Hi Ty, Wow first you look great to be a mom of three and have RA. I find too that I can be forgetful at times and loose trend of thought. I don't know if RA contributes to that or being in pain more than others, or some of the meds we take. And I have been on a lot of different Biologics and Dmards. Though I have not seen that as a side affect who knows. I am on Plaquenil, but also on MTX and Rituxan now. A flare could be a cause of forgetfulness because when you are in pain you cannot think straight. Hope you are feeling better soon. Maybe you something more than Plaquenil. Not certain where the nervousness is coming from. It could be you have a lot on your hands with being a wife, mother, caring for children, running a household, possibly also working outside the home. My sons were older when I developed RA. I give you moms who have young children so much credit to be dealing with this disease and trying to care for yourself with RA. The nervousness could be a combination of the above. If I had all a lot more to be responsible for I would be nervous as well. I wish you luck and my prayers are with you. Let's see what some of the other responses are.

Thanks Christine26! I really didn't consider that the pain with my every day activities could be contributing to my forgetfulness. It makes sense because I do have a lot on my plate. I think perhaps last night when I was feeling a "nervous wreck" I was feeling overwhelmed. Afterall, I was cooking and helping the kids with homework. What I need is a vacation! Once again thanks!

I'm so glad you posted! I too have forgetfulness and can NOT stand loud noise. I have not started meds other than prednisone yet and have had these symptoms for a couple of years. I just thought it was old age :)

I've read that many medications can cause brain fog. It's a common side effect from meds. Plaquenil made me feel like I had a fever all the time. I felt like I had Malaria. My vision felt weird also.

ILoveHuskies Wow! I'm sorry that Plaquenil made you feel so bad! I know that it can affect your vision. My doctor just informed me of that side affect. Lord knows I don't need that to happen because I'm already blind as a bat without my contacts! I hope everything's ok now. I wish you well!

Pain makes me forget things, and since I've gotten RA, even before I take any meds, I find myself just drifting. I can sit down and look up at the time and 15 to 30 minutes passed. I'm in my own little world, thinking what I'm going to do that day and what I need. Time just flies by.
I carry a little calendar book, keep notes all day long for work and home.

Lin =)

Ive read that chronic pain and inflammation can cause mood changes & forgetfulness/brain fog. The meds probably don't help. In my case my mood is definitely affected by the inflammation in my body. My pain effects my memory. Chronic pain affects the brain chemicals. This disease affects everything!!

Oh yeah, it could RA, drug side effects, or just the drugs. I was at a meeting recently, I had a question for the speaker. When my turn came, I started to ask the question, forgot mid-sentence ! Very embarrassing !
I take MTX, Humira, Celebrex, tramadol, anti depressanant, folic acid and a bunch of vitamins. I'm not even sure I listed them all!

Ty, I have noticed since my flair has worsened that my fogginess is worsening. Loud noises bother me when my pain level is high. I go into my room and shut the door. Everyone respects the fact that when the door is completely shut they leave me alone, unless there is an emergency.......lol. When I am feeling better but not perfect I open the door a crack and then they know it is ok to knock and get me if they need me. My daughter and her family moved in with us 3 months ago for several reasons. When my 2 yr old grandson screams it is horrible so I have a relaxation tape and earbuds in my room too. Good luck finding something that will work for you. I use the suggestion someone had about writing notes ALL day long. I carry a tablet with me and write everything down now. Stay strong.

This sounds very familiar and I feel that way alot. My memory used to be very good, but now it is so bad it scares me. And what is really strange is that if I'm trying to remember something and can't, sometimes hours later the answer will pop into my head or in the middle of the nite it will wake me up, very frustrating.
I also get very nervous, but I have always been a worrier, just moreso now.... I think the uncertainty of this disease and not knowing how bad it will get is a big trigger. Sometimes I will feel on the verge of panic if I think about it too much... the only thing that calms me down at those times is prayer...
hope you feel better...

Thanks Jeanne1964 for the suggestions. I spend a lot of time in my room which makes me feel guilty but it's my comfort zone, my safety net. You know? I really want to be in the family room with everyone but right now I just can't tolerate a whole lot of noise. My kids can be super loud( in my mind they are) especially after school. I hope this will pass because this is new and scary to me. Once again, thanks everyone. :)

Hi Ty, I have the same symptoms but I have Fibromyalgia and enhanced noises is a symptom. There are times I can't even handle the radio on in the car. I also get overwhelmed. There is meds that can knock the edge off. Talk to your doctor but don't beat yourself up because you can't help what you can't control and you didn't ask for this disease. I try to remember that God doesn't put more on us than we can handle : ) I noticed you live in SC. I live bordering Anderson and Greenville. Hugs, Terri

I get foggy headed sometimes - it was worse awhile ago when my meds were not really working very well. But, I'd be mid-sentence and not be able to figure out the next word I needed. Not so good.

I do have anxiety issues that have gotten worse, especially sensitivity to sounds - and just recently finally went on medication to assist with the anxiety because it was really becoming an issue.

Inflammation affects the brain, too. When I'm in a flare or stressed I can't multi-task (at all), can't tolerate noise, and forget what I'm saying in mid-sentence!

I used to have such a good mind. Now I forget things and have trouble recalling information. I really like the one where I forget what I am saying mid-sentence. Makes me feel like such an idiot.

This morning was a disaster. My son wanted to go put in some extra time welding for practice. I didn't think I would ever get him to the school. I went back in the house three times to get things I needed to have. Then I had to turn around and go back to the house because I had to take my medicine. I won't bore you with the rest but nothing went right this morning because of my inability to concentrate.