I actually think that because we are so focused on our pain and stressed due to the pain and trying to forget the pain that our minds leave out things that aren't causes us pain or difficultiness. Just my opinion on this one....

In the book "The Fibromyalgia Cure" by David Dryland, M.D. he states that because most of our thoughts travel through the limbic system, one of the busiest traffic centers in your brain. When a person is dealing with fight or flight response their brain is on high alert, the brain is then constantly analyzing the environment for potential threats. This causes frustration, anger or upset. It is no wonder why your limbic system assigns a low priority to thought process having to do with recalling where you left your car keys. However, as soon as the adrenaline starts to return to normal, your car keys can be given attention. Also, chronic pain is distracting for sure. So this is another area of our life that may need some accommodations, i.e., consistent daily schedule, medication (I am ADHD so I take Adderall XR 30 mg), and pad of paper. His book is interesting with outside the box treatment philosophy. Both pain and pain medications deplete our dopamine levels which increases our pain by impacting the CNS and our pain receptors. The fight/flight response also impacts hormone responses. I feel stuck in the fight/flight after 30 years of dealing with on-call emergency situations and trying to pick up the pieces of families that were a result of abuse, neglect, and substance abuse. I would not trade my life experiences for anything even with all the pain. I know that you are a nurse and probably dealt with some of the same adrenaline boosts - fight/flight.

Yes, indeed...have the brain fog...worse at times and then a little better...use the computer calendar to try to remember appts, keep the front of the fridge with the card reminders, write in a note pad and still forget! I used to be a very organzied person capable of running dental offices and now I can't run my day. Find it is worse with the more medication that I take.....don't beat urself up...just try to find what works best for you. I even have my sister call me to remind me.....that is if she doesn't forget.....lol....Hugs...Nell

When I started having this problem about 10 years ago, I was referred to a neuropsychologist who did a whole battery of tests on me to see what was causing the problem. He even ordered a CAT scan of my brain. At the end of several months of testing, he concluded that although I did have a very real memory loss problem it was caused by my brains inablility to cope with the amount of pain I was in. Apparently when we are in a lot of pain our brains cannot function as well because the pain takes over so much space in the brain. At least that's how he explained it to me. Since then I have noticed a direct correlation between the memory problems and the level of pain. It is so frustrating especially when I'm trying to talk to someone and can't find the words I want. Most things I can just write down to help my poor brain out. When nonsense comes out of my mouth, I just explain to whomever I am talking to that I have a problem getting the words from my brain to my mouth and most people are pretty understanding.

Oh gosh, some days I feel the heaviness of the brain fog. I write to do lists. Not lengthy ones, mini goals so that if I can only do one thing, it's a good thing.

I keep checking books out that I have already read and don't fully realize until a few chapters into the book. Other times since I don't remember plot, I read it again.

Learning new information has been the downer....I do not retain it well...it's like a sieve...

Well, I cope by accepting me the best I can as this is the new normal for me whether I like it or not and getting depressed, upset, stressed, all work against me.

I cook healthier, simple recipes, read, meditate, move a lot, drink tons of water with lemon slices, trust God has my back and has my life plan and is working diligently in my life.

Even though some days are brutal..sitting down or laying down hurts when getting up.

I try not to grieve my prior life when none of this issues existed.

Be kind to yourself and surrounf yourself with people and things that bring your heart joy.

Gentle hugs to you...