Word find inaccessible

[justme53]

I'd had a growing problem with remembering names of people pre-tx, but I am now beginning to struggle with simple words in everyday conversations. I feel like I have to engage whoever I'm talking to in a game of charades to help me gather my thoughts..two syllables, sounds like...With people that know what I'm going through, it's ok, even laughable sometimes, but downright embarrassing at other times. I'm not even going to mention the typing taking a header....
Is this pretty common? Does it go away after tx?

[justme53]

Well, if nothing else, it's good not to feel alone.....I have to say, that knowing most of the sx going into tx, this loss of cognitive function concerned me the most. I feel a little better being able to blame at least some of it on the meds.

Pam

[meakea]

Nice timely thread for me...because I am at week 23 of TX and I just started having this issue within the last few weeks.  People are quite often having to finish a word for me and, yes, names are the worst!  I was supposed to assist at a civil trial last week but I, by choice, passed it off to another legal assistant because I felt that my word blanks might come at a time that would embarrass me and/or my boss -- so I passed.  That was a real eye-opener for me when I had to pass on something that I usually do with ease...a bummer actually...but I got over it.

[Evangaline]

Yes, word searching is very, very common on tx, as is repeating youeself several times in a row and coming out with comments that only make sense only to you. Anti-depressants, SSRI's in particular will help. It does go away after tx.
Evangaline

[Marcia2202]

omg... I just feel plain STOOOOPID on tx. I was saying to my husband yesterday, what if I would stay this dumb forever. How would he like to have a weak and dumb wife forever? It is sometimes frustrating to have such limited brain capacity. Most of the time I do laugh about it, but it really is no fun to be so dumb.

[CMcH]

Thank you sunshine that gives us hope. This is scary stuff.

[sunshine585]

I had to chuckle, as I was exactly the same way. I also repeated myself alot, as I didn't know that I'd already said what I'd said. I was on ad's, and they helped with depression, but not that. I was really worried I wouldn't get my mind back, but I did. I couldn't even read a book, because I'd forget what I read and have to start over again. I'm 3 months post and I no longer have to play charades, lol. I still have some days where I'm a little foggy, but not everyday, and certainly not like on tx. You will be ok.

[CMcH]

It is common and I find it does take longer to e-mail, remember names, word finding and reading while comprehending. Sometimes I have to read something twice. I sure hope this gets better. I think the anemia with reduced RBC to transport oxygen to muscles and the brain contributes to it. Not sure about what happens to the brain chemicals but it is pretty scary.

[justme53]

Thanks for your insight, Marc. I never would have thought that AD's would help something like this sx. I'd hate to start withdrawing more out of frustration or embarrassment, so will keep that advice to hand.

Pam

[Marc1955]

We generally refer to this as "brain fog" and, yes, it is pretty common. At it's worst, I found it very disturbing. I'm now pretty advanced in my treatment and although it hasn't gone away, it's less severe.

We are told it goes away.

If you find the problem is significant, you might consider going on an anti-depressant. The interferon messes with the chemistry in your brain. The anti-depressant can help with brain functioning. It comes with its own set of side-effects – lethargy, flatness of mood, and loss of libido. But it does help with the mental fog.