Lupus Support Group

Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.

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Brain Fog

beautiijunkii
beautiijunkii
I have had it constantly now for about 16 months and I have had a little improvement but still have a great deal of fog. Forgetfulness, groggy-headed feeling, almost like an undesirable high that won't go away. At the beginning of all of this, I couldn't even comprehend simple questions. I had to repeat them back to myself before I could understand and answer. I was afraid to drive because I would get loss and I was totally unfamiliar with the area. (Doesn't help that I had just moved there). I would have to use GPS to get around town and back and forth to my doctors appts, even if I had been there before!!! I don't know how long it will last but my CAT Scan and MRI were normal. One doctor says its related to lupus and the other says its from the MDD.

Please share with me your brain fog stories. How long has your episodes lasted? What are your experiences with BF?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Let me first start by saying I haven't been diagnosed with Lupus yet but I have APS. I see a Rheumy next week to talk about all my symptoms of lupus one of which is brain fog. I didn't really know that could be a symptom but I have difficulty doing the simplest things. I am a full time student which makes this even more difficult. I can read something 5 times and not remember what I just read. I might sit and stare at a piece of paper for 15 minutes and not know what I'm doing. Even doing the smallest things like making dinner is more difficult for me. I can't follow directions. I feel your pain.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have had the brain fog so many years I cannot count. Some days are much worse than others though. hugs marilyn
deleted_user
deleted_user
April...Just so you know, APS alone can cause brain fog and cognitive problems. It causes me horrible brain fog, as well as balance and cognitive issues. I trip and fall, bang into things, etc. all due to the APS. It has something to do with the inflamation of the brain vessles and blood flow to them. Its not just a lupus thing. So, you may be having these issues from APS only. I have the exact issues you do and so do MANY APS patients. I have a great support group I can send you to if you are interested. The moderator knows so much about APS and can answer any questions you may have. Its taught me so much about this disease...my primary disease, APS. Let me know i you want the group info.
hugs
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Beautiiju...
I have horrendous brain fog and cognitive/balance issues and they have never gotten better. Actually have gotten worse since my last flare up. I feel like a complete idiot most of the time and dont understand the simplest things at times.When people talk to me, half the time I have no idea what they are telling me. I too have normal MRI's. This is a total Lupus/APS thing. I think alot of us suffer from this and it is one of the most frustrating parts of it. Its so hard on our self confidence. I dont know of anything that helps this. I think we just have to learn how to cope with it. gotta run. ryan screaming
Allisonc79
Allisonc79
I wander if there are any supplements that help improve this problem. For me, I just feel like I am a zombie sometimes and just feel spaced out. I guess the fatigue can cause that leaving you "brain fogged". I wander how that happens and how memory is affected.
shadeseeker
shadeseeker
My brain fog seems to get progressively worse especially when I am flaring. This year, the big things I forgot (that I remember lol) are my husband's birthday and jury duty. But I forget little things all the time and the only way I remember is if I write everything down. It is so frustrating. I am having my first brain MRI soon (I am getting my back done first next week) and I am going to be so frustrated if it shows nothing but I know that is what I should expect. I don't want them to find anything else wrong but since I know I have memory issues, it would be relieving to see it. I find it so frustrating and embarassing. I can't imagine being in school and having to study and retain what you read. I also had such a problem with it when I was working and it put so much more pressure on me. Beautii, what is MDD?
beautiijunkii
beautiijunkii
Oh my gosh!!!! You guys sound just like me!!! I totally remember reading stuff and not being able to comprehend it or just staring at my monitor at work and not knowing what to do or where to start. I've been in CBT for a year now and on meds which I can not tell you how much they've helped me! I have had to work very hard at getting better. I know this sounds weird but doing brain teasers like cross word puzzles and Sudoku and have helped my focus tremendously.

Anyone else? Please share!
shadeseeker
shadeseeker
I heard it is good to keep your brain exercised by doing things with the other hand like brushing your teeth, brushing your hair, etc. I know sometimes it is hard enough to do it let alone with another hand when your arms hurt but just another suggestion when you're feeling okay.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Everyone that meets me that doesnt know my problems thinks Im a complete ding dong.....This is one reason why I am a loner. I feel very self concious that I cant carry on a normal and understandable conversation verbally. I dont think clearly. I cant remember the simplest words at times. I dont comphend alot of things. My husband says Im crazy for thinking that way, yet the kicker is that I will try to explain something to him, he doesnt understand and then gets frustrated that he cant understand what Im trying to tell him because it makes no sense to him! Hellooooo??? Its comforting to know that others feel the same way. Shade...I have post it notes everywhere and I even write on my skin when I need to remember important things...
deleted_user
deleted_user
One of the things I don't like the most is the checkout lines that ask your zip code. I always go blank and the cashier looks at me like I'm insane. lol I think the question just catches me off guard. My best supplements (which I can't afford right now) are StemEnhance and Pure Synergy. When I'm on these, there is no brain fog, I'm sharp as a tack again. I also have more energy and less pain. I suspect if I had been on these supplements the flu wouldn't have turned into bronchitis, ear infection, and pneumonia. I know what I'm asking for Christmas. lol