I also have had epilepsy (almost) my whole life, and had surgery 5 years ago. My surgery also helped a lot, but a few months ago I started having problems again. I noticed my short term memory deteriorating as soon as I started taking epilepsy medication (10 years ago--age 15). My long term memory is also fine, but i'm completely blank on some things that may have happened a minute ago. I survive by writing everything down, and keeping my meds in one of those weekly pill boxes so I know if i've already taken them or not. My memory problems are not related to my surgery.