Brain fog, short term memory loss, lack of focus

Posted by jealge1 @jealge1, May 14, 2021

Good morning all. I am reaching out to this group to see if anyone else is struggling with this.
I was diagnosed with Small Fiber Neuropathy, mostly autonomic, about 8 weeks ago. I am sooo frustrated that my brain seems to be getting more and more scattered, unable to focus or remember basic things for a short time!! I've been sick since October 2019 and between pain, stress, depression, meds and any number of other things, sure, I've had trouble with brain fog and lack of focus. In the last couple of months though, it has gotten really bad. I'm still doing my best to work FT, maintain our home, and generally keep up with life, but from moment to moment, I can completely forget what I was thinking of!
I'm becoming concerned about driving and whether my lack of short term memory will mean mistakes in my work.
Thoughts, encouragement, ideas?
Many thanks!

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 14, 2021

Hello @jealge1, Thank you for starting this discussion. I'm pretty sure you are not alone with these symptoms. You mentioned being diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy but didn't share if you are on any pain medications for the neuropathy. One of the common side effects of the neuropathy medications is brain fog type symptoms. Until we wait for others to share their experience here is an article you might find helpful that talks about your questions. @artscaping @jimhd and @jakedduck1 may also have some thoughts on your questions.

Tackling Brain Fog: Expert Advice for Clearer Thinking: https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/patient/treatments/mental-and-emotional-therapy/tackling-brain-fog-expert-advice-clearer-thinking

jealge1 | @jealge1 | May 14, 2021

In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @jealge1, Thank you for starting this discussion. I'm pretty sure you are not alone with..." + (show)

Good morning John, and thank you for your response. I am not currently on any meds for my SFN, and my neurologist says that I do have some mild peripheral neuropathy, but mostly autonomic. I don't know if that makes a difference or not. At the moment, we also don't know the cause of my neuropathy, so my fog could be related to an underlying cause as well. Thanks again.