I would like “Sprite” with lime, two wedges, and two ice cubes.”
Entering the kitchen, Eddie exclaims, “Popcorn, white-cheddar cheese, paper towel, micro. 20 seconds, Sprite, lime, and...damn it, Barbara! What did I come in here for?!”
From the family room, Barbara shouts, “I can’t remember, honey! I will take a bowl of vanilla ice cream, instead!”
Both laugh, indulge in their ice cream delight, and get back to their light-hearted movie, “Grumpy Old Men.”
Let’s face it, life can get pretty hectic and at times, overwhelming. We expect ourselves to be “on it” and to “get it” throughout our busy days. And what seems to be a simple task to complete can become more of a complex list of convoluted instructions when our minds have been rushed, hurried or frenzied from times like these, regardless of our age.
Like Eddie, do you find yourself overwhelmed by the stressors of your busy day? Do you experience frequent forgetfulness, lose your train of thought or your single set of car keys? It is normal to absentminded, we all experience it, and yes, that includes our physicians!
In addition to Eddie’s doctor’s recommendations, we can all benefit from reducing the pressure we place on ourselves, overlooking our occasional faux pas, supporting one another when the proverbial shoe is on the other foot and laughing along the forgetful way!
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