Suggestions for management of Brain Fog

[jsk46]

If anyone has any suggestions for ways you've managed your brain fog, please let me know.   We can swap ideas on ways to better manage it.
I have had two decompression surgeries, most recently one in October 2013 but severe brain fog has returned and has been extremely disrupting in my life, both with relationships of family members and my ability to function effectively on a consistent basis.  Has been frustrating but I'm determined to seek better management tools to use along with the ones that my family has suggested.  Typically I become impatient but realize there is no over night solution.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Elisaandbucky]

Hello again. I had 2 surgeries with Dr Paolo Bolognese in Long Island. On 7/29/14 Ibadan the posterior fossa decompression for chiaroscuro and on 4/15/15 I had fusion of O-C2 for craniocervic instability, I am recovering steadily. Are you looking at going anywhere particularly?

[zipperless]

Hi Jeff
I had my surgery in San Antonio, by Dr David Jimenez. Keep us posted.

Zipperless no longer

[jsk46]

My second surgeon was Dr Rosner....in Asheville/Hendersonville, NC.
You may recognize him since you are also in NC.  
We live in Atlanta but he was the closest that I felt comfortable with at the time.

Jeff

[jsk46]

Sorry for the delay replying.  Had not checked back and then realized there were a few replies.  I thought I would get notified on my cell phone but need to download the app for that.

Great suggestion about the puzzles.  Appreciate that.  I will increase that to see how that helps along with the low-inflammatory diet.
Will share all ideas that are effective so they may help others as well.
Who did you have your surgery with?
God Bless,
Jeff

[jsk46]

Sorry for the late reply.  Thanks so much.  I will definitely try that.  Can't hurt at all.  Who was your surgeon?

God Bless,
Jeff

[Elisaandbucky]

Hello. You have gotten some great tips from people above. I have a few more suggestions to help you manage the brain fog. I do a lot of puzzles (with a reasonable number of pieces so you can complete them on a single sitting). Many people I know swear by the effectiveness of doing crossword puzzles to help with your recall. There is also a website called Luminosity that has mental exercises. They do have a joining fee, though. The other thing that I do is read aloud to help with learning and retaining concepts. I am a teacher and I read my lecture notes aloud to myself before I meet my class. I hope you can get some ideas that will help you. Please post back to tell us what things worked well for you.

[Toni_Paugh]

Hi. I too was nervous about getting back to work after decompression surgery (surgery was May 2014). I went back to work about 2 months after & worked no more then 2 days a week. My work requires a Fit for Duty form to return. My doctor put down a 3 month restriction, I couldn't lift, push, pull or apply any pressure over 25lbs (I mainly assist in Ortho in the Operating room, so I did mostly GYN & Plastics for 3 months). I also made sure those in the same room as myself knew what I wouldn't be able to do that day & I would be moving slow. So, what I'm saying is think about what might cause a problem for you at work & address it with everyone there. Also, have restrictions written by your doctor for your boss. You will also figure out things while working, what not to do again. Just be careful.

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Make sure your Dr is aware what your duties at work will be, and how you feel now...and that you are concerned you are not yet ready.....I can not imagine going back to work at 3 months when I had surgery....this is typically when some symptoms return as you continue to heal....and you are not done healing.....

What issues are you having? What have you tried to do that makes you feel unready for work?

Also ask if you can go back a little at a time to test it out before being released to go back full force.

  Good luck and keep us posted on what your Dr says.

[Ccurrie]

I am 3 months post op. I see my doc tomorrow. I have a physical job and am afraid my doc will release me! I Am not ready! What do I say to him?

[zipperless]

Hey Jeff,
My surgery was in Nov 2013. I also have struggled with brain fog the last 12 months.
Not sure if this will help you, but my surgeon told me that a.lot of my symptoms were due to inflammation.I found on the days I ate sugary foods and starchy stuff like white bread/potatoes/rice, my brain fog increased. When I avoided that kind of stuff my head was clearer.
It is an easy thing to try. Hope it helps you.
Bev

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

If you go into settings for your account here you can get notifications when you get replies etc....as personal info is not allowed on the public forum.

As for the brain fog...1- try to relax and  be more patient with yourself...
2- use post it notes and lists
3- use routine to help with memory and brain fog
4- there are different activities that you can do that can also help....word puzzles etc....
5- Make family and friends aware so they are patient with you as well....