Aa
Is this a part of cog fog?
It seems lately my cog fog is there all the time. It gets worse if I am tired or stressed. What seems to be getting really bad though is people talking on and on actually makes ne feel lightheaded and like I just can't think. There are times I just want to go in a quiet room and everyone just shut up. Anyone else feel this,way or am I just antisocial?
Beema
Beema
I have been diagnosed with MS since October 2000. It only took one week--from Monday and an episode of excruciating headache on Monday and the new resulting optic neuritis till Friday that week after a cat scan, MRI, lumbar puncture ( which was botched by the first of two doctors attempting it reulsitng in blood in the cs fluid, and an angeogram to rule out stroke because of the blood in the cs fluid.
Having said that, my disabling condition combined with ADD is cognitive impairment. Many with ms experience some cog impairment (estimats are 50%) with ms xperience some form of it. Mine is my" wheelchair in my head.
A remarkably candid author Jeffrey Gingold, published a small paperback book "Cognitive impairment and multiple sclerosis" in 2006. The first edition, greasy cover, is his anecdotal account of his journey from initial symptoms, finding a diagnosis, dnial, and eventual resolution in managing his ms , not letting ms manage or 'define' him!!!
A must rad for those with ms and the spouses. When I was struggling to identify what was wrong with me over a period of almost six years to describe hat was happening in my mind, I discovered this book and it was dramatic lifechnaging experience! My cognitive impairment follows me like wheelchairs follow others. And I know what it is like to scream inside knowing something wasn't right but not having the words til I read this book and shared it with my wife!
It was far more helpful than the neurologist I went to during myscreaming out I side to find answers for my cognitive symptoms, and he was mad at me in my initial interview, throwing rapid fire questions at me that, as we know, are not what you needwhenyour trying to function with delayed processing of information you experience with cognitive impairment.
He left the room briefly, and when he came back I asked him what I may have done that mad him angry, he apologized to me saying "Moat of my patients come in here using walkers,manes, or wheelchairs, and you wlkied in here. WHAT IS YoUR PROBLEM !"
It is so good to see you addressing this issue here in this site.
Having said that, my disabling condition combined with ADD is cognitive impairment. Many with ms experience some cog impairment (estimats are 50%) with ms xperience some form of it. Mine is my" wheelchair in my head.
A remarkably candid author Jeffrey Gingold, published a small paperback book "Cognitive impairment and multiple sclerosis" in 2006. The first edition, greasy cover, is his anecdotal account of his journey from initial symptoms, finding a diagnosis, dnial, and eventual resolution in managing his ms , not letting ms manage or 'define' him!!!
A must rad for those with ms and the spouses. When I was struggling to identify what was wrong with me over a period of almost six years to describe hat was happening in my mind, I discovered this book and it was dramatic lifechnaging experience! My cognitive impairment follows me like wheelchairs follow others. And I know what it is like to scream inside knowing something wasn't right but not having the words til I read this book and shared it with my wife!
It was far more helpful than the neurologist I went to during myscreaming out I side to find answers for my cognitive symptoms, and he was mad at me in my initial interview, throwing rapid fire questions at me that, as we know, are not what you needwhenyour trying to function with delayed processing of information you experience with cognitive impairment.
He left the room briefly, and when he came back I asked him what I may have done that mad him angry, he apologized to me saying "Moat of my patients come in here using walkers,manes, or wheelchairs, and you wlkied in here. WHAT IS YoUR PROBLEM !"
It is so good to see you addressing this issue here in this site.
I am in love with this board. It is amazing how many of you are having the same problems I have. Problems that other don't understand and that seem "crazy". I have noticed that I freqently need to wear sunglasses indoors lately. I live in FL so its very sunny. Also, I've noticed the intolerance of standing there listening to someone talk in the heat outside. I just want to run away screaming saying be quiet......
Thank you all for putting into words what I've been feeling.
Thank you all for putting into words what I've been feeling.
I definitely am more irritable with people, in noisy environments, etc. even wosre since my last relapse. When I was at Outpatients for day 3 of my IVSM drip a few months ago, there was a child in the cubicle next to me, he was about 8 or 9 years old, and he would not shut up. For the entire hour I was there he just yammered on and on about nonsense, and I was even more irritated by the mother who obviously thought he was adorable, and kept egging on her precocious son. They were talking very loudly, like they wanted others to hear their inane banter. I came this close to pulling the curtain back and yelling 'Shut the f*ck up! This is a hospital and people are sick and don't want to listen to your nonsense!" Sorry, I know that sounds harsh but that's what I was feeling. That was the first time I really recognized that I was becoming much more crabby in such situations.
At home, I no longer can have the TV on or music playing while I'm on my laptop doing emails or whatever. I am more irritable about my husband eating in bed. It's always something loud and crunchy in a very noisy bag: rice cakes, popcorn, chips, crackers. He even eats uncooked hard macaroni! I have to put whatever I'm reading down until he's done, I just cannot concentrate on the words on the page while he's next to me making all that racket. Then I remember something I read in Dear Abby or Ann Landers years ago when I was just 11 or 12 years old. A woman wrote in saying how for years she was irritated by her husband's snoring, it drove her nuts, they argued about it, etc. He had since died, and she said there was nothing more she would want but to have her husband still with her, lying next to her in bed, and that his snoring would be the sweetest sound to her. For some reason this story stuck with me and I try to think this way and appreciate my husband, even with all the crunchy noisy eating. It does take a VERY conscious effort on my part though. :),
MS has definitely made me crabbier!! I agree with Ren's neuro's theory about sensory overload.
At home, I no longer can have the TV on or music playing while I'm on my laptop doing emails or whatever. I am more irritable about my husband eating in bed. It's always something loud and crunchy in a very noisy bag: rice cakes, popcorn, chips, crackers. He even eats uncooked hard macaroni! I have to put whatever I'm reading down until he's done, I just cannot concentrate on the words on the page while he's next to me making all that racket. Then I remember something I read in Dear Abby or Ann Landers years ago when I was just 11 or 12 years old. A woman wrote in saying how for years she was irritated by her husband's snoring, it drove her nuts, they argued about it, etc. He had since died, and she said there was nothing more she would want but to have her husband still with her, lying next to her in bed, and that his snoring would be the sweetest sound to her. For some reason this story stuck with me and I try to think this way and appreciate my husband, even with all the crunchy noisy eating. It does take a VERY conscious effort on my part though. :),
MS has definitely made me crabbier!! I agree with Ren's neuro's theory about sensory overload.
I have noticed irritability with my family! Lol I might have to get those headsets for me to wear to help block out 3 young children! Hahah. I love them dearly but sometimes the noise can get to me.
Jeny
Jeny
Mary you made me laugh. Where do you get the headsets? That's a great idea. My Dr last year suggested musicians earplugs like the rock singers and bands use. Depending how you position them you can block more or less sound. My son says Walmart now carries them. My biggest problem is my ears get sore with plugs so don't use them like I should.
Your suggestions are wonderful. I just can't really handle noise or lots of stimuli anymore and,apparently that includes conversations with people too. I hadn't stopped to think that is also a stimulus. That's why its wonderful to come here and talk to all you wonderful friends.:)
Beema
Your suggestions are wonderful. I just can't really handle noise or lots of stimuli anymore and,apparently that includes conversations with people too. I hadn't stopped to think that is also a stimulus. That's why its wonderful to come here and talk to all you wonderful friends.:)
Beema
Oh Beema!!! I'm getting the heebee jeebies just imaging the zoom zoom stuff. Really, look into a set of those wireless headphones. Cheap ones work great.
I understand it isn't fun for the guys to watch a sport at whisper volume. (I enjoy quiet but I HATED that commercial where all the employees at the TP company whispered.) Anyway, I don't think the guys enjoy it when we go crazy either. With the headset they get to enjoy full level sound and enter right into the action. They can pretend they are wearing ear protection in the pit or are joining the coaching staff on the sideline. Now I just have to learn how to guard myself against the touchdown celebration wallop howl.
BTW, I went to Wally World (on a cold day so I didn't look so out of place in my earmuffs and sun glasses) and bought a package of those very soft earplugs. They are like the ones they give me for an MRI. I carry them in my purse for emergency use and put a pair or two in small medicine bottles to stash in vehicles, at work, etc. They are cheap and easy to grab and use as needed.
These moldable ear plugs can be placed loosely or used smash and expand for 'full contact' depending on how much sound you want to let in or keep out. They have allowed me to stay a few places I would have had to leave otherwise. One time they even saved me from doing the crazy person thing on somebody's head.
No doubt about it. We are a bunch of sensitive princesses :]
Mary
I understand it isn't fun for the guys to watch a sport at whisper volume. (I enjoy quiet but I HATED that commercial where all the employees at the TP company whispered.) Anyway, I don't think the guys enjoy it when we go crazy either. With the headset they get to enjoy full level sound and enter right into the action. They can pretend they are wearing ear protection in the pit or are joining the coaching staff on the sideline. Now I just have to learn how to guard myself against the touchdown celebration wallop howl.
BTW, I went to Wally World (on a cold day so I didn't look so out of place in my earmuffs and sun glasses) and bought a package of those very soft earplugs. They are like the ones they give me for an MRI. I carry them in my purse for emergency use and put a pair or two in small medicine bottles to stash in vehicles, at work, etc. They are cheap and easy to grab and use as needed.
These moldable ear plugs can be placed loosely or used smash and expand for 'full contact' depending on how much sound you want to let in or keep out. They have allowed me to stay a few places I would have had to leave otherwise. One time they even saved me from doing the crazy person thing on somebody's head.
No doubt about it. We are a bunch of sensitive princesses :]
Mary
Thanks nice to know I am not alone. I know going into a place like Walmart is more than I can handle anymore at all.
My dh has found watching his NASCAR race makes me nuts with the announcers,and the constant zoom zoom noise. He's learned to keep the level down.:)
I think a comatose friend is just what I need.lol
Beema
My dh has found watching his NASCAR race makes me nuts with the announcers,and the constant zoom zoom noise. He's learned to keep the level down.:)
I think a comatose friend is just what I need.lol
Beema
Excellent comments on the problem with processing busy input. I would add that even visually busy environments have the same effect on me like the mall or a busy grocery store.
Not to practice one-ups-manship over anybody, but there are times when "unitasking" is nearly impossible. The best companion may be a comatose one.
Q :))
Not to practice one-ups-manship over anybody, but there are times when "unitasking" is nearly impossible. The best companion may be a comatose one.
Q :))
I have the same issues.My neuro told me that it was an increase in sensory input and my brain cannot process the info fast enough to be effectual.
Therefore, moving public transportation(trains usually) can cause this as well as a busy background environment. The same reason he told me I could no longer drive on the expressways due to so much input in a very short time period. You not alone and not antisocial.
Ren
Therefore, moving public transportation(trains usually) can cause this as well as a busy background environment. The same reason he told me I could no longer drive on the expressways due to so much input in a very short time period. You not alone and not antisocial.
Ren
This makes sense in light of the fact that the most common cognitive problems experienced by PwMS are decreased speed of thought processing, difficulty maintaining concentration/focus and decreased ability to multi-task.
I have noticed an increased appreciation for silence and that I seldom have background music or the radio on anymore. When I think about it I wonder why that is and think I should miss it but never do end up turning it on. I have to concentrate on one thing at a time these days and almost anything can distract me. MS + age = a deadly multi-task killing combo.
I have also noticed a growing intolerance for tv background noice when hubby is watching sports type shows. The background crowd noise and announcers hyper dialogue can drive me crazy. He is hard of hearing so has the volume turned up besides. I end up asking him to listen with his directional headset on.
As for conversations, I have a hard time listening to my own self sometimes but then I'm forced to think and listen at the same time. It's a differnet kind of challenge.
Mary
I have noticed an increased appreciation for silence and that I seldom have background music or the radio on anymore. When I think about it I wonder why that is and think I should miss it but never do end up turning it on. I have to concentrate on one thing at a time these days and almost anything can distract me. MS + age = a deadly multi-task killing combo.
I have also noticed a growing intolerance for tv background noice when hubby is watching sports type shows. The background crowd noise and announcers hyper dialogue can drive me crazy. He is hard of hearing so has the volume turned up besides. I end up asking him to listen with his directional headset on.
As for conversations, I have a hard time listening to my own self sometimes but then I'm forced to think and listen at the same time. It's a differnet kind of challenge.
Mary
Thanks Quiz. Yrs I am diagnosed with MS and autonomic dysfunction. I have had constant tinnitus for 20 years so I know what you mean about that. I wasn't antisocial but have noticed I am more so since I started having spells of syncope when I stand and huge dumps of adrenaline which the,drs tell me is,a part of the messed up autonomic system. According to all of them ms caused my ANS problems.
I am getting more and more I just like it quiet. I even find myself watching tv on mute and using closed captioning.:)
I am not glad you have experienced,this but am glad to know its probably not a personality flaw in me.
It's,nice to see you post. You havent been around much so glad you are ok.
Beema
I am getting more and more I just like it quiet. I even find myself watching tv on mute and using closed captioning.:)
I am not glad you have experienced,this but am glad to know its probably not a personality flaw in me.
It's,nice to see you post. You havent been around much so glad you are ok.
Beema
Hi, I don't remember if you are diagnosed ('cause I've been AWOL for too darn long), but I have gone through periods of irritability with chatter around me and even with people around me. Some of those periods were very lengthy and seemed to correlate with my disease being more active. They also happened when I had vertigo or when the ever-present tinnitus was especially bad. (Tinnitus is a sound heard only by you in your head). One spell was so bad that I had to get rid of a very yacky Siamese cats.
When I am fatigued I am frequently irritable and unwilling to sit and listen to others.
Antisocial? Only if that is a regular part of your make up.
Just a few thoughts,
Quix
When I am fatigued I am frequently irritable and unwilling to sit and listen to others.
Antisocial? Only if that is a regular part of your make up.
Just a few thoughts,
Quix
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