Mental issues

Hi everyone!  I am having significant issues with concentrating and understanding, I guess what I am trying to say is cognitive issues.  I have started to take classes again to get my teaching certification and I cannot even do the information page without reading it 5x's and still it comes very slow.  Does anyone else take any herbal supplements or meds that may help in this area?

Thanks for your help!
Kristin

[sllowe]

Hi Kristen,

I too have this problem.  I don't take anything, but it is very, very frustrating, not operating to the capacity as in the past.  I am going to bring it up to my Dr., and at least see if I can be tested to establish a baseline.  I felt it prior to dx, however, thought it was lack of enthusiasm and energy for the job, etc.  I know now, that it is a distinct disability that I'd like to work toward repairing!

Hope some other have some suggestions too . .

be well,
SL

[young at heart]

I TO HAVE THIS ISSUE AND READING AND COMPREHENDING IS HARD.

HECK I HAD A PHONE CALL THIS MORNING BUT FOR THE LIFE OF ME I HAVE NO CLUE NOW WHO THE HECK THAT WAS WITH WE TALKED FOR AWHILE.

NOW YOU WANNA TALK ABOUT LOSING IT.

I WISH I HAD AN ANSWER TO IT.


T-LYNN

[doni54]

I too have this problem It comes and goes usually lasts a week or two.  It has been bad for the last week, I sat down Sat night to play solitaire, dealt the cards, just sat there cause I didn't remember how to play.  I've only played solitaire about a million times in my life.

I keep messing up our checking account cause I forget to add something or subtract something.  I am an avid reader, but when I finish a book I can't remember what I have read and if the book has many characters I have a really hard time keeping them straight, I get totally confused.

Kinda depresses me cause lots of other things been happening too.  Can't talk cause can't think of the words to say.  Hubby is probably glad.................I think he likes it when I'm quite.....ha....ha....ha

I have a book on herbs and I looked up MS and it suggests taking Ginkgo Biloba for our brain farts!!!! ha ha  I take this, the sublingual B12 for fatigue, and magnesium for the spasms.  All these seem to help some, but nothing has stopped the symtoms (symptoms).

You could give the Ginkgo a try, at least you know you have others with the same problem.  Good luck with your teaching certf, I know you can do it!

doni

Hope you feel better, and the brain fuzz goes away.

[mokibear]

I know exactly how you feel. I'm taking a home course in counselling and there are days I read a chapter 5 times over and still don't remember what I read. It can be very frustrating to say the least. I find when it happens, I just have to put it away and go back to it later. I can go weeks like that and then I'm fine again.

I too take Ginko and I do think it does help somewhat. I'm almost afraid to stop taking it to see how bad I would be without it. lol Hang in there and I know you will do great with your course. It may take you longer to get it to sink in, but it will. Try not to get to frustrated with it.

Hugs
Moki

[floridamom2]

Thanks so much!! You guys are great!!  I actually started taking a multivitamin - Centrum Performance (or should I see lack of performance! LOL) - last week and it has Ginko in it along with the magnesium & B12, my energy is definitely a bit better but I guess I have to live with the spacing out for now.  I do remember that it does seam to come in phases so maybe it will pass soon.

T-Lynn - I talked to her today too - she was very nice,  I think!?  Too bad we can't remember her name!! HA  HA!!

I used to be one of those people that planned ahead for everything and always had head projects to keep my mind busy and excited looking forward to stuff.  Now I am just excited if I remember what I need to accomplish today,  not that bad I guess, ignorance can sometimes be bliss - I sure as heck don't worry about much anymore . . . . at least I don't think I do! LOL

Thanks again ladies and have a nice night!
Kristin

[Quixotic1]

this can be a horrible problem and bring our self-esteem down to ZERO.  I have had an improvement in my ability to concentrate and do things with the stimulant Provigil.  Wanna also reported a decrease of brain fog on Provigil.

I have read some stuff (this is not a substantiated thing nor a recommendation) of improved mental energy with using the OTC supplement Acetyl-L-Carnitine.  There has been a lot of research using this to pep up older brains, often using it togehter with alpha lipoic acid. I have started using this combination, but am not to a place where I have seen a difference yet.  I'll see if I can find some references on this.

SL - no the problems in MS is overall mental and physical fatigue coupled with what is felt to be an inability to initiate mental and physical work.  So it feel like the "I don't wannas", but it is more organic than the laziness it feels like.

Many sources also recommend learning and practicing some form of meditation, which is a superb way to five the brain some focus and rest.

Quix

[young at heart]

IF YA REMEMBER HER NAME PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

DANG I WAS OPENING MY MAIL AND FORGET WHO I WAS TALKING TO.

OH, WAIT NOW I REMEMBER,THE LIGHT IN THE ATTIC CAME CAME ON.DARN I HATE WHEN THIS HAPPENS.

I HAVE TO WRITE A LIST  OF EVERYTHING I NEED TO DO,IF NOT I FORGET.

I WAS ON PROVIGIL AND THEN MY INSURANCE DENIED IT AND I CAN'T AFFORD IT,BUT IT DID HELP.

T

[binkswife69]

I right there with you!  It seems like this cognitive issue is bigger than I thought.
I tried the Provigil and it was great for a bit but when I started it soon the horrible over stimulated feeling came on.  I hope it is the MS and not the Provigil.  It was so nice to have the energy and be able to think clearly.
Floidamom2  I am so glad that you are here as with everyone else.  I just wish we all met due to cooking issues than this. :-)

[Quixotic1]

Hmmm...I also have several cooking issues...

About the Provigil.  I found if I started too high on the dose the stimulated feeling would happen, but If I worked up from half a tab 100mg - after a while the full tab was okay.  I also raised my clonazepam to help compensate.  My main problem is to consciously not overdo things so I don't pay a huge price the next couple days.

And I ran into her at the store.  she couldn't rmember who she had talked to either.  So, you're both safe.

Quix

[Rena705]

While I have been diagnosed with MS, apparently I am in remission and up to now the dr's don't know what the problem is...however, I also have cognitive problems and like doni I have sat down to play solitaire and completely forgotten how to play the game on one afternoon and yet I had been playing for 2 hours that morning.

I have found that reading is a definite problem for me...I absolutely love reading and have found that it is almost impossible because I can't get through one page and I have to start over because I have no idea what I have just read...HOWEVER, I was given one of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books and it has been wonderful!  I find that with only 1-3 page stories, I can keep track and read a WHOLE story without having to start over (for the most part, tee hee).

I was given Chicken Soup for the Fisherman's Soul but there are many to choose from.

If you are a book addict like myself that is feeling withdrawal from the joy of a good book, give these books a try, it is worthwhile!

Rena705

[sllowe]

Hi Quix and gang -

So, the MS and the I don't wanna's, and the brain fatigue/fog contribute to the cognitive issues?  Performing work, etc., For me, it feels like both, and sometimes it feels like I've gotten very stupid, along with the lack of a kick start, enthusiasm, etc.  Like FL Mom, I too, would have many things planned ahead, etc., all lined up and ducks in a row, and now I get pretty darn excited when I get through 1 plan in a weeks time, it just takes that long to do it.

I'm having a hard time figuring out what to address.  I go to my Dr. today, and was going to bring it up, but don't want describe it all messed up and have him not understand me.

If anyone has any thoughs on this would be great for me,
Thanks,
SL

[monotreme]

There is a website called www.totalhealthnutrients.com.  These are supplements designed by Eric Braverman, M.D. who is an integrative med doc who has done alot of brain research.  

Anyway, he sells a supplement called "Brain Memory".  It has gingko, acetyl-L-Carnitine, and other ingredients helpful to brain function.  My father in law has seen improvement in his early dementia with the Brain Memory supplement.  

One bottle costs 32 dollars.  I would only buy one to try at first.

Also, Omega 3 and 6 are good for the brain.

Craig

[cjacks]

I too have a hard time with the cog fog , energy ,the ' I don't wanna's' .   I haven't cooked anything in over a week .  ( Talk about cooking issues)    I can't imagine what it must be like to have a family that is depending on you. I tip my hat to you all .

Post-its are my life saver.  They inhabit every corner of my life now.

SL,   I dare not give any advice. ( low self esteem  :)   ) .  I wish you well today ..  You always have great wisdom in your posts . Go with your instincts... write out what it is you 're contemplating ,  you'll get it right .  Good luck   ,  be well       Jo

[doni54]

I also have to write things down or I forget what I have planned.  My problem lately is I keep losing my notes!!!! ha....ha....ha.....

When I first started taking the ginko my daughter asked if it was helping.  I told her it probably would if I could remember to take it!!!

Oh well, sometimes maybe it is better not to remember everything. At least I can come on here and ramble and all of you know I am probably just having a brain fog day, and just laugh at me and go on.  Well, at least I hope you know...ha...ha...ha

To all of us in la la brain fog land hope we all have a good day and can remember it!!!

doni

[cjacks]

Doni,  Thanks for the laugh ..
   Me too,    I said I live by my notes.  but they are always getting lost , going to never never land . They NEVER turn up.  It must be those impish elves come in the night and steal them away.  

Oh sorry, I think I'm bored.    Anyway , if they all showed up we could have one big darn bonfire for the weenie roasts.  

Take care            Jo

[Heather3418]

Sweetheart...the cognitive problem has been one of the hardest symptoms I have dealt with over the past (oh gosh now 13 years) 13 years.  As I said on the forum one day, I stood in front of a mirror getting ready to put my hair in a pony tail, and I couldn't figure out how to do it.  I am totally serious.

I have had trouble keeping on task also.  If I am busy trying to concentrate on something, if there are any disruptions or loud noises, I have a terrible time keeping on track.  It's been so bad at times, I just sit there and cry.  I really, truly feel like I am losing my mind, when this happens.  I am always scared that the cognitive issues are going to hang around and someday they will NOT go away.  This terrifies me.  This may be some of the disruption a person with Alzheimer's must feel, in the beginning of their disease process. (My father has Alzheimer's and has such severe dementia now, he doesn't remember that he doesn't remember...seriously)

I wish I could reach out through the computer and give you a big hug and tell you that I feel what you are feeling and have been where you are.  It's an awful feeling, isn't it?  Just awful.

You have friends here, that you see, totally understand Kristin.  I am going to take Quix's suggestion and see if Provigil can possibly be of help, when I notice a flair-up with cognitive issues.  Thank the good Lord above, I always seem to return to a "normal" state and don't suffer from the cognitive issues for more than a few days at a time.

Big Hugs to you sweetheart....I feel your confusion so much right now, tears are just rolling down my face.  Bless you sweetheart.

We are ALL with you and understand, if that makes you feel any better.

Hang in there sweetheart.  It's going to get better....I promise.

Heather

[floridamom2]

Thanks sooooo much guys!!!  Your support and advice is a Godsend to me!!  

It is so wonderful to be able to communicate with people who are  experiencing what I am.  My friends and family don't talk about my "issues" anymore  as I don't feel safe to let them know what is going on without being judged or considered Hypo.  I am very blessed to have all of you in my life!

Have a nice night!!
Love, Kristin

[jean_619]

I just read this whole thread I found when I searched for acetyl L-carnitine.  I'm so glad I ran across it.  I've heard that many people have cognitive issues & brain fog, but this is the first item I've heard about the "I don't wanna" issue.  I've been thinking that I'm just lazy -- but I can't seem to overcome that feeling -- even though I know that accomplishing a task will make me so happy.  For instance, I know that I would be thrilled if my basement was cleaned up -- but I just "don't wanna".  Has anyone overcome this feeling -- how did you do it?

Jean

[twopack]

I recognized this problem a while back.  It's progressed now to the point where the times of sharp, rapid cognitive function make infrequent appearances.

Nuvigil keeps me awake but I'm not sure any other supplement I've tried as made a real difference.  I know success isn't dependent on how interested I am in an activity.  High interest only leads to higher frustration when motivation and action can't keep pace.

For me, function isn't suffering a huge deficit at this point but it can become distorted because it's so delayed.  For those of you old enough to understand, it's like my cognitive function is a 78 vinyl being played on a LP turntable speed.

Jean, I've had limited success by scheduling very small parts of a larger task into my day.  I find I get to a point of mental exhaustion very quickly if what I'm doing involves making many choices.  I also have to guard against allowing distractions to pull me away from the assigned task until I either complete it or officially call it off for the day.

Sadly, I'm coming to the realization that I need to forsake many more of my bucket items than I had hoped.  Perhaps I can still exchange them for some new possibilities.  I'm not to the point of full surrender yet.

Mary

[cainer]

  hi!  well im going to try what quix said!  they put me on aricept it has helped it wakes the bain up a bit.   i was on provigil when i could afford it,it helped me to.

[rae96]

I too have severe cognitive issues and still going through testing to find out if all of my issues are due to MS which it is looking more and more every day that I do. I have always been an intelligent person, great multitasker, great planner, etc.... now I try to keep up with that and I am making all kinds of mistakes to the point that my boss has told me that they will have to start addressing me on every issue/mistake I may make. I love my job. I hate my brain fog, I hate my memory issues and my severe fatigue and my lack of balance. I do not know how I am going to make it through this, I need to work along with my husband just to be able to pay the bills which I am sure you all understand that these days.

Signed,
rae96