1. < Autoimmune Diseases

Difficulty processing too many words

Posted by sjogrensmn @sjogrensmn, Apr 30 6:17am

Hi everyone. I’m still in the process of trying to figure out a diagnosis, though based on lab results and symptoms, they are leaning toward Sjogren’s. I see a rheumatologist in June. My symptoms are fatigue, joint and muscle pain, dry eyes, brain fog. I’m starting to realize that other things may be related also; for example, I always had really good teeth, but over the last few years I’ve suddenly started developing cavities. I also have coughing fits after eating (not every meal, but often enough that my spouse has noticed). All of my symptoms have become noticeable over the last two years or so, though I assume it probably started earlier and gradually worsened. There’s one thing that I wonder if it’s related or not. I get overwhelmed by too many words/sounds at times. The tv is on, the dogs are play wrestling, my spouse is telling me about something that happened at work today. It feels like too much is coming into my brain at once and I get overwhelmed and frustrated. Has anyone else experienced this?

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sundancerdb78 | @sundancerdb78 | 2 days ago
In reply to @jw9 "Two things I think many of us share with autoimmune diagnoses: The long time it takes..." + (show)
@jw9

Two things I think many of us share with autoimmune diagnoses: The long time it takes to get a diagosis and problems with brain fog. I think your example is very clear! I became ill when I was 30. I was told "it's all in your head", sent to psychiatry, told nothing was wrong with me, etc. I didn't get a diagnosis of Sjogrens Syndrome and R.A. until I was 52! I'm hoping things are more clear now but I know there is a big shortage of rheumatologists. While I was going through all those many years, I realized I had to find peace and joy in my life, even just a little every day to be able to cope. I knew I couldn't wait until I got diagnosed to begin my life.

Brain fog: In my case it is all due to extreme fatigue. My spouse just asked me today, Why are you so confused? Well, I'm so exhausted inside that I cannot sort out many things at once. People call this multi-tasking, I call it overwhelm! You deserve to slow things down. I've had it on and off for many years and I became a poet, stayed married 36 years, learned that my brain is going to be different than others because I'm fighting 4 autoimmune illnesses and treatments, medications for them.

My biggest suggestion of all: I sleep for an hour every single day in the late afternoon. No appointments, phone calls, anything. My brain needs this to recharge.

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The hour in the PM really helps! My doctor and I were at whit's end trying to help with the fog and fatigue! We finally tried the hour nap and I'm doing so much better!
I grew up being a morning person, now I find I am much better in the PM!
I take my nap around 12-1 and it gives me more time to enjoy myself in the afternoon!
Good Luck!
Sundance, aka, RB

REPLY
1 reply
jw9 | @jw9 | 2 days ago
In reply to @sundancerdb78 "The hour in the PM really helps! My doctor and I were at whit's end trying..." + (show)
@sundancerdb78

The hour in the PM really helps! My doctor and I were at whit's end trying to help with the fog and fatigue! We finally tried the hour nap and I'm doing so much better!
I grew up being a morning person, now I find I am much better in the PM!
I take my nap around 12-1 and it gives me more time to enjoy myself in the afternoon!
Good Luck!
Sundance, aka, RB

Jump to this post

@sundancerdb78
I just loved hearing that you've tried that hour (brain rest) nap! I feel hopeful that what I've learned from long practice would help someone else. We live in a harsh culture. My parents were always uncomfortable that I had to rest when I visited them. That gave me an idea where my initial resistance came from. To live and create as fully as possible while living with chronic disabling illness has been my life's goal. I'm happy that you have been able to enjoy your afternoon! I hope others see this also. Thank you!

REPLY
1 reply
jw9 | @jw9 | 2 days ago
In reply to @pm56 "Brain fog is common with autoimmune disease, but mine worsened significantly after I had Covid. My..." + (show)
@pm56

Brain fog is common with autoimmune disease, but mine worsened significantly after I had Covid. My rheumatologist asked me to see a neurologist who did a brain MRI just to make sure there was nothing else going on. Perhaps that might be a good idea for you too. Cavities are linked to dry mouth and are common with Sjogrens. I get dry mouth from one of my other meds and my doctor recommended I stop drinking alcohol and coffee, and he suggested a product called Biotene (it comes as a mouth spray or lozenge). Best of luck with your upcoming appointment.

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So glad you mentioned Biotene! I use the spray during the night when I need it, the gel when I have mouth sores, and the gum is great when I'm out. Great suggestion by your doctor.

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1 reply
glamma007 | @glamma007 | 2 days ago

I have a Sjogrens diagnosis, which took a few years to uncover.
Yes, I do experience similar symptoms to some extent. As a former multitasker, I often have to remind myself to step back, take a breath and focus on one thing at a time. That's especially needed in loud restaurants, crowded venues, very brightly lit stores with white shiny flooring, where it's harder to achieve. I've always been a "low screener" so learning to focus and concentrate are still works in progress.

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pm56 | @pm56 | 2 days ago
In reply to @jw9 "So glad you mentioned Biotene! I use the spray during the night when I need it,..." + (show)
@jw9

So glad you mentioned Biotene! I use the spray during the night when I need it, the gel when I have mouth sores, and the gum is great when I'm out. Great suggestion by your doctor.

Jump to this post

@jw9 he also mentioned any sharp/sour citrus hard candy will do in a pinch too as they activate the salivary glands, but I’m not fond of sour, lol.

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1 reply
sundancerdb78 | @sundancerdb78 | 2 days ago
In reply to @jw9 "@sundancerdb78 I just loved hearing that you've tried that hour (brain rest) nap! I feel hopeful..." + (show)
@jw9

@sundancerdb78
I just loved hearing that you've tried that hour (brain rest) nap! I feel hopeful that what I've learned from long practice would help someone else. We live in a harsh culture. My parents were always uncomfortable that I had to rest when I visited them. That gave me an idea where my initial resistance came from. To live and create as fully as possible while living with chronic disabling illness has been my life's goal. I'm happy that you have been able to enjoy your afternoon! I hope others see this also. Thank you!

Jump to this post

So Glad to hear! Came down with Lyme Disease 7 years ago. I wouldn't be here without finding and trying rest as a helpful tool to make it through the day!
Best of Luck to You!
Sundance, aka RB

REPLY
jw9 | @jw9 | 2 days ago
In reply to @pm56 "@jw9 he also mentioned any sharp/sour citrus hard candy will do in a pinch too as..." + (show)
@pm56

@jw9 he also mentioned any sharp/sour citrus hard candy will do in a pinch too as they activate the salivary glands, but I’m not fond of sour, lol.

Jump to this post

@pm56 If the doctor had dry mouth like we're talking about, the doctor wouldn't like sour either! Or, someone might use hard candy full of sugar! Then there will be so many dental appointments, no time for the doctor...

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