I'm not so smart :(

[Priss]

I'm so forgetful I feel so dumb, don't have good vocabulary and I feel as though I sound really stupid when I speak because I'm not good with explaining myself. Lupus fog I'm guessing I don't know .

[littleeffie]

Yep the fog does descend at times.

The fact that you are aware you are struggling with explanations means you are no way dumb or stupid.

I worry that a time will come when I've stopped realising how stooooopid I am which will then be a real problem.

Don't worry we all suffer from long bouts of the hmm erm what was I saying and err doing?Where's everybody gone?

Those who don't understand aren't worth your time.

Chin up

[Priss in reply to littleeffie]

Thank you :))

[McLaughlin]

You are not dumb nor stupid!!!! I find myself in a"fog" also. It is exhausting. Express yourself in your way! I understood exactly what you were talking about! I'm a Nurse. I cannot practice anymore! I'm not dumb. I cannot trust my own instincts anymore. Keep reaching out. Many people do not understand Lupus. My own family always say to me "You're always sick!!!". Hello!!! I have Lupus. I've tried to educate them without success. I just stumbled across this site. I find so much comfort here. Not due to others problems. I don't feel alone.

[cuttysark in reply to McLaughlin]

I so agree, the fog is dire!

It's like you are walking about with an empty cranium. The head is there but it is stuffed with cotton wool or something .

First time I saw my present Rheumy and he asked how I was and I said

"Something has happened, I have become really stupid, there is no brain anymore up there!"

He laughed and sympathised and once I got started on the steroid injections the brain returned pronto.

It does go off every so often though, wandering away and leaving me quite alone. Not so alarming now though, if I am patient it will wander back and surprise me again.

You can almost hear the machinery starting up again!!

[Priss in reply to cuttysark]

Maybe I should look into steroids for the brain

[Priss in reply to McLaughlin]

It's hard sometimes to express myself in anyway, but still I try even if doesn't come out right ppl are sometimes rude because I'm always going to be sick but never look like I am so they don't believe me , but thank you

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Priss ,

We published an article about Brain Fog earlier this year which has loads of information and advice that you may find helpful. You can read it at lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-...

[Lara4228 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Fantastic article! Made me shed a tear to read that I am not alone with my occurrences.

Went to my Dr in 2011 about my memory going (and I have an acute memory) telling him my short term and some thought processes are concerning me. He told me...it is because I'm getting old (at 34????) And because I as overweight.

Reading this article has made me feel better. Oodles of helpful links and aids.

Thank you!

[Priss in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thank you

[1dayatatime]

I have this problem too, at home its not too bad and I relax about it because my family understand and we just laugh it off. At work is a different ball game, as I feel its humiliating there and I feel like i'm not competent sometimes. Sometimes its like my head has a sentence planned, but my mouth comes out with something entirely different, and sometimes I dont realise what I have said. Also people tell me things and I just simply cant remember it later, so I am constantly writing things down. I am / was quite a proud person so swallowing the bitter pill of APS & Lupus has been a constant battle for me. Im getting there - having to accept what is - and trying to speak to myself with my heart rather than my self critical head that keeps telling me I am just stupid. Also people need to understand, and absolutely if they dont, well theyre not worth our time! Pacing is very important too - those limitations otherwise will make you pay! I have found some local lupus sufferers and we get together once in a while, and this really helps for support as we all speak the same language, that most people dont understand. Having this site is amazing too, supporting one another, never feeling left alone, and giving us all positive encouragement. Be kind to yourself, and live in the moment.

[Priss in reply to 1dayatatime]

I just get scared that it will get worse

[cuttysark]

I have had it for ten years or so and it hasn't actually got worse. I think I don't worry about it so much now as I know it comes in spells.

Usually it comes with a flare of all my other symptoms and when I up my medication it recedes again. I know everyone might be different but a slight increase in steroids sorts it out for me.

I often get weepy about the same time as the brain goes and feel very vulnerable . Thankfully my family are all aware of it and I am quite frank about it with my friends so they understand when I am in a trough.

We have so much going on it is difficult to remember what "normal" ever was!!!