I'm terrible about not being able to understand some people. Not sure what it is....the speed they are talking or what. I have a tendency though to just nod and say the obligatory agreement periodically. BUT it has bitten me in the butt when they asked me a question about what they were talking about. Then I have to admit that I didn't hear them clearly.

It's not that I don't HEAR them, as much it is the comprehension of what they are saying. It seems to take me longer to process peoples words sometimes. I've had complete conversations where it wasn't until later in the day that it hit me what they were saying.

Think it must be another thing for the fibro bucket!

Gentle hugs....

I am exactly like basketmoom! The only difference with me is they don't really need to be talking all that fast, i just can't get it! I just cannot comprehend (spelling) what people are saying? Thank God hubby has learned this and talks slow or if I don't get something he will explain it a different way, thank God at least he is patient with me, but others just don't get it.

I have a phone friend I have had for almost 7 years and I cannot understand one single thing she says on the phone....NOT ONE! My best friend, she will give me a web addy or a phone number and then gets angry with me when I have to ask her to slow down and repeat it 2-3 times. AND, she knows what I am going through. I guess until you have experienced fibro fog, people just won't understand!

I have to attribute it to FIBRO FOG>>>>>>>>>the ears hear it, but the brain doesn't function normal in fibro fog mode.
Happens toi me alot, even on the phone.
MaryKathryn

Me too. It seems it's getting worse as my family tells me I'm not making any sence when I'm speaking and I loose my thoughts like they float right out. I'm also like MaryKathryn, It happens on the phone and I can't understand people what they are say to me. It's a constant struggle. Gentle Hugs!!!! - Laura

I avoid phone conversations as much as possible. I just can't hear or understand what they are saying. People look at me funny when I say I don't do phones. BUT I can sit here and have a conversation face to face....and do ok, but the phone is really an issue for me. Especially when they are asking questions. It's like it gets side tracked somewhere between my ear and my brain.

Me too!

Yes! I'm always having to ask people to repeat what they said.

I'm in on this one too! the bad thing is I answer phones all day at work and I always have to ask people to repeat what they say. then if i still don't get it I try to improvise. I take notes the whole time I'm talking to someone because once I put them on hold I forget what they said and who they are!

I have this problem to, I just can't follow along at all any more. I find after the first few words, im zoned out, just nodding and agreeing, or saying, what...I guess were all in the same boat. wouldn't it be funny to get us all together and have us talk. haha

some days my husband can ask me "what do you want for lunch"? and I can feel the tears welling up...I don't have a clue as to what to say...absolutely no idea how to form a thought to answer...
thankfully, he now knows the look and will let me off the hook calmly and with a gentle hug from afar. These are usually the same days when a hug will be a gorilla crunching-squeeze, meant to be a loving show of affection.
I used to say I was NUTS now I call it SQUIRRELLY...Squirrels are the innocent collectors of nuts..and my collection is great!
Also, I've had friends call and i just can't listen..the words mean nothing and it hurts my brain to try to figure it all out..then later, after the fog lifts, I'll recall something said, and burst out laughing...All aone....if the mood strikes me, I'll journal it or write a note telling my friend how happy I am she made me laugh....

MaryMargaret & pretty much everyone else- I am right there with ya. I despise talking on the phone and answering questions that aren't multiple choice.

yeah i get it alot too. it causes a lot of problems with a husband who just doesn't get it... :(

What about being in a group of people and everybody talking around you is just too much stimulation!

I remember my mother hating to talk on the phone, and I didn't understand why. Now it's my turn. I have to tell people to repeat, that they're speaking too low, too fast, can't hear!!

Good hearing aids are in the many thousands of dollars and I'm not rich, so I just must sound like an idiot. Now I know I'm old already. Can't use the phone, my son's message says: go to email, cannot answer phone messages.

yes yes yes!