Please help me learn

[Flowing Brook]

I will try to keep this brief.

 

I have had this problem my whole life. I am now 29. I was in the sixth grade before I could really read. Before I could read but not understand what I had read. I always got C's and D's in school. It was not for lack of trying but because I could not retain anything I read. I just barley got by.

 

I always wanted to go to college to get a rn degree the reason I did not was I knew I could not pass college. I am now trying to become a certified progessional midwife and am having the same problems.

 

I will try to list them so they make sense.

1. I cannot retain anything I read.

2. If I read something I cannot put what I read in my own words. I either have to quote word for word.

3. I get things backwards and cannot remember which way they are supossed to go. For example it has taken me weeks just to remember posterior is back and anterior is front. I used to have the opposite in my mind.

4. After years of being told how. I still cannot read a measurement off a measuring tape for you.

I just can't remember.

5. I cannot explain things to you in a way that make sense. Tonight I was trying to explain what a liquid tincture was to a friend of mine. I make them and buy them all the time. Yet could not tell her so it made sense to her.

6. My grammer is terrible. my spelling is terrible. It is not because I was not taught it is because I cannot remember how to do it properly.

7. I tried to learn how to play the piano but had to give up becase I could not get the rythnm straight. and could not keep a steady tempo.

8. In conversations I feel like I have nothing to contribute because I never can understand what people are talking about.

9. I cannot remember everything at once. For example if there is a situation going on and you tell me we cannot do A because of B but A and C will work I will have forgotten in a few minutes and try to get you to do a and b again. Or I can't think or remember all of the possibilities at once.

 

I do not know what is wrong or how to fix it. I am in tears as I write this because I feel like I can't accomplish anything in life if I can't learn how to do what I want to. When I first finished school I chose house cleaning as a career because I knew it was something that did not include using my brain and I would be able to handle it. I am now seeing I can't clean houses for the rest of my life. I so badly want to be a midwife but if I can't learn the materials in a way that I can know what to do in a situation and be able to articulate to clients and doctors what I do know no one is going to hire me. It is so embaressing to be stumbling and sound like I do not know what I am talking when I do. I just do not know how to get it out. I sound like a stumbling idiot. I am also worried I cannot homeschool my children one day which is something that is very important to me.

Does anyone know what is wrong or what I can do to fix it? TIA

 

ETA: I am not trying to sound like woe is me or complain. I just really feel like this is controling my life.

[Heartsjoy]

Just brainstorming. The fellow travelors in the special needs board talk about similar problems. They might could point you in the right direction.

[Mrs Mungo]

Go get some specialized, professional help for adults with learning disabilities. Seeing a psychologist might be a first step for an adult?

[itsheresomewhere]

My opinion might not be the popular one but you might want to reevaluate and see if putting your time, effort and money into being a midwife is the right thing right now. Are you taking the course online or through a local college? Does that college have any resources for you to help you figure out how you learn or what possible disabilities you have. If it were me, I would set a small goal and keep adding to the goal to one day possibly being a midwife. You need to figure out how your brain works now before really going much further into being a midwife before you get so down on yourself.

[Flowing Brook]

My opinion might not be the popular one but you might want to reevaluate and see if putting your time, effort and money into being a midwife is the right thing right now. Are you taking the course online or through a local college? Does that college have any resources for you to help you figure out how you learn or what possible disabilities you have. If it were me, I would set a small goal and keep adding to the goal to one day possibly being a midwife. You need to figure out how your brain works now before really going much further into being a midwife before you get so down on yourself.

 

 

 

I appreciate the suggestion. I feel like I am halfway to becoming a midwife. I have been apprenticing for five years been on sixty births even delievered a baby by myself. The studying I am doing is self study. In my state as long as I can pass the seven hour test I can get my cpm.(as well as the hands on)

It is just that I cannot seem to learn anything. I do not know how to get over this. I understand small goals but If I try to learn a list of ten vocabulary words for example it will take me at least three months. Then in six I will remember maybe two or three of them. I do not think I am getting down on myself just frustrated that I have a problem and do not know how to fix it.

[itsheresomewhere]

 

 

I appreciate the suggestion. I feel like I am halfway to becoming a midwife. I have been apprenticing for five years been on sixty births even delievered a baby by myself. The studying I am doing is self study. In my state as long as I can pass the seven hour test I can get my cpm.(as well as the hands on)

It is just that I cannot seem to learn anything. I do not know how to get over this. I understand small goals but If I try to learn a list of ten vocabulary words for example it will take me at least three months. Then in six I will remember maybe two or three of them. I do not think I am getting down on myself just frustrated that I have a problem and do not know how to fix it.

 

 

 

Trust me. If you don't figure out how your brain works you will get yourself down. I saw first hand in my DS how it works. The frustation will take over and get you down if you don't take the time figure it out. Try a major college near you as they should have a department that can do some testing on you to help. It is cheaper through them and they typically take people over the age of 16.

[Izzy]

You sound a lot like my dyslexic 13 year old. He's been undiagnosed for 13 years so I've seen how the learning issues just pile on through the years. I second getting testing done. That will help you figure out where to go from here. For what it's worth, DS is awesome at hands on learning but really struggles with the rote learning that school demands. I can imagine how much harder college would be and can also see why you do well with hands on birthing/midwifery. With testing you can get the therapy and modifications you need to complete college. I hope I helped some and good luck! :-)

[Flowing Brook]

You sound a lot like my dyslexic 13 year old. He's been undiagnosed for 13 years so I've seen how the learning issues just pile on through the years. I second getting testing done. That will help you figure out where to go from here. For what it's worth, DS is awesome at hands on learning but really struggles with the rote learning that school demands. I can imagine how much harder college would be and can also see why you do well with hands on birthing/midwifery. With testing you can get the therapy and modifications you need to complete college. I hope I helped some and good luck! :-)

 

Thanks this does help. I looked up dyslexic and found I match most of what they say. What has helped your son?

Do my issues sound like dyslexia to anyone else? If so what things help?

[gardenmom5]

I'd look into processing learning disabilities (dyslexia is one). your brain isn't processing appropriately, and that's why you're not retaining.

 

there can also be dietary changes that will help, gluten, casein, soy and yeast are really big offenders. (some are sensitive to one or even all four, other's aren't sensitive to any of them.)

 

as well as very specific supplementation. in our family we're dealing with a hereditary genetic mutation that affects how very specific neurotransmitters/enzymes are produced and used in the body. once identified, fairly easy to treat (though it takes time). a really good naturopath can id and make recommendations.

 

last summer we started ds on 12 weeks of daily glutathione injections and within four weeks the adults who worked with him were noticing improvements in his ability to learn and interact with people. some really big gains. Last spring, I got a first-hand look at what happened when I didn't rush out and refil his cystine . . . . took a week to get back to where he was before we ran out.

[amo_mea_filiis.]

Neuropsychologist? They can do some testing and help you figure out how you learn best, and which (if any) therapies may help you.

[Rebecca VA]

It sounds like a short-term memory issue to me (maybe with some dyslexia as well?). My daughter has a mild form of this. She is very smart but needs lots of repetition and drilling. For years I would read everything with her and discuss it with her to make sure she understood it.

 

Do you have someone who can work with you and drill you on your midwifery material? Having a study partner or tutor will help you tremendously.

[Reya]

You should be taking extensive notes and drawing things out with pictures as you read, too.

[Scarlett]

I have no advice, but wanted to add that your explanation is perfectly clear to me. So you do seem capable of explaining yourself. I hope you get to the bottom of it. :grouphug:

 

 

I have no answers either but wanted to say you sound capable and intelligent to me. My best friend struggles in all the ways you mentioned...she is intelligent but can't retain info. She can't even remember important, milestone events of her own life....she often calls me up to ask me what happened and when.

[Stacy in NJ]

It sounds like you don't have issues with the practical part of being a midwife; it's just the testing aspect that's troubling you. Is that it?

 

Is it possible to find a study partner, coach, or tutor? I'd look for extra support with learning the how to of how to study. Is it possible to take a class instead of doing it online? You might find having a real face to face teacher better suits you.

 

There's a terrific book called Overcoming dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz. At the end of the the book some professionals tell about their own struggles. There's a terrific story written by a famous cardio thoracic surgeon outlining the stuggles he had in passing the NY state exam to become board certified. He's a world famous physican and considered the expert in his field. His name is Graeme Hammond. http://www.amazon.co...coming dyslexia

 

Soo, if this really is your dream, don't give up. Keep working through it. Something will work out.

 

I admire you're persistence. :grouphug: :hurray:

 

ETA: My ds15 is dyslexic. Most dyslexics (and you sound like you probably are) learn best in a hands-on environment. An online class my be the worst type of classroom for you.

[Flowing Brook]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement and suggestions. It is strange because when I have tested I was rated as above average intelligence. If I am doing hands on learning I learn fast, fine and it sticks. Book learning seems almost impossible. Also if I am in a lecture type setting I get very little out of it. I have a very difficult time taking notes and have a hard time following when someone tells me verbally with no pictures or written hand outs. I am wondering what this sounds like to others.

[wapiti]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement and suggestions. It is strange because when I have tested I was rated as above average intelligence. If I am doing hands on learning I learn fast, fine and it sticks. Book learning seems almost impossible. Also if I am in a lecture type setting I get very little out of it. I have a very difficult time taking notes and have a hard time following when someone tells me verbally with no pictures or written hand outs. I am wondering what this sounds like to others.

 

 

This sounds like a visual-spatial learner who has some sort of LD related to reading, such as dyslexia (there are other possible issues such as auditory processing, etc.). Also, I would want to rule out developmental vision issues with a covd optometrist. You might be twice-exceptional (bright with a learning issue - using your intelligence to compensate for a weakness).

 

I would identify and deal with the issue(s) prior to proceeding further with your education.

[Stacy in NJ]

I just want to encourage you to not give up. Most folks who are late to learn how to read get behind in vocabulary development. Vocabulary development is key to reading comprehension or understanding complex text or lectures. You probably just aren't familiar with all the words in the text or lecture, become bored, and lose interest. That's understandable. Trying to memorize word lists can be particularly difficult for dyslexics. I would suggest using mnemonics to assist with this. Many medical students use special programs to memorize anatomy and physiology terms the use rhyming or word games.

Here's a web sight for midwives offering some mnemonic helps: http://www.studentmi...ng-stuff.55986/

Consider drawing a picture or diagram to go along with the mnemonic to jog your memory.

google: mnemonics for midwife

 

Hope that helps!

 

Thanks everyone for the encouragement and suggestions. It is strange because when I have tested I was rated as above average intelligence. If I am doing hands on learning I learn fast, fine and it sticks. Book learning seems almost impossible. Also if I am in a lecture type setting I get very little out of it. I have a very difficult time taking notes and have a hard time following when someone tells me verbally with no pictures or written hand outs. I am wondering what this sounds like to others.

[Elinor Everywhere]

Awww, sweetie, I have no words of advice, but I just want to give you a big {{{{{{hug}}}}}.

 

My heart breaks for your pain and feelings. Another :grouphug:

[OrganicAnn]

There are a lot of learning disabilities that have similar, overlapping symptoms. If you want to real fix, don't just assume you are dyslexic and try to fix the problem yourself. If you can, get some good testing. They you will know what you are dealing with and how best to help yourself. If we were talking about a child, we might also suggest vision testing (not for acuity, but other vision issues). Also might even check on issues like ADD.

[Melissa in Australia]

To me it sounds very much like Dyslexia or something very similar. All dyslexic people have above average intelligence. Dyslexia comes in degrees, so each and every person has it to a different degree. I have it, plus at least 3 of my children have it. There are some absolutely great modern techno aids that provide great assistance. Things like super advanced spell checks that actually look at the sentence structure and content, and programs like Dragon speaking that allow you to just talk to the computer and it will then change it to a written text.

 

If you can find a speech pathologist or a psychologist that specialise in this area, you will get some invaluable assistance.

[Reya]

Yes, this is not simple dyslexia. There is a language processing disorder of some sort there, too.

[Melissa in Australia]

 

 

I appreciate the suggestion. I feel like I am halfway to becoming a midwife. I have been apprenticing for five years been on sixty births even delievered a baby by myself. The studying I am doing is self study. In my state as long as I can pass the seven hour test I can get my cpm.(as well as the hands on)

It is just that I cannot seem to learn anything. I do not know how to get over this. I understand small goals but If I try to learn a list of ten vocabulary words for example it will take me at least three months. Then in six I will remember maybe two or three of them. I do not think I am getting down on myself just frustrated that I have a problem and do not know how to fix it.

 

Is that all to becoming a midwife?

Here in Australia a midwife is a specialist registered nurse. I think the do an extra year at University plus a specific number of hospital deliveries before they become a midwife.

[Reya]

Is that all to becoming a midwife?

Here in Australia a midwife is a specialist registered nurse. I think the do an extra year at University plus a specific number of hospital deliveries before they become a midwife.

 

 

Here, that is a certified nurse midwife.

 

There are midwives here who are not certified nurses.

 

CNM is who I'd prefer to have do my baby-catching.

[Flowing Brook]

Thanks everyone for the continued help. I feel like I keep getting good help and advice.

 

As far as what it takes to become a midwife the full requirements are as follows:

Cpr certified

neonatal resuscitation certified

sixty births as an observer

twenty as the primary

Sixty prenatals

Tweny well baby check ups

CPMs are qualified to give oxygen

qualified to give cataters

qualified to give iv's

qualified to give injections

along with the seven hour test

Also after they get certified they must continue taking classes and receive so many hours of instruction

every year.

The doctors I have talked to seem to think that CPMs are very capable of delievering babies and recommend them to their patients that want to go the route of a home birth.

All the CPM's that I have talked to say that doctors treat them as equals in the sense that they are working together. Not incapable of their job.

 

 

ETA many cpm's also give pap smears. Also a few of those required births have to be in hospital births.

[Melissa in Australia]

Here, that is a certified nurse midwife.

 

There are midwives here who are not certified nurses.

 

CNM is who I'd prefer to have do my baby-catching.

 

thanks for explaining. It is so tricky sometimes to understand what people are referring to when we both use the same terms, but in different countries they mean different things.

[Melissa in Australia]

Thanks everyone for the continued help. I feel like I keep getting good help and advice.

 

As far as what it takes to become a midwife the full requirements are as follows:

Cpr certified

neonatal resuscitation certified

sixty births as an observer

twenty as the primary

Sixty prenatals

Tweny well baby check ups

CPMs are qualified to give oxygen

qualified to give cataters

qualified to give iv's

qualified to give injections

along with the seven hour test

Also after they get certified they must continue taking classes and receive so many hours of instruction

every year.

The doctors I have talked to seem to think that CPMs are very capable of delievering babies and recommend them to their patients that want to go the route of a home birth.

All the CPM's that I have talked to say that doctors treat them as equals in the sense that they are working together. Not incapable of their job.

 

 

ETA many cpm's also give pap smears. Also a few of those required births have to be in hospital births.

Thank you for explaining. We don't have anything like that here in Australia.

The only nurses that do injections, IV needles etc are the ones with degrees. DIv 1 nurses are the ones that do further training to become midwives.

 

from http://gotovu.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/430/~/what-is-the-difference-between-division-1-and-division-2-nursing%3F

 

Division 1 Nursing is the career path from the undergraduate course: Bachelor of Nursing.

 

Division 2 Nursing is the career path from the TAFE Diploma of Nursing. Division 2 Nursing requires a direct application to the University and applicants need to undertake the VETASSESS test.

In the workplace, there are some differences in the roles of Division 1 and Division 2 nurses. Typically, Division 1 nurses are required to perform more advanced tasks, including the administration of certain drugs, and minor medical procedures (such as intubations and insertion of intravenous needles). Division 2 nurses are not usually permitted to perform these tasks, unless they undertake additional study or attend specialist courses.

[Tammyla]

Mel Levine's book A Mind at a Time, might be a good read or audio book to check out.

[Catherine]

I think it would be very worth it for you to spend the $$ (it will be $2,000-2,500) for a good neuropsychiatric educational evaluation. It is possible, as others have noted, to find cheaper resources at universities where neuropsychologists are trained, but it's an investment. The evaluation will help you to know what the exact problem is and how to proceed in fixing it. Language processing has many parts and finding the specific part that you are struggling with is key to fixing it. The evaluation is expensive but worth it in the long run! Think of it as an investment.