Recognising Days and Dates

Belinda
Belindaon Tuesday, November 7 2017
6 Comments

Hi everyone.., this will be a quick question, but I have noticed since my stroke in October 2016, I still have difficulties recognising what day of the week it is (Monday - Sunday), what month or what date numerically (i.e. 1st, 19th, etc).  I feel like every day at some stage I think to myself that it is either Friday or Sunday (not sure why those two days) and then have to confirm with my phone or calendar which day it really is.  This causes me grief when it comes to friends or family organising get togethers or my making appointments as I sometimes inadvertently miss the date (numerical) or the day (Mon-Sun) and mess up any arrangements I may have made.  Does anyone else have an issue with this..?  It actually makes me anxious that I may miss things or that I've not understood what arrangements have been made for future outings or appointments.  Thanks for your thoughts in advance.   Belinda

6 Responses

Hi Belinda

Good question. Yes it would be distressing to be getting days mixed up as you describe. I 

For me this sort of stuff I became very conscious of after my stroke and took great detail in and about dates , I always wrote in my diary stuff, I had calendars in our house and I clarified things, I talked very slurry and slowly once home initially so this slowed down conversations and allowed me time to think. 

People can talk so quickly and I still talk at a slower pace, it's more comfortable for me and this helps me to confirm stuff. 

 

I had an idea when I read your question , I would be happy to have a daily conversation with you on EnableMe on this Forum which could include writing what the day and date is and whatever we come up with. It doesn't have to be long just a s much as you want.

Do you think you would want to give this a try ? I'm on EnableMe daily.

 

Take care

Sue

Hey Sue,

 

Thanks for getting back to me (been a while - used to put up Photographs for Marcus on his page a while back).  Anyway.., I've decided to purchase a digital calendar/day clock - one with the date, and day in words.  I'm no good with calendars by themselves as I forget to cross the days off.  If the clock does change the date and day automatically, I'll know where I'm at (hopefully).  Simple solution (I guess most of them are) - we'll see how it goes.  As for working with future appointments or gatherings - my family is usually pretty good at sending me reminders on my phone (so far anyway).  My medical appointments these days all have confirmation messages via my mobile now as well (thank god) - as long as I keep my phone on hand and don't forget to check that, I should be okay.  Yepp.., it's often the simple things that can put a real spanner in the works - still one day at a time.  Hope you're keeping well and thanks again for your support.  Belinda

Belinda  you are not alone with your problem of dates, times and days. That issue is one of my deficits post stroke. It really only emerged once home after a nearly 4months in hospital and finding a ‘new normal’way of living. I use a diary and calendars in two rooms. Each morning I check my phone to make sure I have the right day in my head.  My husband also uses a diary into which he enters my daily appts. Sounds a complicated way of living , however it works for us. My family give me reminders if they think I am off track. Often I will call to check on a appt, just in case I have entered the wrong date or day or month onto the calander. This I have done a couple of times. I avoid stressing out.instead I say to myself”it’s that B stroke again.    Jenny

Thanks Jenny, I've been chasing up a digital calendar clock (one that shows the day and month in words) - I've seen them on eBay and reckon they'll definitely help me with the day to day stuff.  My family and friends are aware of the difficulties I have with time and dates, so they usually send reminders as well (love em all for that).  I also picked up a weekly organiser to place on the fridge as well, so I can at least see what's coming up.  I'm determined to get this sorted - it's driven me mad for a year now.  Thanks again for your thoughts - much appreciated.  Belinda

Looks like a great addition to your household Belinda. Hoping you find this useful!

 

And Jenny, I like how you keep track as a team with you husband. 

 

Sharing such good info here!

 

:-)

Sue

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