Hey everyone, so I am visiting family out of state, but the long long drive coupled with minimal amounts of sleep and tons of activity have sent me into a full blown brain fog. Everyone keeps asking if I’m alright and saying I’m very quiet. I want to bond with my cousins and extended family more on this trip, but I feel like I’m just a shadow on the wall. Any advice on how to shake this brain fog??
Thanks for the advice, I feel more like myself today thankfully. The fibro fog has been horrible on the road however. I have someone else drive typically. I try to sleep when I can because I think that the fog and sleep depravity are both closely connected.
I drove to Texas from California and back. While I was in Texas... ( I am 100% sure this was bad for me ) I would take a Norco pain pill along with a Monster Energy Drink and or some Coffee and I would be out of the Fog. Although the come down off that would come back with the Fog, and the frustration I get with myself when I can not even hold a conversation.
( this is not a very good place for me to be )
When I am at loss for words, I become very frustrated with myself, and I bark a those around me as if I was mad at them, when it is really my own self that I am mad at.
So for my stay I kept up the pain pills & caffeine during the day and I would excuse myself, take a Valium and one of my books for an hour or so alone until I fell asleep. The next day was rinse and repeat. Like I said, it am sure it was bad for me, but it was quite good in maintaining my warm relationships with friends and family during the visit.
Sometimes it is more about which is the lesser evil and which would you rather live with. By the time I got back to California my body was messed up for 2 more weeks, but the In-Laws still loved me.
Hey girl! Sorry you are so plagued by this, I asked my Rheumatologist about this and he explained that it is a product of chronic pain and the lack of sleep from chronic pain! So if you are not driving, take some pain meds, and try to have a good time! I know we are no longer on the same plane of consciousness or physical prowess as everyone else, and they cannot get over it, especially if they see you at a good moment! It's tricky to explain, you know?
All these things are so true! Yesterday was especially terrible, I felt as if someone could have punched me in the arm and I wouldn’t snap out of the fog, and I felt so awkward with my family because I was aware that I was acting weird, but for the life of me I couldn’t get myself to come out of my daze.
I really appreciate everyone’s input, and just the fact that I’m not alone in this disease. My family tries to be understanding but it’s so hard to just maintain when all you want to do is curl up in a ball and sleep somewhere.
Hae Bill Sr,
I think a lot of us function similarly. At least until something goes wrong with our formula. I felt like the test rat last week when the bad effects from a half of a vicodin cause a two day problem with arrythmia. I know what you mean though. You amp yourself up for the special get togethers or obligations, parties or for work or church functions and pay dearly later.
I'm trying a more natural approach now. I'll let you know how it goes!
Hang in there Ahava. And plan on a couple of days rest when it's all over. Take care of YOU.
LKitty
Thank you so much, sometimes it is a hard thing to remember to take some time for yourself. Especially because I feel selfish if I do, this disease makes everything such a sacrifice.
I am so thankful I was able to break out of my fibro fog and join my family in activities and just share so many laughs with them though. It really made me feel brighter altogether. The fibro fog had been extremely persistent but good company and resting here and there has been really therapeutic. I wonder how much of the fibro fog is involved with emotions? If I’m with people or family that can make me laugh very hard or just touches my heart I notice I feel better as a whole. But whenever I’m very stressed out, have severe anxiety, etc., I notice that trying to break the hold of the fibro fog is almost impossible. Please tell me your thoughts if you have experienced something similar, I am really curious about it.
There is a book, a theory, entitled 'The Virtue of Selfishness', and basically it is a very eye opening journey of liking yourself enough to take care of yourself! How by enriching your life through self concern and appreciation, you enrich those around you!
On a more scientific note, here is a little info that explains how the brain of those who suffer from chronic pain's brain is bombarded with a peptide known as substance P. We have more substance P than normal people, and this explains the cognitive problems we encounter!
http://www.healthcentral.com/encyclopedia/408/631.html?ic=506048
Ahava, we all go through this, it's one hell of a process to accept this, to make the necessary changes, it's an on-going adjustment to accept that we are no longer ourselves, the emotions this brings on are very strong. I understand this so well!
You're so right, laughter is the best medicine, stress and anxiety only intensify and perpetuate the condition. Make your life as simplistic as you can, and throw off as much guilt and stress as you possibly can. Laugh at yourself! It lightens things up for everyone!
Wishing you lots of spoons!
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/navigation/BYDLS-TheSpoonTheory.pdf
Big hugs
SK
Getting enough sleep is pretty much all you can do. Try talking to your loved ones about what is going on. I found a really good book "Fibro for Dummies" it sounds awful, but, in fact, I found a lot of good advice and it is at your fingertips. I have also went to the book store and pulled everything I could on fibro and chronic fatigue. I spent about 3 hours there and picked up two books I felt would help me explain this illness to myself, my doctor, and my family. Arming myself with as much knowledge as I can has really empowered me. I didn't know what to call that cloud hanging over me! Fibro fog was finally explained.
Thanks Lucy, that’s great advice. I have never thought of that actually.