foggy

[KKRb]

I have brain fog from both fibromyalgia and PMR. It’s so embarrassing! Sometimes I cannot finish a sentence or pronounce a word correctly.

I read that prednisone is the cause of brain fog in PMR; but, if so, why does it also come from fibro, for which you don’t take prednisone?

I’d believe more quickly that it is from inflammation.

what do you all think, amd what are you doing for it?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Although Pred doesn’t help, it’s more likely to come from the underlying illness you have. This article appeared on the LUPUS forum some 8 years ago -

lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-...

This is a comment written by a doctor who has a chronic illness -

Brain fog is frustrating because it is a difficult symptom to describe so that others understand its impact. Brain fog is a cognitive dysfunction common in chronic illness, which can include issues with word finding, concentration, and recall. Those with brain fog often know what they want to say, but can’t find the thoughts or words to communicate effectively.

..and a previous post that may help -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....

[123-go]

Hello, KKRb. It may comfort you to some extent to know that you are not alone in experiencing

brain fog: read this from ‘Related Posts’

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

I can certainly relate to a number of comments in the thread including frustration and some distress felt when my mind goes blank during conversation. I have learned not to stress too much and I now simply say something like, “Sorry, brain fog” and smile wryly 😏. I have a theory (simplistic) about brain fog - ie, my memory bank is 80 years old and contains 80 years’ worth of experiences and events which need sifting through in order to retrieve words and memories. If all these were written down in a book it would take considerable time to leaf through the pages to find the information. If I can’t immediately bring to mind a word or a date, for example, it’s not the end of the world, it’s a choc-a-bloc story of years’ worth of detail. Many books contain a physical contents list and an index but not so a brain. Also, it’s no coincidence that some earlier memories can often be recalled more easily than later ones because they have been spoken/ thought about more frequently over the years and therefore more easily remembered. Now wait for the scientific explanation which I’m sure will follow 😀.

By the way, although fibromyalgia isn’t inflammatory, sufferers often complain of ‘fibro fog’:

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[SnazzyD]

Who knows what causes brain fog? I’ve had it from being stressed, Fibro, basic illnesses, very much Covid, poor sleep, GCA, Pred, other types of medication, anxiety and ageing brain changes. I’m sure there are many more. The brain is a sensitive thing and I think the picture is complicated. It was much worse until I went into remission but I’m off Pred and still get weeks when my word recall is rubbish and then it’s all ok again. It’s darned frustrating.

[Charlie1boy in reply to SnazzyD]

Good to know I’m not the only one!!!

[SnazzyD in reply to Charlie1boy]

You certainly are not!

[Bluey-1 in reply to SnazzyD]

So agree with all of the above, panicked after a TIA, brain fog again. I’ve started to do Wordle and Spelling Bee to keep the old cogs turning. Got slightly hooked, have to start the day with these puzzles and a cuppa.

[SnazzyD in reply to Bluey-1]

It definitely helped me doing those sort of things

[fmkkm in reply to SnazzyD]

Yes, lots of things! Sometimes I’m just dehydrated or low in sodium or glucose.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Mine was due to PMR - not pred. It improved with pred. But as the others have said - all sorts of things can be an underlying cause. And occasionally I think our brains just demand a bit of relief and shut off for a rest.

[123-go in reply to PMRpro]

Totally agree. It’s as though our brains have a switch that turns off automatically when overloaded just like electrical devices to avoid overload and possible subsequent harm.

[PuttyPenguin]

Hi KKRb! I too have PMR but I also have GCA and have had two flare- ups in two years which meant that on both occasions I had to go back to 60mg. Brain fog nothing! I've got better as I've reduced as I feel that 60mg, and the fast reduction, is like being on a pin ball machine. However, my step-daughter has Fibro and we often swap comments about how similar the two diseases, PMR & Fibro, are. Helen has had Fibro for over20 years and it's something she's learnt to live with and insists that you has to be kind to yourself and rest. It's not your fault your body is not working properly but I do think brain teasers work or at least help a bit. Wishing you the best x

[Pixix]

I have fibro and PMR. Had fibro for 12 years before PMR. Brain fog was bad by then. Has phases but think it’s caused by all sorts of things…SnazzyD has summed it up well. Have found no help, I’m afraid. Just something to live with! Embarrassing…? I just brazen it out & say my brain fog is having an extra foggy day, or similar! OH & close friends try to fill in the gaps, which can turn out like some hilarious party game. Stop sweating it is my only advice. Relax & it may be better. Fight it & get anxiou & it gets worse. I make a lot of lists, especially if going to a medical appointment that’s not connected to rheumatology!!