Just wondering, what type of cognitive issues have you had?
I'm in the process of being tested for MS- already tested positive for O-bands but having to re-do the Lumbar Puncture as some samples were lost.
I've really been struggling with my short-term memory. Also long term memory too.
I'll forget entire conversations and repeat myself over and over.
I'll have problems with word-finding and explaining myself.
Problems with following recipes.
Also, episodes of being very confused and like being 'in a fog'.
I find it hard to concentrate.
I also struggle in social situations with following conversations and feel very overwhelmed if I'm speaking with more than one person. Like my brain just can't cope. I prefer to be in very quiet environments with minimal activity.
These issues fluctuate.
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stripybutterfly
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I think you'll find many posts here about "cog fog." It's unfortunately very common with MS.
Mine was at its worst when I was in the relapse. I had three days of basically sitting on the couch, sleeping most of the time, and not talking because little made sense. I couldn't handle driving for a while because it was way too much input and made me feel very afraid. Now it comes and goes and is much easier to deal with, but it's still no fun. I don't handle large groups, lots of noise, and sometimes have trouble finding words or following written instructions, but usually a break helps.
I try to do things to keep my brain active like crossword puzzles, following quilt patterns, etc. But while you're in a relapse, it seems much more important to just rest.
I'm sorry the LP has to be repeated, but I do hope you get a clear diagnosis very soon. Please keep us posted about how you are.
Yes, I get overstimulated very easily. I can't stand places like supermarkets with the fluorescent lights and all the noise.
I just feel so slow when I'm speaking with people and I often have to ask people to repeat themselves.
I also struggle with apathy and not being able to initiate activities. I don't feel depressed, just have no motivation. Also struggle with planning things.
It's really debilitating.
Yes, I'm hopefully getting the LP done as soon as my hospital (I'm in the UK) is back to doing routine testing- it's been delayed because of the Covid-19.
I'm also getting tested for Myasthenia Gravis and some other conditions too.
Yes "cog fog" is very common. and not very fun. I have been told some of has to do with lesions in a certain area of the brain but can't remember which.
On the bright side - you get to enjoy movies several times as if it's the first time cuz u never remember the ending.
Post notes become the world's best invention
And eventually you will learn how to laugh at ur self and the world around u in fun new ways
It's scary at first but u have a whole community here to help u cope. A whole new and incredibly amazing family of people that understand what ur going thru.
Please keep posting so we know how u r doing. We r here to help 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
I do like that part. My husband on the other hand does not enjoy the same movies and shows over and over the way I do. 🤷♀️ it's ok tho he just watches tv in the other room. 😁😁 his loss
Your cog fog and memory issues sound typical for MS. I have a lot of these too. I also have what I call gaps of amnesia. Not only will I forget the conversation I just had with someone I will forget that I even saw that person let alone had a conversation with them. As for crowds, I've never liked them and will avoid them as much as possible.
You might want to get tested for depression as well. Depression is more than just feeling sad. It also is very unfortunately common for those of us with MS. But often goes undiagnosed. The doctor may prescribe medication or a change in diet and exercise to help with that.
There are a lot of coping mechanisms that you can try to help with the memory issues. You will have experiment with them to find what works for you. There are lots of posts on here that describe all of the things that people on here have tried. Such as notepad apps on their phones, sticky notes posted all over, alarms set on their phones, or just setting routines and sticking to them as best as possible. For example a routine of mine is that as soon as I enter the front door the keys go on a hook on the back of the door and the phone goes on the charger next to the couch or they both might end up in the fridge or freezer.
Long story short...you're not the only one. Many of us on here have simular issues.
I have very little problems with memory, but often wonder how much is just getting older? Also if you’re not interacting with others you can loose a lot. Tough to separate old timers,all timers, dementia, and causes from ms 🤷🏼♂️🤔 Ken 🐾🐾
Yep, all sounds accurate. I had no idea what was said in most of my OB appointments during my first pregnancy. This started the habit of me immediately texting my husband or writing a note in my phone (latter is trickier because you have to remember you wrote it) when at office visits.
This all seems familiar prior to diagnosis where you feel like I'm not quite myself, maybe this is part of getting old, this inability to concentrate is just not enough to go and see the doctor. or I'm tired, tomorrow will be better, and it might be....
The good news is that with treatemnt, it can all get under control and better. At least, this was my case. I did not realize how bad it was until I got better.
For as long as I can remember, I've sometimes been unable to say the word I mean. As if it's shuffling through a stack of vocabulary cards, my brain will substitute another that begins with the same sound. Until recently, this didn't happen when I was writing, but now, when it happens, I put the word in, highlight it and return later to fix it, but speaking, I can't do that though I am aware that I've used the wrong word. And embarrassed. As for social settings, the more input (voices, lights, music, movement) the more my brain shuts down leaving me stranded. Airports, conferences, large meetings, freeway rush hour have become impossible: I cannot function. It makes me feel so incompetent because I once could manage in almost any setting.
I’m stupid and it’s embarrassing. I can’t answer a 2-part question because I’ve forgotten the first part.
Before you ask yourself if it’s just age, realize that if you’re only in your 40’s, and you can’t remember what you named your first born child, THAT’S NOT NORMAL. (This happened, sadly.)
Also I can’t hear more than one thing at once. That’s why if the TV is on and you’re asking me a question, I will look at you with my dumb face. That is why I, too, hate crowded places or groups.
As for short-term memory tricks, I have so many that I forget them. I resorted finally to ONE notebook that I carry with me. I write down everything I need to remember, and there is only one place to look. This is due to forgetting where I have written down the things I need to remember. (I used sticky notes, my iPhones “Notes” app, and my Google calendar previously. But I would forget I was using them.)
Cognitive issues are my most embarrassing symptom. I avoid people on my dumb days. One thing I do know: SUGAR MAKES ME STUPID. Try going 3 days without sugar. Of any kind. Your genius level will inspire you!
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