So what is wrong with me?

[randomneighbour]

I am so confused. I hope someone, somewhere can relate to this.
I have this problem where I don’t seem to be able to process any information.
My daughter wanted to set up one of her Christmas gifts and I am I am able to read the instructions but once I’ve got to the end of the paragraph I cannot tell you what I just read.
My neighbour stopped for a chat outside and when I went in my husband asked how she was and what she’d said and I couldn’t tell you, I understood what she said but as soon as she’d said it that information was gone.

I was unable to learn anything at school because of this inability to process anything and have trouble following instructions at work as I need to do something so many times before I remember and I’ve realised it needs to become a habit for me to remember so it’s subconscious and not remembering.
I feel like I’m miles away all the time and my mind is always somewhere else, I try to concentrate but my thoughts distract me.
I thought I had ADHD and I was diagnosed recently but since being on medication I have noticed absolutely no difference.
This is my last week of titration and I’m on the highest dose so will probably be telling my doctor they’re still having no effect.
If it’s not ADHD then what is it? I feel so deflated after finally thinking I had the answer and it seems it’s not that.
Does anyone else have this issue and know what it is?
Does it sound like just a memory issue, learning disability or something else?

My son has this, its a processing disorder and part of his learning disability.

This, sadly, could just be who you are. Different people have different levels of cognitive function.

It may simply be that as part of human diversity lack the ability to retain information. I would look at strategies to manage this (note taking to refer back to, etc)

It sounds like some kind of processing disorder. They're not hugely uncommon. You may need some support with tools and techniques you can use to help you.

I’m like this and I’m pretty sure I have ADHD.

I have ADHD and recognise this.

If your medication isn't working, then your doctor will likely try you on another- there are lots of types of ADHD meds and people often have to try and few to find one that works.

In the meantime, think about what systems you could try and put in place to help you now you know that your brain works differently- for exampe I use an AI notetaker in big work meetings as otherwise I know I will have forgotten what has been discussed by the end. ADHD meds can be life changing but they're not a silver bullet, you have to work with your brain as well.

it does sound like what is called a processing disorder.

Are you peri-menopausal? The brain fog is awful.
Look up seed cycling to help with hormones, Supplements - fish oils, b vitamins B6, B9 & B12, vitamin D and magnesium threonate help your brain. Get a weekly pill organiser and put a reminder on your calendar. Take the magnesium at night to help you sleep.

I’m probably approaching now but I’ve been like this since primary school.

Auditory processing disorder is a real thing, and a type of neurodivergence. Often goes alongside ADHD. You're not broken, you just need information given to you in a different way.

I was diagnosed ADHD when I was a young girl and I've been on and off medication for many many years of my life. Nothing has ever got rid of my brain fog/awful memory.

I learn best by doing, never by reading. If I must follow instructions I'm literal to the point I will work 1 step at a time (although I'll read it a few times) Ie, read it - get the thing I need, put it down, read again, get a tool, read again, attempt.

It doesn't bother me so much though. I've had people call me thick before - I'm not stupid, I just process differently. Unfortunately OP I don't think it's fixable!

Once I know something, I know something, but I'd have an awful time explaining it to someone else.

Apparently my brain fog struck me and I was unable to read your original post thoroughly, where you explained it was from school age, apologies. It sounds like you're getting some helpful advice. I hope you find some answers that support you. I believe that omega 3 does help some people with ADHD. Best of luck.