help with Memory

[Bar123ney]

can anyone help I’ve had fibro for past 4 years. I work full time and recently my memory is getting really bad. It’s making me feel incompetent and terrible. I’m forgetting to do certain things in work. I forget different sites to go into on my computer in work it doesn’t matter how many times people tell me even writing it down and setting alarms. Does anyone have any ideas?

[Phgc]

yes I have been suffering the same problems with memory as you see your doctor and ask for memory tests

[Bar123ney in reply to Phgc]

Hi Phgc thanks for your reply. I’m going for blood tests and if there is no answer from that I will ask for memory tests.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hello ,I think working full time is a lot too take on board and being on a Computer all day is taxing for someone who has not even got Fibro, I agree I would book in too see your doctor for some advice now, I am 63 and I’ve always juggled so much, but know I’m making mistakes with paper work and dates , I cannot work due too having CFS as well , sometimes I wonder which is Fibro and which is middle age . Let us know how you get on ,take care.

[Bar123ney in reply to Yassytina]

Hi Yattsina thanks for your reply it means a lot. Sometimes you feel you are on your own. It’s so good to know that other people understand. I will let you know how I get on I’m being sent for blood tests . But once I get results of these I will definetley ask for a memory test.

[Sarahvit]

Hi Bar123ney, I too am 63 and deal with bad fibro fog. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and CFS 31yrs ago. I just had to take out the calculator to do the math.🧮Back in 97 I went for memory testing and was diagnosed with dementia when I was filling for disability. I had memory tests off and on throughout the decades. It wasn’t until I saw a new neurologist (I had moved around a lot so saw several new neurologists) neurologists who said I was too young to be carrying around that diagnosis. He sent me to have another memory test. They said it was just the fibro fog. It finally was downgraded to mild cognitive impairment between then and now. Yeah if I don’t do something while I am thinking about it I will forget. I have these what I call brain “short circuits” where it feels like everything goes limp like the brain looses connection for 1-2 seconds. I do not know what this is. It is still not diagnosed yet. I need to cancel my appointment with my old neurologist. I started seeing a new neurologist for several reasons. I am involved in a Parkinson study. I don’t have Parkinson’s but they all talking control group, at risk group and Parkinson’s group. When I was out there for the tests and everything the study neurologist said I should see a movement disorder neurologist because of some findings she saw on the physical examination. I have an appointment in June. I don’t know if this is a fibro thing or not? I noticed in 97 when doing yoga for kids with my then 5yr old daughter that I couldn’t do the tree pose. My daughter had no problem standing on one leg. Even in elementary school I had problems walking on the balance beam. Sorry for rambling but was just putting this out there in case anyone else is having weird neurological issues. Balance, memory, tremors, anxiety issues. I know I am forgetting something but can’t remember what else right now. I hope this helps someone or if anyone else is struggling with this but already know what is causing this please let us know.

[Bar123ney in reply to Sarahvit]

Hi Sarahvit thank you for your reply. I hope you manage to get help you need.

[Sarahvit]

Bar123ney I just called the old neurologist to cancel but she said it had already been canceled. I did not remember canceling it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[CheetieCat]

I would suggest a memory test from your GP if only for your peace of mind. I had one a few years ago after convincing myself there was more going on than just the awful fibro fog, there wasn't. Can't say I aced the test but it was enough for the GP to say it was nothing Extra to worry about.

I work in social care, physically & mentally draining. If I didn't have my phone for everything I'd be totally lost. If you can use the same browser all the time, bookmark all the sites you use regularly and use a password manager it makes it a little easier.

Keep notes on your phone, take photos for quickness. Bullet points beforehand for phone calls meeting etc. to keep you on track, write down people's names as they're said to you (try to be a bit sneaky) obviously don't stand with a clipboard & pen at the ready 😂😂

If you're having a really bad day and blagging your way through just isn't working - be honest. Tell whoever you need to you have a condition that sometimes affects your memory and cognitive skills. Take a break!

You're holding down a full time job despite having a brain akin to a pile of mush, a body that won't do a bloody thing it's told and a mouth that keeps saying things you never told it to say, you're probably working harder than anyone else in an effort to appear 'normal' & 'well'

You're definitely not incompetent

[Bar123ney in reply to CheetieCat]

Hi Cheetos Cat thanks for your reply I went to Gp and told him what was happening . He said had anyone in your work noticed. I said no that’s why I’ve come here cos I’ve noticed and it’s worrying me. He said how is your Menyal health have you been crying at all . I said no so he said normally people with memory problems are older than you. We will send you for some blood test to see I was lacking anything then to go back and see him after this . So my blood test is the 24th April. So will have to wait and see what happens. I really appreciate you replying to me as I know people on here understand.

[Blueoxo]

Hi, I can relate to you regarding poor memory, I am 53 and have been struggling for some time with word finding difficulties and forgetting peoples names, which can be very embarrassing, especially at work. I know who the person is but just can’t remember their name. It takes me a lot longer to read information, again stressful in work when everyone else is way ahead of you and ask for your opinion. Lately things have got worse, where I have missed repeated dentist appointments for my daughter despite having it written in my diary and text reminders from the dentist. We were nearly struck off their books this time but have been given one more chance. I literally know in the morning we have an appointment later that day, but then it just goes out of my head and I potter about oblivious. Next appointment is now in my diary, on my fridge in large writing and I have set an alarm on my phone for an hour before the appointment. I put my medication into a weekly/ daily dossett box so that I can see if I have taken my medication and to make sure I don’t overdose. However twice last week I forgot to get the strip out of the cupboard in the first place so forgot to take it altogether on two days. I don’t want to leave it out as have a child in the house. Trying to problem solve mentally, like working out simple sums is also tricky as I can’t process what I am trying to do in my mind. It’s like a mental block. Honestly, I’ll be going back to the GP to ask for a memory test. I didn’t know you could have one. Hopefully it will put our minds at rest that something more sinister isn’t going on. There is some good advice in the responses, write everything down, use post it notes, tell people to give you reminders, use a diary, set alarms etc. It all helps. Work is difficult to manage as it makes you feel incompetent and knocks your confidence. I have decided to just make sure everyone is aware as I have just returned after a bad flare up. First week back I couldn’t remember passwords, how to open my calendar on outlook etc. I have just been open about it.

[Bar123ney in reply to Blueoxo]

Thanks Blueoxo for your reply. I’m sorry your are feeling things difficult too. Hope you manage to get help with it but you have given me lots of good ideas.😀

[Debsdelight3108]

Hi Bar123ney,

As always see your GP,

I'm 53 this year and have suffered for over 10yrs, Welcome to the Fibro, a gift that just keeps on giving, You'd be shocked (or not)at the fabulous 😒 Brain fog!

As before Fibro was diagnosed I would worry about my memory or loss of it, I turned from intelligent,fun loving,beautiful clean home,loved long walks,the gym, I enjoyed my work (bus driver)and looked forward to every day............................

The pain was the first to kick in,then bits would slowly join in with the unbelievable fatige *soz* (spelling naff, Thank you Fibromyalgia you really know how to treat a girl!) I really started taking things a lot more seriously when my Husband turned in bed to cuddle, It felt like a punch, gradually everything was getting worse, Brain fog!

I know now what is was, the brain fog comes in at number 3 in my top 10 things that have broken me, I'm a recluse now who suffers chronic anxiety and depression, self hate,obese woman who is reliant on a power chair, I had an accident at work so I also suffer from the extra pain, I can stand for a very short amount of time and have unexplainable falls as well as sciatica, as soon as I stand it feels like I am treading on lego or an upturned plug, Brain fog!

If I sleep for more than 3 hrs I congratulate myself and wait for my Hubby to allow one of my dogs into my bedroom where we the dog (and me) discuss how we slept which noise worried us and go eat breakfast (the dog,not me) I settle for a mug of coffee and a couple of digestive biscuits,Brain fog!

As If I didn't have enough going on, Same dog gets under the bedclothes and passes what I can only come to a conclusion that a dead ferret must be in there (the dog not me), I have learnt to accept tnat this is my life at the moment and desperately hope that one day there is a cure! Brain fog!

The very fact that you can get into work deserves a pat on the back and a "well done you"

I know I go off piste and write the longest posts but that's me now,

Oh yeh, Brain fog the curse of curses that are forever increases but I'm as stubborn mare! You can't stop Brain fog but you can make it easier on your self, Keep a journal, Have a hobby or three, Keep your GP informed,especially If something is new or is getting worse,

Remember (If you can) you are never alone!

Take care

Debs x