ANA Discussion Forum

Post-Treatment => Cognitive/Emotional Issues => Topic started by: MAlegant on March 14, 2009, 03:46:49 pm

Title: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: MAlegant on March 14, 2009, 03:46:49 pm
Hi all,
I'm mostly doing fine, dealing with issues, but making it work.  The one thing that is driving me crazy is my short-term memory.  I find myself in the middle of a conversation caught in the realization that I no longer know what the topic is.  It's pretty scary.  I can usually get back on track but this never happened to me before surgery, and yes, I know I'm middle-aged, but this is only post surgery.   I lost my keys before surgery, but not anything more than that.  If I'm watching a movie or something on tv and my husband comes into the room and asks what he's missed I can't tell him!  I am hanging in at work but stressed so much that I will forget something really important, that I'm sure it's making matters worse.  What to do?  Is it something I just have to live with?
Thanks,
Marci
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: nancyann on March 14, 2009, 04:15:34 pm
Hi Marci, 

I have the same thing, but I'm getting use to it.  I'll be 3 years post op June 16, 2009.
My supervisor is great, he helps me with administrative things I have to do
in our computer system, etc;   I just tell people, " I'm sorry but I don't remember your name",
& that's it.   
Since I try to live my life in the present, I don't think about it much,  when I do I know it was
due to a shifting of my right medial temporal lobe.

Always good thoughts,   Nancy
.
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: CHD63 on March 14, 2009, 04:28:51 pm
Hi Marci and Nancy .....

I, too, thought dementia had set in for sure following my AN surgery ..... until I read the wonderful article that someone found (did not take time to look for which thread it is on).  It is http://www.hearinglosshelp.com/articles/balancesystem.htm

Under Other Symptoms of Vestibular Damage, in part it says:  "Unlikely as it seems, vestibular damage can cause memory problems. Here is why. When you damage your vestibular system, keeping your balance is now largely a conscious effort, not the automatic effortless procedure it once was. Consequently, those areas of your brain that you once just used for thought and memory, now must constantly work on keeping you balanced. As a result, your memory may suffer. You may grope for words when talking. You may easily forget what is being spoken about during a conversation. You may be easily distracted. You may have difficulty comprehending directions or instructions. You may have trouble concentrating and may feel disoriented at times."

I am relieved to now have a reason for saying, "What did you just say?"  Hope this helps.

Clarice
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: cin605 on March 14, 2009, 04:32:59 pm
I thought it was just me! ;D
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Sonja on March 14, 2009, 06:30:36 pm
Marci:

I would not take it for granted that your short-term memory loss is from the AN surgery. It may be stress. Your body may be more sensitive to stress than pre-op. STress is very powerful and can make a non-ANer lose there short-term memory. Also, the thought of the AN surgery affecting your memory is stress in and of itself. Maybe you can try meditating or other ways to help relieve some of the stress. I know we can not live stress free (most of us anyway) but we can learn to manage it.

You are NOT losing your mind. I pray that this will pass.

Take care,
Sonja
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: leapyrtwins on March 14, 2009, 06:54:13 pm
Marci -

I'm with Sonja.  It may be stress - or dare I say it? - it might be age.  Not that you're ancient or anything - just that as I've gotten older I've noticed that my memory isn't what it used to be.  I hate to think I'm in that boat alone.  Anyone else with me?

Jan
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: lori67 on March 14, 2009, 07:43:05 pm
Invest in some post-it notes.   :D  They work like a charm - and I have so many of them all over my house, it cuts down on the sticky handprints all over the walls and fridge.  And I'm pretty sure it's keeping the 3M company in business!

I like to think my forgetfulness is helping boost the economy.

Lori
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: wendysig on March 14, 2009, 07:46:45 pm
Marci,

I had an excellent memory pre-op, especially with numbers.  If I dialed a phone number once, it would stay in my memory,my friends and family used to laught and call me a walking rollodex.  If anyone needed a phone number, I was the first one they would come to.   had no problem remembering complex material almost word for word,etc..  While my memory is still pretty good it is not as sharp as it once was.  Could it be age, maybe in part, but I noticed a marked change post-op.   This actually began about two months prior to my surgery and I thought it might just be stress.  I still find myself searching for simple words sometimes am foregetful more often than ever before and definitely have some short term memory problems although I seem to remember things I read better than movies, TV shows or conversations, but then, I think most people do.  So could it be from the surgery, maybe, could it be age maybe.

Wendy
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: MAlegant on March 14, 2009, 08:50:22 pm
Thanks all.  No matter what the explanation, I guess I'm stuck with it.  Maybe I'll just forget about it, ;)
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: sgerrard on March 14, 2009, 09:25:32 pm
I'm not sure you are totally stuck with it. You may not get back to pre-treatment level, but I think you can retrain your brain to remember more things. Play bridge or something, an activity where short term memory plays a role. Practice may not make perfect, but it can improve things some. I am doing better cognitively than I was a year ago. The brain is very adaptable, or plastic as they now like to say, and I think it can learn new ways to get things done.

Steve
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: moe on March 14, 2009, 10:51:06 pm
There are those memory tapes/cd's too, if you have time. But that immediate short term memory loss is sooooo frustrating.
I find myself sometimes asking the same question in the same conversation. And I have to write everything down as it is said, if it is important.
Keep truckn, keep movn.
Maureen
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: sgerrard on March 14, 2009, 11:22:09 pm
What was the question again?  ;D

Steve
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: han nah on March 15, 2009, 04:31:30 am
Hi Marci
This topic you have raised is very interesting.
On my first visit to my Doctor prior to my diagnosis one of my complaints was I was losing my short term memory - I could not remember anything, especially at work and work related stuff - that was a real worry for me considering I was only 24 at the time. I really noticed it that much that I was asking people at work if they noticed my memory lost, one person did say they had noticed it. Since the surgery I still suffer with my short term memory loss, I never knew that it was related to the tumour - I feel heaps better now knowing that it is related.
Thanks for raising the topic
Hannah
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: tenai98 on March 16, 2009, 02:12:48 pm
I tried the sticky note thingy...but alot of times when I went to write down what I wanted to remember...well I forgot..My short term memory has been affected greatly as well....Something I guess I will have to learn to live with. 
JO ;D
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: cin605 on March 16, 2009, 03:18:38 pm
Thanks all.  No matter what the explanation, I guess I'm stuck with it.  Maybe I'll just forget about it, ;)
   You wil forget about it, if while you are forgetting about it some thing else comes up you forgot about. ;D
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: nancyann on March 16, 2009, 05:29:17 pm
Hello Clarice (kinda spooky since 'Silence of the Lambs', huh ?):

I know that I have to concentrate more on my balance since AN surgery,  but I still believe shifting my brain/medial temporal lobe also has something to do with my memory issues. 

Always good thoughts,  Nancy
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: CHD63 on March 16, 2009, 05:49:27 pm
Nancy .....

I get the "Silence of the Lambs" reaction frequently  :-[ until the unknowing find out my name is pronounced like it rhymes with terrace or Paris.   :-*

Interesting thought about the memory being related to the brain being shifted.  On my first retrosigmoid surgery 15 years ago on the right side (when I was much younger .... ahem!) I did not notice the memory issues.  However, I went back to teaching school full-time 6 weeks after that one and working with junior high gifted students kept me quite stimulated and could have accounted for some of it.

The AN surgery on the left was a different ball-game, with significantly more balance issues resulting for me.

Clarice
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Syl on March 17, 2009, 01:17:44 pm
My big problem is remembering people's names. I take up the collection for Lotto tickets. As I'm writing down who's participating and how much they are contributing, I have to ask people's names. These are people I see every day. Now that's frustrating.

Syl
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: cin605 on March 17, 2009, 02:04:47 pm
My problem is words directions & what iam doing at the moment ..#s i can not recall.
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: anissa on March 17, 2009, 02:23:42 pm
I've had short term memory problems for a few years now and I'm almost happy its because of the AN, I seriously thought having children was to blame.  Well, it could still partly be...ha ha.  Anyway, I also can't remember people's names at all and I've noticed a couple times when telling my husband about something I'd get to a part where I'd say "and then he picked up the..um...you know, that thing that you hold in your hand and it changes the channels on the TV!".  Its so frustrating when a word just goes away!  That happens a lot.  Or I'll just randomly forget the PIN to my debit card for an hour.  I'm a real case.  :( 
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Cheryl R on March 17, 2009, 02:55:13 pm
I have always wondered but never asked my dr if left sided ANs cause more cognitive issues than right.      My first 3 surgeries were on the right and the last one which I just realized was 11 mos ago today was on the left and my memory problems have been worse since this last time.   It is so maddening when some easy word is just blank.      Anyone I am around much knows possibly why in my case.                  Just one more AN annoyance!
                                                          Cheryl R
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: leapyrtwins on March 17, 2009, 05:16:23 pm
I have always wondered but never asked my dr if left sided ANs cause more cognitive issues than right. 

That's a good theory, but if it's true, I'm an exception to the rule (or maybe I'm just special)  ;)

I work with numbers for a living and have no memory issues along those lines since my AN surgery.  I'm also very good at names and always have been.  The biggest problem I have post op is mixing up words.  My mind thinks one thing, but my mouth says another.  It's almost like my mouth just can't keep up with my brain  :P 

There is usually some connection between the wrong word (the one I say) and the right one (the one I meant to say).  I've found that if I'm thinking about or looking at an object and talking about something completely different, the object I am thinking about or looking at is the one I say.  For instance, if I'm looking at or thinking about a bird but discussing a car, I'll say "bird". 

Strange  ::)  Gets me weird looks from the person I'm conversing with too!  :o

Jan
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: cin605 on March 17, 2009, 06:30:22 pm
I can see where your bird stalling would get you a look! ;D
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: leapyrtwins on March 17, 2009, 09:05:49 pm
I can see where your bird stalling would get you a look! ;D

LOL.  I've also mentioned to my kids that I'm going to "get the bird washed" and "pull the bird into the garage". 

Sometimes they think I've lost my mind in addition to half of my hearing  :D

Jan
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Kaybo on March 17, 2009, 09:26:17 pm
Jan~
I do that EXACT thing - it was the worst when I still taught and I would be thinking or had last talked to "Aubrey" who was the perfect little student but then instead of saying, "Darius! sit down & stop talking!" I would say, "Aubrey! sit down & stop talking!"  Poor Aubrey!  I get left & right mixed up and yesterday & tomorrow and also have trouble thinking of words.  People that I am with all the time help me out.  I don't let it bother me...that's just how I am now!  At least I am here...

K  ;D
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Patti on March 18, 2009, 06:33:37 am
i do remember (ha ha) that when i had neuropsychological testing that my reading comprehension was "superior" while almost everything else was "borderline".  the doctor said that it is because you can control the speed of information uptake when you read but not in other situations.  i was told i had slow processing, but not with reading.  patti
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: salamander on March 18, 2009, 08:54:27 am
I have had some problems with phone numbers.  I went to a doctor appointment one day and saw that I had previously written my home phone number totally wrong.  Not even close. Not even a different known phone number.  Just random numbers.  I also left a message for someone one day and couldn't remember my home phone number. 

I do also lose my train of thought frequently.  My daughters have just looked at me in shock.  It is usually when I am interrupted (like a waitress wanting to take my order) and then I totally lose what we were discussing.  Even after trying to think for a minute, it is just gone.  When reminded of the topic, then it all comes right back. Wierd new normal we live. . .

Samantha
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Catflower on March 18, 2009, 11:55:15 am
I'm almost 2 years post of and also have memory problems.  I compensate by writings lots of notes and never leave home without my PDA which I now refer to as my brain ;D.  The thing that bothers me most is the sensory overload I get when I'm trying to shop.  I also have this problem when I'm in a situation where there are a lot of people talking.  It just gets to the point where I have to leave if possible.  I've become quite a hermit because I function best within in the confines of my home.

Linda in WV
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Mickey on March 18, 2009, 06:58:35 pm
Hi everyone!  I was just wondering on alot of things also being age related? As we get older alot of things happen with our memories, bodies, eyesight, hearing, coordination, and probably alot of other stuff. Just try to put it all into prospective and do all we can to live with whatever the best we can. In any case we are al l together in this journey and its great to confide in each other and mabey even come up with ideas and solutions. Mickey
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: leapyrtwins on March 18, 2009, 07:03:53 pm
You know, Mickey, that was my first suggestion - back on page 1 I think.

IMO age - and stress - definitely play a part in memory issues; and Lord knows both apply to me  :)

Jan
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Captain Deb on March 23, 2009, 08:30:28 pm
My biggest problem is trying to pay attention to what I'm doing at the moment, particularly when I'm trying to work in my studio on a painting---I get so distracted.  A painting that used to take 10 days now takes a month or more, not just due to the headaches brought about by stress but by the fact that I just can't concentrate!  Now this could be a problem created by my meds as well, mind you, and I'm, as I write, decreasing my dosage of both my Topamax and Neurontin to try to get some mental clarity.  It's hard enough keeping my balance in front of a large canvas while turning my head from the palette to computer screen to the canvas.

 No Marci, you are not losing your mind! Your brain now just has a mind of its own!

Capt Deb (http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee60/Captdeb_photos/pirate-3.gif)
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Melissa778 on March 24, 2009, 12:45:54 pm
I also seem to have trouble paying attention and I lose my train of thought often.  I'll go to write a note to myself, get side tracked and completely forget to write myself a note.  I use my cell phone alot for reminders as well as software at work.  My husband tells me they took the tumor out but left alot fo air behind.....apparently he is amused by my forgetfulness. :)

I'm sure there was more I wnated to say, but right now it's not coming to me.

Melissa
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: cin605 on March 24, 2009, 01:20:32 pm
lol..today i am talking on the phone to sis about memory loss & went to empty bathroom garbadge in a bag put the phone on the bathroom floor walked away put garbadge away & remebered she was on the line. ::)
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Kaybo on March 24, 2009, 01:22:08 pm
Go ahead Lori and tell them what you have nicknamed me...maybe it has something to do with the memory issues!! 

Cin605~
That is a HOOT!!

K
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: lori67 on March 24, 2009, 03:16:14 pm
Well, Kay, I would, but I can't remember..... :D  Oh, wait, was it Blondie??   ;)

CIN - I hope your sister is forgetful too - maybe she forgot she was on the other end of the phone...

Lori
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Kaybo on March 24, 2009, 06:15:13 pm
Lori~
I was really referring to the Tasmanian Devil - was that because I move from thing to thing with speed & energy or because I jump around from topic to topic??  ???  I'm sure it has NOTHING to do with the devil part...

K ;D
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: cin605 on March 25, 2009, 09:11:14 am
My sis was still on the same subject when i picked up the phone???i don't think i missed much...
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: GeorgiaMei on March 29, 2009, 07:21:31 pm
I was so interested to find this thread.  I really thought this was just me!  I also feel "ditzy" a lot and forget mundane things I've always known (directions, numbers, etc.)  I also have a harder time following stories and conversations, often having to ask questions during a movie b/c I don't get it.  I was hoping it was at least partially related to the number of meds I have been on since surgery, but I'm not sure.

Also, I find myself having emotional lability sometimes. I won't even feel it coming and all of the sudden I will be tearing up in weird situations.  For example, when I get my blood drawn.  One second I'll be fine and the next I'm about to cry!  It's totally unlike me: I was a very stable person before surgery.  And it's causing me a lot of stress and embarrassment.  Has anyone else experienced this? 
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: MAlegant on March 30, 2009, 08:02:53 pm
Oh, don't even ask about the emotional part!  I figure it's the part of the recovery and will give it time to improve but I am definitely on a roller coaster most of the time.  I won't even notice menopause.
M
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: MAlegant on May 11, 2009, 05:21:11 am
Cheri,
My post-it notes now have their own post-it notes.  It's really quite out of control.   ;D
Marci
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Esperanza on May 11, 2009, 04:01:12 pm
Haven't had mine out yet but I get wonky headed issues that I probably had a while leading up to diagnosis.. my husband decided
they got it wrong and the tumour is actually my brain and the rest is the tumour - good job I thought it was funny too... ;D
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: mlouise073 on May 13, 2009, 05:04:17 pm
great subject...I have had short term memory problems since my surgery two years ago, struggle with simple words sometimes coming to my mind, and I seem very emotional as well and can come to tears at the drop of a pin these days. definantly can't handle stress like I used to.  I just attribute it to the surgey. 
Mary
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Tamara on May 15, 2009, 05:24:09 am
Now this could be a problem created by my meds as well, mind you, and I'm, as I write, decreasing my dosage of both my Topamax and Neurontin to try to get some mental clarity. 

Sorry to be so late to this thread.  Just wondered how the decrease was going.  Topomax is commonly used for seizure control - my daughter took it for a short time but was very dulled by it - not a good thing because she is severely cognitively disabled to start with.  A parent's group I'm in refers to it as "Dopomax".

Best wishes,
Tam
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Susan L on May 23, 2009, 07:29:26 pm
 I was so relieved to read about others memory loss.  I am 3 years post op and am beginning (have been) to worry that I might have the beginning of Alzheimers or dementia.  I am 52 but I was fine before surgery.  After surgery I noticed a vast difference in my memory.  I was always good with numbers, names, details…not now.  When I do get stressed or tired it gets worse but then so does my balance.  Right away I noticed that it just seemed too difficult to think – if I stop and try real hard I can sometimes remember.  It is like I have a block on my AN side and can’t get past it.  That feeling could also be because of the deafness on my rt side.  I work in a school and have down time in the summer.  I got pretty depressed over the memory loss last summer.  I am almost done with this school year and I have been thinking I needed to research the issue more.  When I asked the doctor at my 1 year check-up he told me that I am getting older, I told him there was a marked difference after surgery.  He did say something to the effect that my mind is having to concentrate on balance.  Thank you for sharing.
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: MAlegant on May 23, 2009, 07:46:54 pm
There's a great thread on here (maybe someone can find it-I couldn't) about how hard your brain has to work to help your balance.  The memory problems are real and when they appear after surgery it's either cause/effect, or coincidence.  Either way it's a problem for me.  Am dealing with it though.
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: CHD63 on May 23, 2009, 08:39:10 pm
I cannot find it either and I know this article has been referenced before, but it does explain very well the connection of the brain with regards to balance issues and memory.  Here it is again:  http://www.hearinglosshelp.com/articles/balancesystem.htm


Clarice
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: CHD63 on May 24, 2009, 06:35:04 am
Cheri .....

When I first read that article I was so relieved that there was an explanation for my short term memory lapses.  I really had convinced myself I was either aging very rapidly or had sudden onset of Alzheimer's.  Now I have relaxed and the short term lapses seem to be less now than before.

Glad I posted the link again!   :)

Clarice
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Kate B on May 24, 2009, 08:25:21 am
I cannot find it either and I know this article has been referenced before, but it does explain very well the connection of the brain with regards to balance issues and memory.  Here it is again:  http://www.hearinglosshelp.com/articles/balancesystem.htm


Clarice

This is an awesome link which explains the relationship between balance and many side effects such as blurred vision etc.

Thanks for posting it.

Kate
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Jim Scott on May 24, 2009, 03:10:44 pm
Clarice ~

This may explain why I tire more easily than I used to, which I just assumed was an 'aging issue'.   The linked article on our vestibular system by Dr. Neil Bauman was concise and very informative.   Thanks.

Jim
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: chocolatetruffle on May 24, 2009, 03:53:28 pm
no, you are not losing your mind!!!!  for me, it is spelling - for the life of me, i could not spell simple words and these are words i use all the time. it is annoying and i had to retrain my thought process and if i get tired of trying, thank god for mircosoft word spelling checker!

the brain is such an amazing organ, hang in there and oh.... get those colorful and fun sizes post-it notes - these will definitely bring a smile to anyone  ;D
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Kaybo on May 24, 2009, 03:56:55 pm
Cheri~
This is exactly how 2 totally different (in 2 different towns) explained it to me all those years ago. They both asked me if I was just exhausted at night because my body is working double time all day - too bad its not my metabolism working double time!!  LOL!  They told me to always schedule important things earlier in the day when I am still fresh and not overly tired!

K
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: epodjn on June 05, 2009, 10:38:03 am
Thanks for sending the link. That explains a lot of my problems. I was just thinking it was all in mind or something. I have the strangest feeling of surrealness, (is that a word?) Like I'm in a fog sometimes. And the whole nighttime balance thing, oh boy, what a joke. I went to the grocery store last night. When I left it was daylight, when I came out it was dark. You would have gotten a good laugh watching me trying to carry my groceries, which threw me off balance anyway, in the dark. I'm sure my neighbors must have thought I was drunk.
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: JudyT on June 05, 2009, 11:56:16 am
I found the link very informative.......Being out of whack in the dark is very unpleasant and often scarry. I lose my balance very easily. I leave small lights on throughout the house at night to guide me. Carrying groceries is next to impossible. What one would call "normal" activities are next to impossible for me. VERY frustrating.
Judy
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: epodjn on June 05, 2009, 12:08:37 pm
That must be extremely frustrating. I can still do most simple tasks, but it takes extra effort and that explained why. It seems like everything takes extra effort and wears me out. But I am grateful I can do it, with effort. I admire you for being able to do what you do.
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: Joey on June 05, 2009, 02:40:47 pm
 :o  I saw this thread and just had to chime in; altho I'm one of the GK-ers.  The balance in the dark thing is one of my most noticeable problems; I have to walk my dogs nightly and it sure is a challenge to stay upright.  I can ride a bike in daylight and not have any problems, but put me outside after dark and I must look like a raging drunk.  I am thinking about investing in a WII Fit (OK, that looks funny, I mean a WEE!)  to try to tame some of my balance issues.  Would anyone know of anything else that would be helpful??  I was amazed that the bike thing went so well.

I also occasionally substitute strange words for what I mean to say; today I referred to my knitting needles as drumsticks.   

Have a good weekend ~ Joey
Title: Re: Am I losing my mind or what?
Post by: ppearl214 on June 05, 2009, 02:46:19 pm
The balance in the dark thing is one of my most noticeable problems; I have to walk my dogs nightly and it sure is a challenge to stay upright. 

Joey, I'm with you on this one... I have to walk my dog at night, flashlight in hand and lordy help me when I have to bend over (put my head down) to "scoop her business" (if you catch my drift).

I know there has been talk on these forums in the past about balance issues and darkness... maybe start a new thread in the "Balance" forum on it? I know many here run into this issue and maybe we can centralize that conversation ..... I'd like to be in on that one as well.

Phyl