What Is Fibro Fog? Part 1
SubhanAllah today was one of those days that I really had to remind myself to remain strong. I wasn’t feeling too well but I had to go to work. It was a struggle to get anything done. Fibro fog is no joke. Forgetting what you just did is a little scary and aggravating. At work I was a little absentminded which caused me to have to work harder. I try my best to not let Fibro take over my life but it’s a battle I sometimes lose.
What Is Fibro Fog?
The loss of mental clarity is twice as common in people with fibromyalgia (some 50 percent to 80 percent report issues) than in those with other rheumatologic conditions, according to a 2016 Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology report.
The most common fibro fog complaints include:
Forgetfulness and problems remembering new information.
Reduced ability to think quickly and efficiently, especially in distracting environments.
Difficulty concentrating or feeling alert.
Difficulty holding conversation or the ability to access stored language information quickly and efficiently.(https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/fibro-fog)
I was so confused when my doctors told me about fibro fog. Some people just shouldn’t even try to explain things. I left there having more questions than when I first went. I was afraid I was losing my mind, I was all jumbled up. I had to come home and do my own research on these two words I just learned. It was hard to fathom a disease that caused pain could also cause forgetfulness and loss of concentration. I knew something was wrong because I was having a hard time multitasking. I couldn’t remember what I did a minute ago. You all know, that is not normal. Nothing about this was normal. I noticed my speech pattern and vocabulary also changed. I was held hostage by my brain with no window to crawl out of. Allah is truly merciful. Islaam gave me everything I needed to tackle this debilitating disease Faith in the reward from Allah kept me patient and strong. Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “If Allah wills good for someone, He afflicts him with trials.” (Sahih Al Bukhaari)
“Fibromyalgia causes aches and pains all over the body, as well as fatigue, sleep, and mood issues. It can also lead to problems with memory or thinking clearly. These cognitive difficulties — called fibro fog — are common: Research suggests more than half of people with fibromyalgia show a decline in memory and clear thinking.
When you have fibro fog, it can cause you to be in a state of confusion that you don’t even know you’re in, CreakyJoints member Joan W. shared on Facebook. You can’t find the words you want to say or you misspeak without realizing it. You may also experience:
Memory issues or forgetfulness
Impaired ability to concentrate or stay focused
Decreased alertness
Problems thinking clearly or mental slowness
Difficulty holding a conversation
Some research has also shown deficits in what’s known as executive functioning skills, such as planning abilities, decision making, and abstract thinking.
The impact of fibro fog on everyday life is significant. In fact, patients with fibromyalgia often report that these cognitive symptoms are more disabling than their pain. It makes you feel like you’re losing your mind, CreakyJoints member Sharon C. shared on Facebook.” (https://creakyjoints.org/about-arthritis/fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia-symptoms/fibro-fog/)