Maybe so, Mr. Conrad. But I don't seem to accomplish much in the way of greatness when this fibrofog settles over me, which it seems to have permanently done recently. My foggy accomplishments are not having a clue where I parked my car, forgetting the word that I need to finish a sentence, forgetting the whole sentence, forgetting appointments, books I read last week, the names of people I know like my own family.
In fact, I'm finding it more and more difficult to even read a book. I guess that's the next thing that's going to be taken away from me. By the time I get to page 50, I often have to go back and jog my memory about things the author is talking about. Most times when I go back to a book after taking a break from the story, I have only a vague idea of what the book is about. I hate this. It's even more devastating to me than the pain or fatigue. I just hate it.
Usually writing helps. This morning even that isn't helping very much. I've been trying for a couple of hours to write this post and I keep getting sidetracked. (It took me several minutes to come up with that word, sidetracked, and even that's not exactly the word I wanted.)
And it makes me jittery. Like nervous, shaky, disoriented. I panic sometimes, thinking I must have alzheimers, but I don't. At least the doctors say I don't. Thanks God, I don't.
Saturday, when I went to Birmingham to pick up Andy from the hospital, my normal exit off the interstate was blocked with road construction. Well, that threw me into a tizzy. I couldn't remember which other exit would get me to St. Vincent's. I finally just took one and weaved my way around Southside until I saw it.
I think I'll go eat a fish now. Isn't that supposed to be brain food? Do you think it might help? I don't know why. Fish don't seem all that smart to me. But I guess it's worth a try. I don't have any fish in the house. I wonder if something from Capt. D's would work.
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On 06/28/2011, Joanne Cage said ...
As for the mental fog, I think probably worrying about it contributes to the fog. When I try so hard to think of a name or something that I've forgotten, it just gets worse. Wish I knew something that would help overall. One thing that helps me do better today than I did yesterday, is about 12 to 14 continuous hours of sleep.
On 06/28/2011, Helen in Switzerland said ...
I'm sure the tiredness you feel must be a big contributor to feeling like this. When I'm tired nothing works like it should and I'm sure it must be way worse for you with your fibro. I don't know an answer except, sleeping, eating well and looking after yourself - but I'm sure you do all that anyway. So sorry that you're feeling like this and hoping it will pass and you'll get back to normal soon....thinking of you, hugs, Helen
On 06/28/2011, Ramey said ...
Yes, eat a fish for goodness sake! Cracker Barrel has good fish; I thought it was just on Fridays, but India says they have it every day. Eat some! Also, get garlic capsules. Also. don't eat artificial sweetener...it's poisonous to brain cells, if you have any left to poison! Also, don't microwave you food or drinks, or head. Last, but not least, play Scrabble. It exercises the brain.
On 06/28/2011, Pat said ...
Yes, forgetting the name of something, much less someone very close to me, puts me in a panic - as if I'm standing on the edge of a "brink" and if I don't think of it, I'll fall off into an abyss. I usually do think of whatever it is, but those few seconds are freaky. Worry, stress, so many buttons to push - phone, remote, sattelite radio don't help - just having so much on our minds TO remember. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. I'm putting all my forgetfulness these days on "the move." So many things to cancel, change, start, find, do-I-pack, do-I-wait... My friend tells me to stop pushing - we push ourselves. It's okay to have down time. That's my other story; let's see if I can stick to it...
On 06/28/2011, Brenda Kula said ...
What really gets me is when I can't come up with so common a word as "tree." I'll flail about in my mind and look it and know it's just right on the tip of my tongue. T-R-E-E. And it eludes me...
Brenda
On 06/28/2011, Wendy Schwerin said ...
For the driving tizzies, I recommend a Garman (or similar GPS). We use ours all the time, even when we know where we're going, just to avoid getting sidetracked (and lost) by ramp closures etc. Plus the portable Garmans are g-r-e-a-t for travel and rent-a-cars. (No, I'm not a dealer!!). Be well.
On 06/28/2011, Jan said ...
It's happening to all of us 'Boomers' of a certain age! I find putting notes in my pocket--then remembering to CHECK them--helps! Don't be hard on yourself because we're all in the same boat and it's not fun when you still visualize yourself as 25!! I work part time in a restaurant with a bunch of teens & 20-somethings and they really keep me on my toes!! Just stay busy!!
On 06/28/2011, Donna said ...
Susan,
I am so glad your daughter is doing well! Construction in B'ham is always confusing so don't feel bad. At least you made it there!
I stay in a fog :( Maybe I need to eat some fish too! Captain D's sounds really good! I haven't had any in a long time.
Hugs,
Donna
On 06/28/2011, Barbara Anne said ...
Big hugs! Sorry your feeling discombobulated when reading or when out and about. That's no fun at all and I understand because lupus has brain fog associated with it as does fibro. Bummer to the max!
Today we did the fruit basket turnover of rearranging our bedroom for the arrival of the new mattress set tomorrow. I am past whipped and will be going to bed soon since the mattress set could arrive as early as 8a. Who thought that time was a good idea?? I was given no choice.
Hope tomorrow is better for all of us!
Hugs!
On 06/28/2011, sylvia weitzel said ...
Susan, I have the fibro and lupus fog. I used to be a smart woman. Now I stutter and forget what I was saying in the middle of a sentence. Trying to get sleep is hard too. The insomnia that comes from fibro is terrible. Sometimes you just can't sleep no matter how tired you are. Then add on all the pain...it's the pits. I hope you have a relatively pain-free week. Loved the pics from the beach!
Sylvia~
On 06/29/2011, Suze said ...
Stop eating white sugar, corn syrup, Nutrasweet (aspartame) and wheat... and take MSM if you are not already..
I used to have fibro fog so badly..until I got rid of the above 4 elements of my diet..the MSM just was icing on the cake..
It takes a LOT of discipline to stick with it..but once you rid your body of them, you will feel so much better..it will take at least 3 weeks to start feeling better (you may have a flu like feeling for the first week - drink lots of water) and it takes at least 6 months to a year to get rid of the after effects of Nutrasweet..
On 06/29/2011, Sandy said ...
Suze is on the right track!!! It's FUNGUS people! Please google fungus and fibromyalgia (or whatever else you're suffering with) and you will be amazed at what you find. The thing that is supposed to break down the body after we die is eating us alive!! Once you stop feeding the fungus and start feeding your body what is needs instead of what it wants you will see improvement. Everyone's heard the saying "what you don't know won't hurt you" but that's not true. What we don't know IS hurting us and making life miserable for so many. A truer satement is "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten!". It's time to make a change and take our lives back, not just to suffer through to the end. Each day is a gift from God to be lived to the fullest. Let's make this the day we change!
On 06/29/2011, Deb Price said ...
When my fibro and lupus started over 20 years ago, I was living on the outskirts of a small village in Germany. The street from the village to my home was a straight shot, even though it did some winding. I was at the stop light, leaving the village, and I could not remember what I was doing, why I was at this stop light nor where I lived. At that time I was only 31! I got so scared! I still get days where I do feel like I'm on the outside looking in, not feeling like I can communicate at all. I will say that since I finally got on meds for my fibro, it's not as bad. I have noticed that when I get really stressed, the next day I am really bad. I try to watch what I eat in the way of additives. It does help some. I do agree that it sometimes makes me feel like I am losing my mind. Or just getting old!
hugs....
On 06/29/2011, Sherry from Alabama said ...
You poor thing! I have the same problem when my hormones are unbalanced. There are no doctors near me that practice natural medicine, and I don't want the synthetic hormones and anti-depressants my gyno wants to give me. So with lots of prayer and lots of research, I started doctoring myself. :) I have found natural progesterone cream helps balance out my hormones and this helps with my brain fog very much!
You will be in my prayers this day, friend.
Love,
Sherry @ A Happy Valentine
On 06/29/2011, Kai said ...
I have not only my TICKET but a permanent SEAT on the Lupus/Fibro train. And, like you, I worry about Alzheimer's, but am assured that is NOT my problem. (I guess that means I'm just old & pathetically forgetful! LOL!) Seriously, I understand & relate to everything you said, Susan! But I do know this: the more I LET it affect me, the more it affects me. So be kind to yourself, don't worry about the temporary word-losses, and sleep and eat enough! Also BLOG, because we will all respond & you will at LEAST know you aren't the only one enduring this. Oh, and Ramey, for shame! You are extra NAUGHTY! But darned funny! LOL! I LOVE YOU, Susan!
On 06/29/2011, Debra said ...
I'm going with the aspartame as a culprit. I cut as much of that as I could out of my diet and it's helped me tremendously. It's in almost all processed foods so it's hard but you can try.
I also find that when I am tired, I am worthless. I would suspect you need more rest than you afford yourself.
I am really kicking myself for not binding those quilts when I had them. Next time, I will.
On 06/29/2011, Penny said ...
Debra and Sandy have the answers. Also, bad bacteria from pig and seafood scavengers wrecks our health. My husband was looking seriously ill, leukaemia, and the doctors were waiting to start chemo but we found a good naturopath and he treated the bad bacteria plus elimating sugar, wheat, and dairy, now he is nearly back to his old self. Aspartame is deadly, and corn syrup nearly as bad, so afford them.
On 06/30/2011, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...
Oh, silly! There was no need for you to bind those quilts. Your quilting was a HUGE help. Thanks and thanks and thanks.
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