Thought I’d share… I had the above done a few days ago by a neuropsychologist referred by my neurologist. I started with my story, as he noted he wanted to hear all about what I had experienced, rather than reading my clinical notes from the hospital. I got there at 11:00 am and left at 4:00 pm 
After that intro part, he started the exercises and “tests”… admittedly he said some would seem kinda “dumb” but everything had a score and a purpose. Lots of graphic patterns and “what is the missing series in the graphic?” Mazes! Repeat letters he would recite. Recall words after he recited like twelve. The imagery cards really highlighted my word recall issues - there were a few images I literally could not find the word for and were basic items that I should have known - my mind was just blank and then he would give me hints or the first two letters of the word.. I will forever remember “boomerang” now. Going back to the topic of fatigue that was discussed in another thread… I was almost seeing stars. Got really light-headed and took a few breaks. He did offer the opportunity to break it into a second session another day, but I didn’t want to drag it into another day, so “powered” through with every “spoon” I had (I refer to the “Spoon Theory” @FinWhaleFan)
He will now take +/- two weeks to get to score all my tests and come back with a report. After one of the exercises though, he said that I definitely illustrated high executive function deficit (I’m rephrasing - he said something else, but I can’t recall 
) and then I did the maze extremely fast, so who knows?
Anyone else do one of these tests and was it helpful? Did it determine your ability to return to work?
Hi @Karla!
You make me laugh: on my to-do list is to schedule another neuropsych test to see what has happened in the last 1+ years since my last one. My first one was about 6 months post-rupture, but around here it can take months, or even over a year to get an appointment, and that was the quickest my caregiver could get. [I am behind the ball a bit, since I knew that a change of insurance companies was imminent, and then I had to wait for all that dust to settle before scheduling, and here I am!]
My current neurologist (original one retired) told me something a few months ago that you may or may not find helpful, as we were discussing returning to work. In short, he said we can do all the testing in the world, but we won’t know if you can until you try. For me, I thought that was a good way to look at it, so that is how I approached my current job, as a trial. Since it was also a new place for me, I tried to account for the change in me, hence why I went down a few levels, as I knew handling the fatigue is now an important piece of the puzzle.
At my last neurology appointment, his in-office test (pretty sure it is the MoCA, | MoCA Test - thank you to our Canadian friends!!!) showed I still have some mild impairment, but the one that always seems to trip me up is the word recall. Even though I knew what was coming, I did not focus on memorizing those words, so not a great result on that, hence my mild impairment sticks for the moment.
To me, it was helpful a) just to talk to someone about it; and b) to know what my weak spots were. [Plus, I think that is where I learned about the MIND Diet, so bonus points!] From the results, once we knew (e.g.) my recall isn’t great, what could I do to help improve it?
Admittedly this may not be the best of articles out there, and it is more focused on TBIs as opposed to Acquired folks like us, but this may help to understand more about how you go about healing and improving those deficits:
So, I am glad it is done, and it will be good to get this next one over with. However, IMHO that is ABSOLUTELY not medical :rofl, it also does give you a clue as to where you are now regarding work and stamina, and how to handle your typical work day, so you don’t end up with no spoons by the time you see your friends and family, as they need spoons too. One thing I know for sure, you’ve got this!!
Fin Whale Fan 
P.S. I am honored you went with spoons! I would have guessed you would do an iPhone battery instead!! 
I had the neuro psych testing done after multiple failed attempts at working. I seemed ok on the surface, but had deficits in executive functions and frustration intolerance. After being turned down for disability several times on my own, an attorney recommended that i get this done to pinpoint the issue.
[quote=“FinWhaleFan, post:2, topic:19327”]
hence why I went down a few levels, as I knew handling the fatigue is now an important piece of the puzzle
[/quote] Hi @FinWhaleFan! So how is it going thus far? How long have you been back to work and did you go back FT/40 hrs or eased in PT? Aside from managing fatigue, I am very concerned about my ability to navigate meetings, group discussions AND our open office layout where people are talking across from you at times, but not to you. A friend recently invited my hubby and I over to dinner with another couple, and their two older teens (my kids were busy!), but at one point, I actually had to apologize to my friend across from me that I couldn’t talk or listen anymore as I was sandwiched between one loud teen talker on my left and an excited conversation of the hubbies on my right. I really felt like crying. I felt badly, 'cause I guess it felt rude and I had to explain to her after that I just can’t function with all the cross talk. My husband saw my face and mouthed whether I was alright… all of this to say, that it makes me tentative about in-office interactions.
[quote=“FinWhaleFan, post:2, topic:19327”]
healing and improving those deficits
[/quote] Interestingly, my psychologist was not promoting Rehab for the high level/executive type deficits, so I guess I will just wait and see what he says in a couple weeks. Addressing my fatigue, and he could see it on my face at one point, he suggested talking to a psychotherapist and see if an activating anti-depressant would help with the fatigue(!) - not that I am depressed (as far as we know), but then qualified that it could raise my BP which I only now got under control this past month 
- solve one thing to create another…
I “think” after a while, I have been able to better quantify my “spoons” for the day, but it still is unpredictable. I just finished watering my plants in the house and alas, here I am to sit down because I am light-headed again and “floaty” from all the walking back and forth carrying water (I have a lot of plants… and want more!).
K.
Hi @Laura_D Were you - or rather your psychologist - able to pinpoint the issue and was it sufficient to justify disability? It really is difficult to explain or illustrate that you have a deficit in executive function, when you are looking at them and having a “normal” conversation, because quite honestly, it sounds like we are just being “lazy” or avoiding work. My disability rep asked if I “wanted” to go back to work and I said, of course - I love my job. I’ve been doing it for over 20 years, but I also know what it entails to be good at my job.
I absolutely wanted to return to my work. Im a RN and attempted 13 jobs over a 6yr span before a finally understood that I was the common denominator in the failed attempts. As bedside nursing has become more difficult in the last several years, i was assuming it was the field that was more challenging… as it is, but not me. Got pretty emotionally beat up thru this. Grateful im as functional as i am.
Well, no one can say you didn’t try to go back to work! I hope disability took that into account.
I thought the work attempts would be enough evidence, but i was denied twice on my own. I got the testing done when i hired an attorney to help guide me. Thats what finally got it thru. Best wishes to you with this, its tough!
Hi @Karla! 
I started my new job back in December, so it has been almost 4 months now - and I am officially through my probationary period, so any restrictions have been lifted! I am back FT - which in my industry is typically 35 hours - so that is a help. [My profession has fewer PT positions, so I knew the reality was I better go for FT instead. Not as ideal, but just the hard reality.] So far, it is seems to be going well, and the only (very minor) complaint I had I immediately addressed, and it was noted and appreciated. [It was just a cultural difference from my old job, so just a matter of adjusting to the new culture - and I even asked for feedback which is the only time it came up.]
Like you, I was concerned about office layout, so, since I was starting something new that actually was one of my questions, but, of course, only after I was extended an offer. At my old job, I had my own office, and so that was my ideal. My new job I share my office with someone else, but as was explained to me that person (literally) has not been in the office for their own reasons pre-COVID, so basically I have my own space. However, even though I have my own office, we actually spend the day out in an open floor plan, so like you, I was very concerned how this was going to work.
For me, it is like my first trip to the grocery store post-rupture. Man, all that stimulation was overwhelming!! However, the more I went to the grocery store, the more I was able to manage it. That is what the open floor plan has been for me, but admittedly we are tucked away in a quiet part of the floor - we ourselves are just noisy.
I will say for the most part I have adjusted/am adjusting. Of course, there are times when I am doing more thoughtful, deep thinking and the noise from my colleagues is distracting. However, I very much enjoy being out and around colleagues in person - which was very different from my prior job (my team members were all virtual), as well as recovery days!
All that being said, I know that I have something in my back pocket that I haven’t used yet, but I can pull it out if I need too! [My new employer knows that something happened, but I have not said what as of yet.] My former SLP (the brain certified one, obviously not an attorney) told me about Ask Jan., and I have linked to the specific page you might find most helpful! 
As an aneurysm survivor, I understand that we are eligible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If we need reasonable accommodations in order to work effectively, we can work with our employer to make those accommodations. So, perhaps a reasonable accommodation for you might be to have your own separate workspace or noise-cancelling headphones or sound absorption panels - whatever it might be to help minimize those distractions and cross-talking so you can return to work. So, just because you can’t handle it as is, does not necessarily stop your dream of returning to work!!
You will laugh! I am off to my PCP today as we tweaked my BP meds again earlier this year, and now to see if it is working. This is a good thing as I really wanted to be off one of them (the one that completely strips potassium out of me, and sends me to the ER when blood tests are taken because it is so low ), but this is all to say I completely get not wanting to mess with your BP meds once things are finally under control. That is the last thing we want to have to do!!
I am glad to hear that you are starting to figure out your spoons, but I agree about the variability. One of the reasons I am so fascinated by my wearables is their assessment as to how much energy I have for the day when I wake up - and how they calculate those scores! It seems like there are a few factors that go into the formula which is why it varies, allowing that the those scores may not always be believed of course! I ended up with a bug a couple of weeks ago, and recovering from that seems to have added another layer of fatigue on top of my base level of fatigue. As my wearables try to remind me, rest is our friend - now to remember to listen to it!
I know all your plants are helping in your recovery - they are our friends!!!
Fin Whale Fan
I think everyone pretty much knows I never improved enough to return to work in any field, much less my career. Doesn’t stop me from trying every day!
I did the MMPI and the WAIS amongst some others now forgotten. The word I remember is “palliative”. I couldn’t remember what it was exactly and I shared my brother was in the Unit when he was dying. Dr. Gary asked a bunch more questions and basically all I could come up with was it’s like Hospice but not.
. I did have to take multiple days for the testing due to my inability to keep focused. I went once on the short bus (a disaster) and he encouraged me to try driving myself. I mapped out all the side roads I could take and made it there, had to call BH upon arrival and when I left and then got home. I think he was about 10 miles away which was about a 20 minute drive going on the major roads, 35 on the backroads, I’d be exhausted when I got there so we made a plan of me coming 1/2 hr early so I could rest. He always kept his office dark for me with just a little desk lamp on for him. He took a couple weeks to get his results, the MMPI was not sent to Minnesota so there’s no record of me being off my rocker:joy:. He told me if he hasn’t known me and what I had done for a living, he’d lock me up on the 7th Floor (Local Psych Unit). I was thinking about going back because I have improved a decent amount. Went to my PCP and a friend told me she just found out from another patient that he passed away in December. I don’t know any in our new small county so I’ll not get re-tested.
I watched a series in French that I had to read the subtitles because I don’t speak any other language than English, sadly.
The show is called “Astrid” and she eventually learns the “Spoon Theory” basically. She carries little stones or beans, don’t remember which but she gives them away or puts them in another pocket and when she gets down to one or two, she know she has to stop as she’s reached her limit. Astrid’s character is based on someone who is an Autistic Savant. I see a lot of similarities in what she does to be able to be out and about in society with some of what we have to do.
I had my test done yesterday. I’m curious to see what my results are. I know i have ADD and some of the tests I definitely failed.
Please do share once you know. I should get mine back early next week…
I thought I responded to your note @FinWhaleFan and then family weekend stuff occupied me.
[quote=“FinWhaleFan, post:9, topic:19327”]
a reasonable accommodation for you might be to have your own separate workspace or noise-cancelling headphones
[/quote] My office have a few small huddle rooms, which I could potentially use for blocks of time, so there are definitely ways. I used to use my noise-cancelling headphones pre-rupture anyway . I do know that they accommodate my other two colleagues who had ischemic strokes (I know, my office seems to have a lot of strokes for ~120 people!) — my biggest worry at this point is ultimately managing this fatigue… did you ever have the need to nap? I can’t recall.
[quote=“FinWhaleFan, post:9, topic:19327”]
I very much enjoy being out and around colleagues in person
[/quote] Yeah, this is what I miss the most… and I suppose a schedule of sorts.
What are “wearables”?? I read that and my brain did not compute
I hope you have recovered from your bug… thanks for sharing your back to work experience thus far. 
We’re cheering for you!
Thanks, @Karla! (On my commute in now… )
It sounds like your need to nap is different from what I experienced. But, my most fabulous former home health aide would get on my case after lunch, and make me rest then, so is that why I didn’t need to nap later in the afternoon?? 
Even as a wee child, I was horrible at taking afternoon naps, so I must confess I am not very good at them, as a general rule.
What I do now at work is actually take my lunch and rest, instead of plowing straight through (shocking, I know! ). My department’s culture is to eat in your office, so that works out perfectly for me! I close my door, eat, and then will do stuff to relax my brain, whether it is coloring, meditating, listening to Brain.fm, or stretching - whatever I feel I need that day. I try not to get on the phone too much, but this forum is a draw, I must confess!
Ah, yes, wearables. I have two smart watches - both were gifts. One is paired to my phone, so I can call from it - or the main reason - it serves as a fall detector and alerts my contacts if it senses an emergency. The second watch is because I was part of a clinical study for a hot minute, so that was a gift for participating, and so that they could track my activity levels.
I was thinking of you yesterday though! I was distracted from doing some work because my colleagues were talking … eventually they solved their issue, but I was missing a quiet spot!!
Fin Whale Fan
P.S. Zero reason to apologize for the delay, you reply when you can. Family first!!
My NeuroPsych told me one couldn’t fail the tests, I replied that I certainly didn’t pass them with flying colors.. His explanation was they’re just areas we need improvement in and some we can, others we can’t right away. In case you didn’t know there’s a Psychologist down in TX that has been studying brain damage for decades. He literally changed the way Psychologist think. When I was a Psych student back in the late ‘70’s, early ‘80’s, the theory then was any brain damage after the age of 5 was permanent. He has discovered by his enormous subject group that keeps growing and the length of time following the group is that our brains can continue to heal, no matter our age! We just need to not give up is my personal experience.
Question- do you use actual coloring books and pencils or do you color on an app? I know you love technology but you also remind us to stay off electronics
Great question!
I actually use old-fashioned coloring books. It probably won’t be much of a surprise that the title Mindwaves caught my attention! (They were on a big sale in a store late last year which is how I learned about this brand, since it comes from our friends in Australia!)
One of the most popular US online companies has them for sale as well, in addition to many other vendors, I am sure!
Fin Whale Fan
Thanks so much! One of the times I had over the phone CBT, they recommended I purchase children’s coloring books in an attempt to regain some visualization abilities. Also with the hopes to be able to draw again. We had crayons, I was always buying them by the cartons when Walmart put them on sale at the beginning of the year for clients. Before I popped my pipe, BH and I did adult coloring books with prisma colored pencils. Someone got me a set of Zentangle blanks and pencils but I didn’t really get into it. Since I’m on limited duty, I think I’ll while away some hours with coloring!