Difficulty Concentrating

[opie74]

Hi all,  I have been haveing alot of trouble paying attention.  If I am trying to concentrate on something and one of the children starts talking or misbehaving, i completely forget what I am talking about.  This was extremely bad today.  We were in the ENT's office for the boys' appointments.  While we were in the room waiting for the Dr., they were going crazy.  Vivian was crying for a bottle, and then my GYNO calls to talk about my upcoming Surgery.  I had gotten upset with the insurance/scheduleing person at the Gyno's office already.  I remember talking to him and not any of the details.  I didi tell him at the end of the conversation that I had been having trouble remembering things and that it was probably to do with the MS.  He said that it was ok, athat I had alot going on right now and that he did not mind answering questions (even over and over).  

How totally embarassing!  He is a good natured man, but I was humiliated!  The ENT is an awesome doc.  I was tyhere for the boys, and he insisted looking at my ears and sinus.  (He removed my toncels and worked on my sinuses a couple years ago.)  He knows that my MS causes trigenimal nerve pain, and wanted to make sure that I was not dismissing an ifection thinking it was just the nerve again.  HE wears his orange MS Society bracelet everywhere.  Why can't all Dr.s be like him? No ego, whatsoever. (BTW he is the most renon ENT/plastics men in my area)

[opie74]

Oh yea,
I have got to have a historectomy with cystocel and rectocile (sp?) repair.  My regular Gyno and my second opinion dr had different opinions of what repair materials to use.  The phone call was all of that technical stuff as well as fighting with the insurance to not force it to be outpaitent.  It really was important for me to understand the details so that I could make an informed decision as to exactly what procedure to have.  Now I am lost.  If I could remember the name of the stuff that my doc wants to use, I could research it myself, but I just can't.  I know how he described it, but that is not helping me!  UGGG  I wonder if Concerta would help me stay focused!

[opie74]

My Gyno and my ENT are friends.  Both nice men.  The ENT and his staff noticed that I was far from my normal self.  The ladies of the office came in and took the baby to play and helped me entertain the boys.  The nurse was in the room with me when the Gyno called and overheard the entire thing!  In a way, I am glad because they swarmend in and really helped me wioth the boys!

[Sparkysarah]

There seemed to be mixed messages in your post. Part of you seemed to be struggling to remember what was being said and feeling the stress of coping with young kids at their appointments. Then the ENT showed you some empathy, care and understanding and this seemed to tap into..why can't all doctors be this nice.  Not sure I have actually done anything her except summarise my understanding of what you posted but  I think what I am trying to say is hey just remember its not long since you had a baby and you have a young family so be kind on yourself. It is hard enough remembering stuff on a good day, but being in a hospital with little people is stressful so don't wory too much if you have brain fog.

Take care

Love Sarah x

[Ojibajo]

I have MS and ADHD so I am now completely screwed in the thinking department!

Good luck! Post-it notes are my friend!

If you find a miracle pill, let us all know! Sorry that I am not more help. I'm in the same boat.

[HVAC]

I have just learned not to fight my cognitive difficulty it makes it easier. I write a lot of notes. Women starting the change also have this problem. I have learned to slow down. I just had to meet with 7 legislators on Capitol Hill in one day and remember all these important things because I relaxed about it I did okay. I only had may be a minute or two to make my case. They have buzzers going off to say your visit has gone over time.

Alex

[Cre8_it]

I can definitely relate, every time I go to the dr I have to bring a notebook with all I want to talk to him about.  I also learned to leave lots of space between my lines or I will skip over something.  I am so forgetful and easily distracted that I have started staying up at night to get really important things done.  Then after my son is gone to school I go to sleep.  And I always tell the school to give me things in writing because if they just tell me something I will forget about it.  I have also said the wrong words,  been stumped on words etc.  It can be embarrassing especially when you're talking to someone important.  

Taking your children to dr appointments is difficult for sure.  The last time I took my son I had asked the dr a couple of questions about pediatricians etc. and when I left couldn't remember what he said.  I think I was in a brain fog for that appointment.  But you know, if a dr knows that you probably have, or have ms they understand that it's due to the ms.  It sounds like you have a good dr which makes all the difference in the world!

I am thinking about getting meds for this and something to help me with fatigue as well, since it's kinda messing up things for me.  Hope you have clearer headed days ahead!

HUGS