I really wasn’t familiar with the term brain fog before I got diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Some people call it “fibro fog” instead of brain fog. It goes with many other illnesses as well. The longer I deal with the chronic pain and continually getting bad sleep the worse my brain fog gets.

It really is just like it sounds – your brain gets foggy. I have noticed in the last 3 months mine has gotten worse. I get embarrassed so I try to cover it by saying uhh or a different way to say something. I have forgotten names during a conversation or I don’t know what to call something, it’s just not there. I have mixed up words before or combined them. At age 24 this is embarrassing, so as a result, I sometimes don’t talk a whole lot especially in public. Family – I don’t really get embarrassed around because they understand.

This is different than forgetting your keys at home one day or forgetting to turn the light off. These symptoms hit fast and you have no control over it. It has happened at doctor appointments and I hate when that happens. I get asked some questions and I can’t remember if it happened this week or not and how something felt.

I try to cover it up because it is hard to explain when you’re in the middle of a conversation and suddenly you can’t remember the word you needed to say.

So if you know someone with a chronic illness and they could be experiencing brain fog, be patient during a conversation. If you see they are struggling with what to say you could help them or just let them wait for it to come back. I think I need to stop trying and covering it up and when it happens I should just be honest about why I didn’t answer or suddenly changed the subject.

This blog post is pretty short because there isn’t a lot to elaborate on but it was something I wanted to bring awareness to; and I am getting ready to leave for another appointment at Cleveland Clinic. If you have any questions let me know.

xoxo,

Abby

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10