Fibro fog – also known as fibromyalgia fog and brain fog – is a term commonly used for the cognitive difficulties that can occur with fibromyalgia. These include confusion, lapses in memory, word mix-ups and difficulty concentrating. The reason for fibromyalgia fog has been the subject of several studies and much speculation. One of the most popular theories about fibro fog has been that these problems are caused by sleep deprivation and/or depression, but one study found that neither poor sleep nor depression seemed related to cognitive performance. Brain scan studies have shown that from time to time, people with fibromyalgia do not receive enough oxygen in different parts of their brain. One possible reason is that part of their nervous system is off-kilter, causing changes in the brain’s blood vessels.
New research – though not on fibromyalgia specifically – shows that chronic pain itself may affect the brain. A technology called functional MRI found that in people with chronic pain, a front region of the brain mostly associated with emotion is constantly active. The affected areas fail to “shut off” when they should, wearing out neurons and disturbing the balance of the brain as a whole.
I still have brain fog I hope I feel that air in my head again I always think about the day I was normal just makes me want to cry I am fighting this as hard as I can...I hope all of us who suffer from this bs feel better soon.
shelly
any
I can look back now and see that both illnesses started many years ago. Mainly, for me it has been the lack of energy and the pain and swelling of the joints and pain in all of the 18 pressure points. Most recently Fibro Fog has been a big issue for me.
For many years I did not want people to touch me and did not understand why I was so sensitive in certain spots. Many doctors have prescribed anti-depressants to me because they thought that I was depressed only now to find out it is my illnesses that have made me less than social. Also, the joint issues were attributed to my being overweight and I was told to lose weight and become more active and that would alleviate the joint swelling.
I am 42 and completing my second Master's degree and trying to find a new job. Lately for me, the fibro fog has made me somewhat of a scatterbrain. I say things that are a bit off-kilter, mispronounce words that I have used for years or I am extremely forgetful, which is not good when interviewing and you forget the question that was asked and you cannot continue to ask "Can you please repeat your question?"
Has anyone else had to deal with fibro fog and interviewing? Or have any tips for tricks for remembering things?
When filing for disability don't give up when denied. Appeal, appeal, appeal! After a third denial hire a disability lawyer--or you can hire one to start with. You only have so much time in which to file an appeal. If you file appeal each time within the time limit then after the third denial hire a disability lawyer. They will have to pay "back pay" from the date you first filed. Make sure the lawyer is a disability one because they only get paid if you win and are limited by law to receive only a certain amount which social security pays them out of what back pay they owe you then they send you what is left. If you want you can consult with a disability lawyer before you begin since the consult is free of charge. Hope this helps.
As I sit here ar my desk at work, I cannot hold open my eyes. I just want to go home and go to sleep.
I, too, must have fibro fog, as I will be speaking to my boss and have no idea what I am trying to tell her.
Have been considering filing for disability again, as they denied me about 4 years ago. How can I WAKE UP??? I have had a pot and 1/2 of real coffee already this morning and could just lay down on the floor and go to sleep.
Any suggestions for a "worn-out" 47 year old soon-to-be grandnother?
God bless you all,
Carol
Thank you,
L. Hicks
i was diagnosed with fibro only recently but can trace symptoms of it back to childhood. we need more scientists to study this condition so it can be more easily recognised.
I have had Fibro for a couple of years, and I had Fibro Fog so bad that I was afraid to drive or do anything, I am a student at a community college at the age of 52 cause my factory job moved overseas. I have a wonderful doctor and when I explained I couldn't focus or remember something that I just read, I would be driving to school and would have to pull over half way and actually get out of my car and walk around it just to wake up enough to finish the drive. At the time I was ready to give up, but my doctor said it was called fibro fog and he recommended that I try concerta ( a treatment for ADHD) this was and still is a mircle for me. Last semester I had a GPA of 3.75. I also recieve Trigger Point Shots about every 3mo. which are great for my head, neck and arm pain, I take tramadol for other pain as need and Flexeril at bed time for muscle spames. So basically I put my muscles to sleep at night and wake them up in the morning. I don't like having to depend on medication for everything but at least now I am able to live a fairly normal life, oh and I forgot but I also have Xanxa for my anxity attacks but I find myself taking less of this than I use to. I have tried Cymbalta and others but didn't like the way they made me feel. I don't know if this is a treatment that will work for everyone but it has saved my life so I thought it might help someone else. My prayers are with each of you.
I finally saw a specialized psychologist and had cognitive function tests run. His analysis of the test results was that my cognitive disfunction is a result of the stress that chronic pain can bring on. The most important thing to me was that I'm not developing dementia.
To manage the fibro fog, I keep a simple daily journal of my physical symptoms, the activities that I've done that day, the medications I've taken. From that journal, I make a schedule for the next day and put on it some simple goals for the day.
Visual cues also help me, like sticky notes posted where I'll be sure to see them. I also ask my husband for help remembering things.
And I give myself permission to have a bad day. I try to let my family and friends know why I might have to change my plans with them.
And I try to find humor throughout the day, and gratitude for people and things in my life that are good.
I found this site when looking for brain fog. I have had Fibromyalgia since 1997, shortly after developing epilepsy as a result of an accident I had when I was young. So the doctors thought that this feeling I had of not connecting with the world on some days were a result of the fits but it turned out later that I also had fibromyalgia and that difficulties with mobility were from Fibro and not epilepsy. I struggled with brain fog up to now but I did not recognize it as part of the fibro symptoms. A friend talked about it in a letter so I looked it up. It makes it much clearer and earier to handle knowing that I am not getting Alzheimer (I am 65) but that it is a symptom of fibro and quite common too. I meditate a lot and it helps me to get clearer on a foggy day. What also helps is accepting that I am foggy and not resist it or try to get it out. Mostly after noon it slowly subsides. I had already noticed that it is connected for me with bad sleep and doing to much in one day or travelling long distances. I still do that but take into account that I need a day of rest after it. Thank you all for sharing.
I'm a "retired" nurse to everyone but my closest friends & family. To them, I'm disabled. I sympathize with all of your complaints. I've had fibro since a neck/back injury in 2001. It came on shortly after that. I changed from being a floor nurse to working out of my home. In order to do that I had to rest THE ENTIRE WEEKEND.
In 2005, I had a serious MVA (car accident) that left me with permanent damage to my neck & back. Due to the fibro, the docs chose not to operate. Has anyone heard of this one? It's due to the risk of developing scar tissue on top of the fibro mess & aggravating the fibro. The accident really got the fibro going so bad I could barely tolerate the pain of all of it. I was constantly at a doctor's office or clinic, while I worked in severe pain. I couldn't do it past 2yrs. I had to quit.
It took awhile to accept that after being a single mom, having two jobs, building a house & staying single/independent for 20yrs...that now I am actually disabled.
My doctor can't believe I'm not depressed. I swear by Savella! As soon as that barometric pressure dropped, my head hit the pillow & I was asleep. If I was driving on a job when it happened, I had to stop either on the side of the road, a gas station or a rest area- Thank god I was self-employed or I'd have been fired.
After the Savella I noticed that it was raining one day. It had been 4yrs. since I'd been awake while it was raining. I was actually up & functioning.
I believe in activity & MODERATE exercise. NO resistance-type, per my rheum. She said that was a no-no for fibro people.
I too, never told people about the FMS, it was still too new & I hated having to talk about it. To me it makes it worse.
What I also swear by is READING. Not a book, or I'd fall asleep, but the internet. I take breaks of course, but daily I try to read something stimulating, learn something new.
When I feel fibro-fog coming on, it tells me my body/mind is very fatigued. I totally believe it's lacking in O2!! Didn't know that til reading this article, but I always lay down when that happens. Even a short rest period-in BED, seems to help me. If I can nap, even better. Keep plugging & looking for good docs- they're out there!!!
Make them give you something for sleep. There are So many choices; if one doesn't work, another will. YOU, NOR I, NO ONE can think straight or function without sleep!
I now take Restoril-didn't think it would work, as Ambien only put me out for 2hrs. But it did.
God bless & the h-ll with those who don't get it. They never will! Those who WANT to understand, Always will.
As you all know, schedule is VERY important. Before I read this article
Well it took me over 3 years to get the right diagnosis. I have Fibro really bad. I cant describe the pain and the memory fog and all the things that go with it. It is very difficult for people to understand why I dont work. I was told when I got diagnosed that I would be unable to work. Well that is the last thing I wanted to hear as I have worked all my life. I am now 43 and was diagnosed when I was 37. My husband and family are very supportive of me. But sometimes they dont understand why I cant do simple little things like opening jars,cleaning and making beds etc... I have to remind them just how I feel. I tell them I may look healthy on the outside but I dont feel that on the inside.I get so frustrated when I cant do the things like I use to. Now it takes me longer to do anything. I have learned if I cant do it in one day it will always be their tommorow.But when I do get a very good day then I seem to push myself to the limit and suffer for 3-4 days with alot more pain. Im on all kinds of medications infact they upped one of my medications for pain because my pain is getting worse and the memory fog. I write things done so I dont forget what I have to do or what Im going to the store for. But sometimes I just send my son. Who is such a big help as well as my husband. My daughter helps me with the cooking when we have big family gatherings because I love to do those and I use to could be able to do it all by myself,once in a while I still do but I do a little each day so it isnt so hard on me. Sleep well dont really get much of that. But when I do its like it really messes me up for the day.I do exercise daily and it helps some. I have a hard time evening being on a computer for more than 15 minutes. So I go on for while and then go back on later. I wish they would come out with a cure for it. Their needs to be more awareness of this disease. People think its all in my head. I have had my fair share of doctors who have said it me and my husband its all in your head dont worry about. Well when you hear that over and over you start thinking maybe it is but you know its not. But I have a really good family doctor and rheamatoligst who both work with me on my pain and things I all have with the fibro so for taht Im am thankful for. Everyone I hope they can find a cure for this terrible disease. Mary
Swimming is really the best medicine for fibro, and has kept me going since I was diagnosed in 1993. My very smart young woman doctor sent me to a physical therapist who put me into the water and made me do aerobic-type exercises using a face mask and snorkel, fins and a float belt. I even wear neoprene gloves! I look like a frogman and everyone laughs, but I feel so much better every time. I try to swim three times a week, use a treadmill every day, and also do mild Pilates. I'm 83 now and managed to keep working until I was 77. My best advice is to get into the water!
I was wondering if Fibromyalgia always causes a lot of pain in the joints or do some sufferers not suffer much joint pain? I don't get a lot of joint pain but I have the extreme Brain Fog. My doctor said that I have a mild case of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and prescribed Savelle for Fibromyalgia but I am concerned because I don't have the joint pain but i do have the fatigue and brain fog. Is the Savelle necessary to take still and is it safe to take? I just started taking it this week.
Wow nice to find a group of people with some of the same issues I have. I've had fibro for over 20 years, and yes they called it different things over that time span.
I just got the voltaren gel so I was looking it up. I took the pills before and the side effect weren't worth it. Hopefully this gel will help.
I can identify with uncaring spouses, and the lack of understanding in almost everyone you meet. Now I'm 50 with streaks of white and and I just tell people have arthritis, it's easier for people to understand.
I've been dealing with the fog issues for sometime now and really didn't understand that is was part of fibro. I'm a writer and it's so frustrating to be involved in a conversation and I can not remember simple words like 'floor'. My kids are used to it and help by filling in the blanks, but it makes me look like an airhead or worst!
This article has given me a bit of hope. I'll be talking to my doctor about on my next visit and see if maybe there is something that will help.
fibrocitis. I fought the pain a lot of years,
but as I get older it is hard to fight. People who have never had the pain act like you are crazy. I don't understand all the things that trigger the pain as well as the osteoarthritis pain that I deal with. I know for sure the weather and stress does affect it.
The worst part for me is the fibro fog. I try
to deal with the pain, but the fog is hard to explain unless you experience it. It can be so
frustrating and embaressing. I have worked the same job for 27 + years and that helps a lot because I know what to do, but forget easily sometimes and read things backward.
The fibro fog really bothers me and I am hoping to find something that will help.
My doctor wants me try deplin which I understand has folic acid in it. Just started it today. Will post if I feel like it is helping in 30 days. Have to pray a lot
to be able to function at work and when I teach a Bible study class. Sometimes I just go blank and it is awful.
Hanging on
My friend, get a new Doctor. If they do not believe in FMS then go somewhere else until you find one who does. I also have it along with RA and OA. I go to a rheumatologist. Try one of them, ask them questions, interview them , if they don't answer the questions the way you want, go find another one. Help is out there and you definitely need it. Also try this website to help talk, It is a chronic pain blog that I go to and it is a wonderful place for info and to just air your complaints.http://www.everydayhealth.com/blog/life-with-chronic-pain/
Not until, I was in my 20's did I start to recurrent neck pain and severe headaches. I went through physical therapy, many different medicine changes, and still no improvement. I finally had to accept that they were tension headaches turning into migraines. I had to result to taking a pain pill and anti nausea pill at the first sign of nausea.
When I was in high school, the doctor's told me that I wouldn't be able to be a nurse, that it would be too hard on my joints. I was foolish, and I listened to them. I came to college with a major of pharmacy. Lord knows, I think I had taken every med known to man at that point in my life. Well, at 22, I said screw that, I'm going to be a nurse. Nurse's are the ones that helped me in my life, especially school nurses. So, I went back to school and got my RN. And while I was doing my final rotation, I ran into my pediatrician who my mother swears is the reason I have no deformities now. I went up to Dr. Robert Tully and introduced myself. He remembered me! He introduced me to the medical students that were following him around. He told me that I was one of his more complicated patients, and that I moved away and he had always wondered what had happened to me. He was thrilled to see how well I was doing and that was in the medical profession. Soon after that, I was put on Plaquenil by my rheumatologist, and my RA went into a long and wonderful remission.
Well, in 2002, I became increasingly achey. Especially my feet. I felt like I was walking on rocks. It became worse and worse. None of the medications were helping. I was getting twice weekly massages, and daily foot soaks. It took 3 more years to get a diagnosis. Once I had a diagnosis, it still took a long time to get it right. I had a lot of numbness in my fingers, chin, and heels. I was seeing a headache specialist, a pain specialist, a psychiatrist,a neurologist, and a rheumatologist. It was out of control. The headaches were improving, though. Finally last summer, June 2009, i thought i was doing well.
Then, I woke up on August 10, 2009, and I couldn't roll out of bed. I was already sleeping in the guest room due to my insomnia, allowing my husband to sleep at night. I needed to get up and get my daughter ready for her first day of school. Luckily, my husband was off that day. I had to yell for help. He had to carry me to the car, and then went to get a very long massage. With no improvement, I saw several of my MD's. My mother flew in to help take care of me. i was using a cane and walker to ambulate. The walker helped me do some of the household chores, that I couldn't do. My husband and daughter were overwhelmed until my Mom came. I felt horrible. Finally, we made the decision that my daughter and I would back with my parents and my husband would try to transfer back ASAP.
After spending time with my folks, and changing my meds to only Savella and to a great massage therapist (or torture therapist). I've been walking without the use of a cane or walker since December. I just recently went on a field trip with my daughter's class and was able to hike over 4 miles without any assistance. Knowing that stress and emotions can affect how I feel, i was worried when I filed for divorce. I knew that there would be a lot of emotions with that. I started the proceedings 4 months ago, and so far so good.
So I want all those who were just diagnosed or are still struggling to know- DON'T GIVE UP- NEVER GIVE UP!!!!
I know it is a hard battle and some days you don't think you'll ever make it through. But you will, have faith, and things will get better.
Hope everyone is doing ok,
Mind yerselves,
K
Now I've read everything you have all shared. I'll share to.
Thankyou to everyone. It is nice to know I have someone around that gets everything I'm about to say and not have that blank look in ur eyes while I explain what happends to me.
I'm now 34 and remember alot of symptoms when I was 9.
I had neumania at 8 and sexually abused at 9 and 13.
Pschologist and Drs not sure what triggered FMS.
now I'm trying to work through my past.
This has caused all my symptoms to be highly aggrivated and worse than ever.
Aside from the pain and all the other crap that comes with this ilness. The fog is by far the worst of the lot.
It causes alot if my depression and pain.
(great isn't it. The pain causes the depression and the depression causes the pain...can't win)
I take cybalta but am having issues with now increased to 90mg. 2nd increase in 3weeks.
I have a great fear that I will need to leave work.
I work as a 2IC in a call centre. Have been there for 3 yrs.
I left my labouring jobs cause of the pain and now in a major muti-task thinking and alert invironment. The fog is crippling me.
I just want and need to work 3yrs and 10 mths to finish paying all our debits.
Then I can get part time work. But at moment it's not an option.
I feel so deaply hurt and devistated the effects this is having on me and my family.
My daughter is suffering depression now.
My husband has just gotten an appoinment for a councelor for himself. And I've got a dr's appoinment for my 16 yr old daughter so I to can get a referal.
We have 4 kids between us.
I'm about to be a step grandma. And also fear our youngest daughter also maybe suffering FMS
I'm frantic about finding a solution.
I have an appoinment from referal in September. That's is as early as they could fit me in.
I want a Dr to try other ways to help the fog.
There is a solution out there and I wish I knew a pationate dr to find this out.
At the moment I'm taking each day as it comes.
If I can't do my Job due to to many mistakes making I leave early like I did today. I don't know how long I can do this for.
I'm to not worry about stuff as it stresses me out. I don't know what to think as everything reminds me of what is wrong. And it is wrong!!!!! It's not right that our lives should be hijacked like this.
I'm angry and hurt and over this.
Sorry bring ya down people but I know you have all been at this point.
Happy thoughts
happy thoughts
happy thoughts
still praying all will turn out ok. I just need to know there is hope.
Since that time I have found a doctor who handles me with compassion. I thought I had had a small stroke or something to cause all the cognitive disorders I have with the fibro. The inability to say what you mean clearly and to recall names of people that you see every week. I was a teacher, K-3, and the pain and tiredness made me quit. That was in the late 80's (bet you are not surprised that I can't recall just when) I was told I had chronic fatigue. Looking back I can see that I have had signs of this since I was in high school.
To compound the issue I have chronic pain issues with a back injury that caused 3 pinched nerves and 3 bulging disks in my lower back. I can tell the difference in the pain they cause. The fibro I can help with Gabapentin and liquid Advil even helps a bit (not the tablet, it has to be the liquid, generic is okay) but the nerve pain needs RX med's I get from my Dr. The heavy pain killers never help the fibro pain.
When it comes to sleep I have gotten to the point that anything over 4 hours a night and I am happy...not in a row of course, that is a lot to ask for and even with to get that I have to take sleeping pills. So I never know what is fibro fog and what is sleep deprivation. I will even say nonsense things when I am to a point of deprivation and even then I will not always get to go to sleep.
By the way Social Security almost always turns people away the first time. You must contest them even if it takes getting a lawyer. Don't worry about the cost, the lawyer gets a percentage of your award (about 20 or 25%) but you'll never miss the money. You would have never gotten any award without the lawyer. I had to go in front of an arbitration judge with my lawyer, they had turned me down three times because you can't prove pain.
Be strong people as hard as that is some days. I turn to my husband and God, others may try friends and groups of folks like us, just reach out to someone. When we are alone it is easy to shut down inside. I hope and pray that you all may have peace,
Wendy-Kay
Don't give up!! I was diagnosed with fybro in my early 40's and I'm now 64. I'm now dealing with RA and bone loss and luckily I have a wonderful RA doctor here in Naples, FL. Yes, I take two meds for the RA and nothing for the fybro. I have learned how much I can do and can't do...I tell my family and friends "enough already". Hard to do, but one must do this!!! Massages (soft tissue type), easy water exercises in warm water, meditation are just some of the "helps" for me. I started playing the flute again after many years, sing in the church choir, and realized that music is one of my best medicines!!! Yes, there are those "fog" days and they drive me nuts. It was scary at first and then when I realized what was happening (my husband, of course became alarmed) I have learned to just stop and take a deep breath. I can see the word out there, but my brain and THAT WORD can't get it together...I ask for help from others in helping to grasp the word/words. In closing, my husband has been very understanding and has gone through every emotion, from the beginning, with me. It was not easy on him when THE days would come, but we have stuck it out together....am I lucky...YES! If you need an ear to listen, I'm here! Good luck! Remember: stress is one of your culprits!!!!
Most people would think I was healthy.. I may look it but the pain is real , the fog is worse.. as their is nothing that helps.
I'm writting in simple format as I now shy away from writting much.. due to errors.
I'm 48 and feel as if I'm dying slowly.
I had a hard time believing that I could be in such severe pain. Feeling it was easy believeing it ?????
I was in a research group about 10 yrs ago and they diagnosed me with IBS. Just recently diagnosed with HBP (high blood pressure) and osteoarthiritis in my knees. I'm 5'2" and 110lbs. Cholesterol is great Just bad genes when it comes to the HBP.
Had a neck fusion 4 yrs ago.. I finally had to quit work after 28 yrs. Signed up for SSI benefits and they denied me.. Talk about a slap in the face. I have been working since I was 14 and putting into SSI. Worked from 1981 -for 1 company .. 28 yrs. They are doing another round of evaluations.. Wish me luck. Ok,now my hands hurt to much to type.
Do any of you feel like your head just won't shut down? This whole thing is exhausting yet sleeping 8 hrs is a dream that just doesn't come true. I wake up and so does the pain.
At the end of the day it is real. I feel as if I'm 90 yrs old.
I love it when I have a good day.. I look forward to them .. the bad thing is that you just don't know when that day will come:(
I have a real estate business but can't remember to call.. I forget..simply put Ican't even do that job right, let alone pushing grocieries for safeway.
Stay strong.. I have had many many days where I felt life was not worth living, because of the pain. I have a 2 yr old son and he is my light. Have had a nanny since he was 4 months and he just started school last week. I simply can not care for him on a daily basis,, much to hard.
Sorry for rambling I think perhaps I should try to sleep. It is 12:32am
good luck to all of you :)
All of my fibro-friends, please do not SETTLE for a doctor that is not addressing all your concerns and more. You deserve the best treatment you can get. Keep trying doctors until you find the one that you are certain is giving you quality care and quality time.
I thank God for my husband, sometimes he calls me at work if he noticed I had a bad morning, just to see how I am feeling. At times I need to vent to him or tell him a new symptom, and he will try to listen (that is not his strong suit) so I also tell him when I am feeling good. And that way I am not constantly giving him bad news.
I am a manager of a busy hair salon, 7 stylists, for 17 years, in the industry 23 years and I am a working manager. I find that my pain is better when I am at work because I cannot think about it. Those of you who cannot work, I am sorry. It saves me some days.
Thank you all for being here and if you do not yet have the right doctor, good luck with your search!
Thank-you
Thank you everyone who wrote on this site! I am happy to have found a site where I can let loose some of my emotional frustration and share with all of you others out there.
I hope to read more from you all and thank you again!
It is very frustrating to have such miserable symptoms. What is even worse is when ignorant people accuse me of lying. Just because I go blank and cant remember stuff, doesnt mean that I am lying.
I am not an evil person, I tend to love all, and pray for everyone. And while I would not wish this on anyone, I do wish that those that are so mean and chose not to hear the truth would have the same thing happen to them, at least once so that they can understand how frustrating it is. This is a sad world when people do this to you. I wish that people would just listen and try to have understanding! It's hard enough living with this mess, much less dealing with those that want to stay ignorant!
I have been on Lyica for 2 years but never actually been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, though the more I read about the symptoms the more I am convinced it's what I have.
Now I understand what has been happening to me. I was diagnosed with fibro about 2 years ago. At the begining I thougn that my loss of memory was due to the stressfull job I had and lack of good sleep. Then, I thought it was because of medications (Lyrica, antidepressing pills, you name it). And now I can put a name to it.. fibrofog....
About 3 months after my diagnosis I quit my job and spent many months taking pain killers and many more pills. But I didn't feel better and was very depressed,so I was treated by 6 different specialist, including a psychiatrist who helped me dealing with the disease. But, I felt intoxicated and broken by traditional medication. So, I decided to swift to homeopathy in combination with acupuncture. It has been a blessing, it has helped me to control pain, stress, think positive and so on.
I would really recomend you to try it, but please consult with your doctor first!
All the best,
Jenny
I was just diagnosed with fibro over the holidays and resigned from a very high-stress environment, which deprived me of sleeping well and created a ridiculously high level of anxiety,
I currently have fibro fog as well, but am fighting it hard. I find that writing long letters and e-mails helps keep the brain functioning. Since I am an editor, I suggest all of you to check your writing (also known in the book world as proofreading). It is helping me stay sane!
I would be interested since this is all very new to me anyone who funtions on a high level at work, despite fibro fog.
Please send me your tips on fibro fog!
Thanks and may we all find peace, hope, and faith in 2010!
Dana
Pam, I too am a newlywed, and it truly breaks my heart for my husband. He had a hard time for a bit. Our solution was for him to go to the doctor with me and allow him to have a part in my treatment/therapy/healing process.
Kelly, I have IC and a laundry list it seems of other issues that kind-of-all go together.
No more time to comment to others, I hope and pray you all have a peace and joy filled Christmas.
Stephanie
Chatty, TN
stephanierhodges@gmail.com
all the good stuff it is made up of. I take mirapex for the restless legs, which is a mind shattering condition, as it drives you nuts,( I beleive it could really drive you over the brink),the mirapex really helps keep the rl under control.just don't miss a dose....I fall a lot and drop things a lot, but I will make it.. if I can use mirapex.without it I couldn't make it a day.
I was noticing that all the letters are from women, don't men suffer from this too??????
I am also very sensitive to cold and loud noises. I feel bad because I am a newly wed and my poor husband can't even hug me without me saying OUCH.
Sometimes I want to give up.
He started me on 'Savella' on Aug. 25, 2009.
The side effects were rough for the first few weeks but my pain was subsiding.
Now, I'm practically pain free. This drug has been like a miracle for me.
I would suggest at least trying it and try to be patient with the side effects because they gradually disappeared for me.
I now have a life again. Savella was the answer for me.
I'm in the UK, i'm having acupuncture which really helps, pain relief for bad times and an antispasmodic/sedative to help at night.
I work a full time job in a hospital, have lots of animals and a lovely fiance and I ride my two horses every day on top of all my stable chores. I do hurt a lot, but have had it for such a long time I think i've come to terms with it really.
Fibro is not going to rule my life, I don't have time for it so with the support and help in place, I am just pushing on and continuing as normal.
I do just have to apologise to people that i'm not bored of hearing their conversation when I yawn 10 times in a row!!!
The key I think is, keep moving, mind over matter and try to stay positive. :-)
I would be interested in that information also. Have you ahhhh,.... can't think of the word, (hahaha, not funny really). Oh yeah, have you done any research on the Az's medication?
I have been mixing up words, forgetting words, screwing up my checkbook and all of that for years. Makes me want to crawl in a hole someplace, or better yet just go fishing!! probly forget how to bait the hook, lol, just kidding.
I found a support group last year where I found out that studies have been going on in pregnant women with fibro have shown to go into a remisssion from the fibro. I do think with all my mind that it is true. When I was pregnant with my son two years ago, my pain from fibro disappeared tremendously. But after he was born, which is the not so good thing, was the fibro came back and 100 times worse than it was before my pregnancy.
So to expecting moms if your told your fibro may go into remission during your pregnancy it very well may be possible. I never did any research on it myself but I what I do know is my fibro basically vanished altogether until after I delivered my son.
With me it did make my symptoms alot more difficult and my pain had become more widespread all over my body. I was diganosed with IBS, I now have carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands(waiting for surgery),the fibro fog(which I can hardly remember what I did the day before), with other issues that all are some result of having the fibro.
But for 8 years now, I've been on pain meds to control my pain so I can still try and function somewhat on a normal basis. It is stressful and hard to deal with at times, but you have to do alot of the work yourself with self care. I say this to myself everyday but still can't seem to get the motivation to set a consistent schedule from day to day. I lack alot of support at home from my husband that I despartely need but I keep praying that one day he'll come around.
My Fibro Fog Story:
I live in Florida and my brother from Minnesota came to visit. We grew up together in Minneapolis. As we were standing in front of the Gulf waters, I said, "Look! We have birds here that can swim underwater!" He looked at me in shock. Then, with his usual sheepish grin, he said, "I thought all ducks can do that!"
Suddenly I realized that for a moment I had forgotten all about the existence of ducks, and I grew up in the state of 10,000 lakes filled with ducks, loons, and geese! Fibro fog is amazing. It is also scary.
Perhaps we need a fibro-jokes Web site as an outlet for coping with the embarrassing symptoms of this ugly disease!
I find that for me the inability to come up with common words is directly related to low blood sugar. I eat frequently during the day and avoid refined sugars. There are plenty of treats out there with sugar substitutes. If I treat myself with a "real" dessert, I do it after a meal with plenty of protein, and/or I follow it with a "throwaway day" to recover.
LET STAND I USED TO KNIT, CROCHET, BE AN ARTIST AND ALL THAT IS TAKEN FROM ME NOW, WHAT ABOUT WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO SEE ALL THESE SPECIALIST, BECAUSE YOU HAVE SMALL CHILDREN AS WELL.. LET STAND IF YOU HAVE HEART CONDITIONS WHICH I DO, AND THE ANXIETY THAT TRAMDOL CAUSES, DO CHECK IT OUT, LET STAND WEIGHT GAIN WITH OTHER, AND WHEN YOU SEE THE ADS ON TV, SUCH WORDS AS STROKE HEART ATTACK, IS THAT NOT SOMETHING TO GIVE CONCERN ?? IT SURE DOES ME... WHAT ABOUT DOCTOR'S THEN GIVING YOUR A ANTI DEPRESSENT OR ANXIETY MEDICATION TO COUNTER ACT THE MEDICATIONS. SLEEP APNEA, DUE TO HAVING FIBRO, AND THE BEING ON A BI PAP OR C PAP MACHINE, LET STAND IF YOU HAVE COPD.. AND YOU ARE ON OXYGEN... THE BRAIN FOG THEY TALK ABOUT, WHICH EFFECTS THE MEMORY. FOR US WITH FIBRO DON'T SLEEP WELL TO BEGIN WITH DUE TO THE PAIN, AND THEN IT SAYS IN THE NEWS UP ABOVE THAT WE ALREADY LACK OXYGEN TO OUR BRAINS ALREADY.. THAT IS REALLY FUN..
WHAT I THINK IS THAT THE DOCTOR'S AND SPECIALISTS REALLY FIRST HAVE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF FIBRO, AND WHY SO MANY PEOPLE NOW HAVE IT, AND WHY ??? THEN START FINDING A TREATMENT THAT DOESN'T HAVE A TON OF POSSIBLE DEADLY SIDE EFFECTS... MAYBE THESE DOCTORS SPECIALISTS WHO STUDY THIS SHOULD BE GIVEN GREATER GRANT MONEY, BECAUSE AIG BANK IS ASKING FOR AN EXTRA $240 MILLION IN BONUSES.. YES, MY HANDS DON'T DO WHAT MY BRAIN TELLS THEM TO DO, OR THE OTHER WAY AROUND, LET STAND BEING VERY FORGETFUL, YES IN MANY WAYS YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE JUST LOOSING THAT PART THAT YOU FEEL LIKE A HUMAN BEING, RATHER THAN A LAB RAT, OR GINNEA PIG..
MY ENGLISH USED TO BE IN THE TOP 90 % OF THIS NATION, NOW OH WELL YOU CAN JUDGE YOURSELVES... I GET SO TIRED OF DRIVING LONG DISTANCES, THAT I FALL ASLEEP, AND CAN'T BARE HEAT LIKE I USED TO, AND SHEETS ON MY LEGS AND FEET HURT MY FEET, OR ANYTHING OTHER THAN FLIP FLOPS IN THE SUMMER. SO I DON'T DRIVE LONG DISTANCES ANYMORE.. YES I AM ON SOCIAL SECURITY, AND HAVE BEEN SINCE 2004.YES, I DO TAKE GOOD CARE OF MYSELF, EAT RIGHT, VITAMINS, MINERALS, SWIMMING WHEN I CAN.. I MIGHT NOT BE TERMINAL, BUT IS THIS LIVING, IT IS A LIFE SENTENCE... HOPEFULLY THE SCENTISTS WILL FIND SOMETHING BETTER, AND WHY WE HAVE FIBRO TO BEGIN WITH, AND EACH OF US, OUR BODIES WORK DIFFERENTLY, SO WHAT WORKS FOR ONE, MIGHT WORK THE OPPOSITE WITH ANOTHER PATIENT... BUT IT IS LIKE YOUR BODY AND MIND ARE WASTING AWAY... NO MATTER HOW HARD WE TRY TO FIGHT IT, AND I KNOW I SURE DO... ALISSA
I went to the doctor this past week and shse put me on a new med for Fibro---Savelle--she told me that it will really help me for this terrible disease, so I told her I would give it a try, because, I cannot go on living my life in constant pain. Seems like my legs don't hurt quite so bad as of today, I've been on this med for 5 days now, I'll do or try anything to be pain free.
Ask your doctor about this and let us all know how it is helping you all.
I pray every day to be pain free, and to get back to my normal living, as you all do also.
Look forward to hearing from some of you on this subject, Savelle.
Faye
I need help, just reading all the letters, makes me feel like, maybe I'm not the only one losing their minds. I pray alot to GOD to help me make it thru every day.
Let me hear from you all, please.
Faye
This was ever so helpful - I have been wanting to try natural remedies but not sure where to start. i also have the constant ringing in my ears and basically all the pain (this week it is my neck) and IBS symptoms. The Fog is scary though. I have done the same thing on our elevator, plus tried to open our building door with my car opener. I cannot produce the words I want. Elevator comes out "refrigerator" - the other day I tried to form the word "hubcap" and could only get "ribcage" - usually what happens is I just don't finish my thought unless I'm just with my daughter and then I tell her what my mind was saying. I'm only 52 and do not want to go into total dementia by 60!
I will try Q10,more B6 (which I bought for the ear ringing) and ginseng.
My chiropractor suggested Q10 to help my body use the oxygen in it more efficiently. I believe it does help the fog. I also found that ginseng helped with trying to learn alot of new things and needed to retain what I learned.
Any new odd pains I go to him because when my back is not aligned then everything is worse and weaker. It will make my legs feel like they are going to give out. Neck issues made an arm and hand numb, and he said take plenty of B6 to help heal nerve damage and with several adjustments it cleared up after a couple months. For me it has been very important to have a good chiropractor to help strengthen me as much as possible.
Maybe Q10 can be of help or worth a try for those dealing the brain fog. I told him that twice on the elevator I had pushed 1 and nothing happened, thought the elevator isn't working, then realized I was on floor 1 and needed to have pushed 4. I have typed what I am talking about in the middle of something else. The Q10 has seemed to be of help and it made sense if not getting efficient use of oxygen in the brain that perhaps it could be of help.
Unlike what some have said, I find I can stay in the focus stronger and better when I am busy and have things firing one after another. I am a list person which is great help too.
Perhaps from allergies, not sure, I can zone out much easier when not busy then when I am mentally engaged. When messaging, typing or writing I also find I stay far more focused then in just listening or reading.
I try natural things before prescription when possible.
Take care!
Also I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. So those of you that think you may have it, have a sleep evaluation done. This also helped my sleep. At least I can dream again. For pain I am on Tramadol,but be careful this is very addicting and some dosage of endocet. Exercise is very important but again do it in moderation.
Think sunny and bright. Debbie Jensen, keep us posted.
I too am suffering with CFS and it is getting me down... I had 2nd hip replacement last May and have not got back to my normal happy go lucky outgoing self. Am still suffering from excessive fatigue and poor sleep which has led to anxiety..
Any suggestions for best natural help PLEASE!!!
Best wishes to all
Sheila (UK)
No, Dear Linda, you are not "loosing it". You have just joined the group of millions with fibromyalgia who also thought they were losing it. I read all of these comments and thank GOD that they are there. So relieving to know that I am not alone, even if reading a stranger's comment.
We all must keep striving to improve our lives daily and continue to share to educate the public and the doubtful that it is not all in our heads; and we too used to be happy, healthy individuals.
In working through Fibo Fog, it may be helpful to depend more upon lists, rehearse names of individuals you may see prior to an event, or postpone major decisions until you have gathered your thoughts.
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