Had a really rough day at work today. I only work part time (28-32 hours per week) but I put all that time in in 2 1/2 days so the rest of the time I'm dead tired. The more tired I get the more "stupid" I feel. My mind is all fuzzy, my mouth & my brain do not function properly & I have to really concentrate to even type. I get so frustrated with myself! I've always considered myself a fairly intelligent individual, but lately I'm not so sure any more.
Has anyone else dealt with this and what can I do about this? Any suggestions?
Oh you bet! I have addressed my Rheumatologist and my Internist about memory issues, like reading retention, attention span, talking in circles, writing in circles, asking my husband the same question 10 times in a day...
Their answer was "chronic pain and lack of proper sleep due to chronic pain". Your answer may be a little different, it may be that you are just expending too much effort and energy in a short amount of time and then have to recover from the utter exhaustion this causes?
I could get very worried about myself, especially with family history of dementia!! I feel at times like I'm a bit drunk, and have to concentrate really hard to think, talk, especially answering questions, making decisions, walking/ co-ordination too. I say and write words wrong, so helping my teens with their homework if they're stuck is hard these days!! I think SK's right; being in pain and not sleeping properly, plus some medication can cause these effects.... I've also got problems with my neck too, which is causing mild intracranial hypertension, one of the symptoms being brain fog! I'm lucky enough to be working part-time in voluntary work, so I can sleep extra in the day if I need to. Fresh air helps I think, so a quick walk when I can helps. And doing what needs mental energy earlier in the day rather than the afternoon when I get worse helps too.
All the time. I too work, 40hrs per week. I find myself struggling for words. My head truly feels like it is filled with cotton. For me it is the "new normal".
I use the term "new norm" fairly often. SS creates a need to be flexible. I can say that fatigue definitely worsens brain fog. Since I started with the neuro, a lot of that has cleared up for me. It still happens but its not as bad. I scared myself at times with that. The best thing you can do is pay close attention to your diet, safe exercise and consider whether you can adjust the schedule a little to make it less taxing on your system.
I can identify so much with the examples many are giving. I have always been an effective communicator, but now I find it harder and harder to get my message across. The words just seem to drop and disappear. Writing posts on blog etc. are becoming a long task. At least I know why, which helps. Because it's distressing.
I agree with everyone on this. I nap in my car everyday for about 1/2 hr during lunch. Co-workers used to laugh at me, now several are also napping. It helps. I'm back to walking every evening. Helps to clear my head. (ha ha) as if anything is in there.
Has anyone noticed their equilibrium is off. I have never fallen, but I'm not always steady on my feet. Especially when getting up from sitting or lying down.
Bless you all that are still able to work. I couldn't even imagine the mistakes I'd make. My brain fog, is so bad that I amaze myself that I can get anything accomplished, and function at all. My husband is retired, and I know I ask him the same questions over and over again and don't even realize it....he has become very patient with me, but it bothers me greatly.
I've learned to laugh at myself, and if a make a gaffe talking with other people, and they give that 'look', I just make a joke about it. Because if we take ourselves too seriously, being sick and in pain only makes things worse.
Oh hun I don’t even know what to tell you that’s a lot of hours in a short amount of time. I can’t even work anymore with the constant pain I’m in. Is there any way you can possibly stretch those hours over say like 4 days instead?
Connie: yes my equilibrium has been off bad I now use a quad cane to help but I have fallen 3 times in the last week and a half one time I ended up taking an ambulance ride and ended up with a concussion and broken hand.
I deal with all the above. Sometimes I can't even pronounce words. I'm basically dyslexic now also. I do believe that the sleep disorder is the main reason the my new norm. I wanted to write a book. But, I can't b/c I get SO UPSET trying to do it! I make mistakes on almost every word. I miss the old Pam. Though the new me is much more open-minded.
Hey...I tend to put things out in little pieces going with what relates to the immediate topic, but if it helps anyone here goes.... The neuro issues that have since cleared up with meds are loss of balance, severe pinprick-like sensations all over the body, difficulty with fine motor skills. I would go through stretches where I would have scrapes and cuts on the backs of my hands from over reaching into a cabinet, etc. I would scrape my hand on the underside of the shelf above, etc because my aim was off. I still have some numbness in one foot. Serious issues with losing words or completely blanking out of conversations. Also some odd sensations all over...I finally stopped swatting at mosquitoes that weren't there. Thank goodness for the meds, as much as I hated putting one more chemical into my body.
I've noticed that within the past few years my balance is way off. I've actually fallen a couple of times. Never had these issues when I was younger. I thought maybe it was due to my arthritis and the fact that I'm a little overweight, but now I have to wonder.
Connie said:
I agree with everyone on this. I nap in my car everyday for about 1/2 hr during lunch. Co-workers used to laugh at me, now several are also napping. It helps. I'm back to walking every evening. Helps to clear my head. (ha ha) as if anything is in there.
Has anyone noticed their equilibrium is off. I have never fallen, but I'm not always steady on my feet. Especially when getting up from sitting or lying down.
I am so sorry to hear this. I have been going crazy with the "brain fog". I cannot concentrate, I get confused easily, I forget quickly....
I feel like an idiot infront of my co-workers. I can't tell them whats wrong with me,because it will be a gossip. When I ask family and friends, they say they don't see the issues I am facing. I think because they are not in my shoes and not struggling like I am with these kinds of circumstaces.
Its just an awful struggle. I do agree that getting plenty of rest and going slow helps. Sometimes going slow is just not possible with work....
People don't notice our "brain fog" because we've all learned to hide it well. Compensate for it. When I'm looking at a co-worker, and can't remember her name, I make a joke or change the subject until it comes to me. I've reached an age where I should be losing my mind, therefore, they will never see me "sweat".
Just call everyone 'darling' or 'sweetheart'- then they won't know you can't remember their name! (You can tell I work with young children!!) The trouble is, when your mouth's so dry you're constantly sipping from a bottle, colleagues probably think you're on the vodka if you're forgetful or off-balance!!
I’ve fought very hard with myself over this issue, refusing to believe that it could really happen to me, but I’ve reluctantly begun to change my mind. I thought that if I believed in it, it might become a self-fulfilling prophecy and I would start writing everything off to this strange “brain fog”. I knew I was having spelling and word finding difficulties but told myself it was because I am no longer working - perhaps not keeping my brain active enough. But reading others’ replies about forgetting names and conversations and having balance problems really hits home.
I just really can’t imagine telling my family and friends that some of the goofy stuff I do is due to “brain fog”. They won’t understand or believe it. I know because I didnt!