Friday, September 12, 2008 Morgan asks

Q: Can " fogginess" be associated with fibro?

I have always been a perfectionest, but the fibro and cfs limit that habit now. This year in school I have been pulling C's. I have always made straight A's. I find it really hard to focus. I forget simple things. I learn things and then forget or mix up the info. If this situation is linked to the fm or cfs what could I do to prevent this? What could I do to at least help this? The doctor said that it may be from sleep deprivation, but I had not been sleeping last school year either? I'm only sleeping a hour to four hours a night. Thanks for your inputs!

Wishes of good health,

Morgan

Answers (3)

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Cort

9/14/08 1:03pm

Hi Morgan,

Yes fogginess - often called 'fibro-fog' in FM and 'brain-fog' in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a very common, unfortunately, and can be difficult to deal with emotionally - just another challenge for the FM patient!

Reduced sleep is one of those key problems that can cause so much distress. I'm reading a book on sleep right now. You need at least 6 hours of sleep. Dr. Teitelbaum gives up 6 different sleep medications (in small doses) to get his FM and CFS patients good sleep. Getting good sleep seems to be a key component of getting of getting well. One besides repairing the body one of the things good sleep does is help the brain integrate the experiences it had during the day; we actually learn or don't during sleep.

So your job should be to figure out how to get better sleep. You know about sleep hygiene and doing things like meditation or relaxation exercises may help you get to sleep more quickly and get into a deeper sleep. And there are the sleep drugs, which as I remember, you've tried. Keep on looking - it can take quite some time to find the right combination of things.

As always, good luck!

Rayne

9/13/08 1:17pm

Hi Morgan,

Yes, fogginess can be associated with fibro. It is also a sign of stress! Don't be such a perfectionist, girl. You're beautiful just being you. You may just exacerbate your condition when you are so hard on yourself. I speak from my own experience. Life's to short; let up on yourself! Look in the mirror and say "give me a freaking break, Morgan!" .......you may want to do it when no one's home. =)

Take care

Susan Scott

6/21/09 10:18pm

Morgan,

I was looking for answers to the same question. I am 50 years old working on my masters while I am unemployed. I thought it would be a good time seeing as I have all day to do things. Does the school consider FM a disability and can we get extra time to do projects. Somedays I just need a day off to think / rest. I don't ever sleep and now I am worried that I will be lost in the progressing intellectual world out there.

Q: Can " fogginess" be associated with fibro?

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