One of the most frustrating components to the illness is the condition of Fibro Fog. Fibrofog is a term given to a variety of cognitive problems that many fibromyalgia sufferers face from time to time. Fibrofog encompasses memory loss, difficulties using language, and difficulties with learning. These symptoms tend to descend in a haze or "fog," around the sufferer. Fibrofogs can occur at any time and can vary in intensity when they do occur. Fibrofogs tend to be at their most severe during flare ups. Fibrofog affects about both women and men who have fibromyalgia pain, though it tends to hit women more often. Women between the ages of 30 and 50 are most likely to be affected by fibrofog. Episodes of fibrofog typically last only a few days, though sometimes severe fibrofog can last for weeks or even months.
Fibro Fog Symptoms Include:
* short term memory loss
* difficulty remembering where you put things
* difficulty remembering plans
* difficulty with language, including trouble holding conversations
* difficulty finding the "right" word to use in conversation
* trouble remembering simple numbers
* transposing letters and numbers
* trouble concentrating and focusing
* trouble retaining new information
Anyway you can ease up major brain functioning during this time can be an added blessing to ward off stress. Simple lists to attack daily needs can enable a sense of confidence when the day is through. Do be aware of how much you can physically undertake. Making lists that are multi-tasked and loaded with a major task load should be avoided or split over several days.
When fibro fog hits, be gentle on yourself. Don't push these days; wait for the fog to pass. You can always make up chores on good days when you are feeling better. Pushing yourself only leads to compound anxiety that fuels flare-ups.
One major tool I've implemented is the use of pill boxes. No more worries if I've remembered to take that pill or supplement. And there is nothing more that heightens anxiety than wondering if you took an extra pill, or forgot to take one. I have a large pill box for supplements. On Sunday evening I can easily set out my vitamin supplements for a week. Since I can't take several doses at once, I can easily take them throughout the day until my section remains empty. Taking several doses prompts slight flare ups which I've learned to avoid. Any medications go into a smaller pill box. This allows me to stretch doses so that my body is not overwhelmed. I have medicine sensitivities so I have fewer pills and don't feel comfortable mixing them with other daily supplements.
Fibro Fog Symptoms Include:
* short term memory loss
* difficulty remembering where you put things
* difficulty remembering plans
* difficulty with language, including trouble holding conversations
* difficulty finding the "right" word to use in conversation
* trouble remembering simple numbers
* transposing letters and numbers
* trouble concentrating and focusing
* trouble retaining new information
Anyway you can ease up major brain functioning during this time can be an added blessing to ward off stress. Simple lists to attack daily needs can enable a sense of confidence when the day is through. Do be aware of how much you can physically undertake. Making lists that are multi-tasked and loaded with a major task load should be avoided or split over several days.
When fibro fog hits, be gentle on yourself. Don't push these days; wait for the fog to pass. You can always make up chores on good days when you are feeling better. Pushing yourself only leads to compound anxiety that fuels flare-ups.
One major tool I've implemented is the use of pill boxes. No more worries if I've remembered to take that pill or supplement. And there is nothing more that heightens anxiety than wondering if you took an extra pill, or forgot to take one. I have a large pill box for supplements. On Sunday evening I can easily set out my vitamin supplements for a week. Since I can't take several doses at once, I can easily take them throughout the day until my section remains empty. Taking several doses prompts slight flare ups which I've learned to avoid. Any medications go into a smaller pill box. This allows me to stretch doses so that my body is not overwhelmed. I have medicine sensitivities so I have fewer pills and don't feel comfortable mixing them with other daily supplements.
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