Friday, May 17, 2013

Dr..........What's His Name?

Excellent foggy image found here

Yesterday, I showed up for a doctor's appointment and when checking in, could NOT for the life of me remember my doctor's name! Good grief. Brain fog strikes again.

Have you experienced a foggy brain on occasion? Happens to the best of us, unfortunately. You can read more about brain fog in this Patient Information Sheet published by the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation, here:
What is Brain Fog? Brain Fog is a lay term to describe fluctuating mild memory loss that is inappropriate for a person’s age. It may include forgetfulness, spaciness, confusion, decreased ability to pay attention, an inability to focus, and difficulty in processing information. Remember that gradual cognitive decline from early adulthood is a fact of life. Brain Fog can occur in Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), but other factors might cause these symptoms and should be considered by you and your doctor. Continue reading here for more information including suggested strategies for coping, resources, and books. 
It appears that I'm not the only one trying to fight my way through the fog these days. Check out this interesting and informative post by AutoimmuneGal that offers seven tips for managing brain fog, found here.

4 comments:

annie said...

Good tips from autoimmune gal. Basically, my neurologist said,"use it or lose it", so keep the brain active and the body as active as you comfortably can. Lack of rest/sleep will always give me brain fog so I try to rest or pace myself as best I can.

ShEiLa said...

I remember when...

I didn't need a calendar. I could remember just about anything. I used a pocket calendar for fun... But at this time in my life, it's a must! I log every appointment, hair cut, B-12 injection, etc.

I also log the exact time I take pain meds in a memo on my phone so I do not forget and take them too early.

My daughter doesn't buy into brain fog... She thinks 'brain farts' are a part of everyone's life. Yeah, she doesn't get it. Spacing something once in awhile just isn't the same.

ToOdLeS.

Unknown said...

I do these kinds of things all the time. It's been happening on and off for years, but the worst is when I'm doing something that I KNOW I know well, and can't remember. Like doing something on the computer, or..... one day last year I was on my way to a doctor appt in Sarasota. I certainly know where this clinic is, I've been there many times. In my regular brain, everything's fine. But as I get closer to the hospital (the clinic is only a couple of streets over), I can't remember, for the life of me, where I'm going! Yes, I know I'm going to the clinic, but where the heck is it??? Now I'm driving up and down streets, all around the neighborhood, and then I started to panic! "What is wrong with me?? Why don't I know where I'm going?? I'm lost!! I'm gonna be late. Where is this *+34ka0* clinic??" It was terrifying!

One of these days, I'm going to be a Silver alert on the highway signs- "Look for elderly woman, may be driving white van, unless she's painted it a different color - will look totally lost and confused" That'll be me. I've since joined a group for MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment). I don't remember if it's helping or not. :-)

Eliza J said...

Oh yes, brain fog or saying totally inappropriate words. Usually when I am over-tired or just not up to par. It's frustrating, but my husband, I think, finally understands when wrong words, or no words come out of my mouth ~ MS, Sjogrens, Menopause....take your pick. Hang in there.

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