Brain Fog and Attention Problems

[forest]

I have experienced brain fog when my thyroid levels were out, but I seem to be able to think clearly now. The problem is that I get distracted quite easily by noises or even side-tracked by thoughts. It makes it very difficult for me to read, as I constantly read the same sentence over and over.

I have most of the symptoms of adult ADD, and am going to talk to the doctor in a couple of weeks about it. I have had some indicators of ADD since childhood, but I don't remember having such a problem reading when I was younger.

Is concentration a big problem with Sjogrens as well or is it likely that I could have ADD in addition to Sjogren's? I am willing to try the ADD meds since it is becoming a problem, but perhaps there are some Sjogren's meds that might help with both?

Thanks
Scott

[Scottietottie]

Hi Scott 

Concentration goes along with brain fog. I totally agree the fog is at its worst when the thyroid is 'out' but the lack of concentration is common for sjoggies. I found that Plaquenil helped a bit but I can't keep 'on task' the way I used to be able to.

Having SjS doesn't stop us having other conditions though, so asking your doc about it would be worthwhile.

Take care - Scottie 

[harrigan]

Scott, not sure what the right answer is medically but I have been struggling with my reading and concentration for over a year.  As an English teacher, it's not good!!  I also struggle to concentrate with listening, especially when I'm tired.  Sometimes, by the end of a day in school, I feel I physically cannot process any more information and I may as well be listening to another language!

I'm waiting to see if the plaquenil I've been on for 6 weeks will improve this symptom - maybe others who have been on meds for much longer can help. I'd beware of taking ritalin type drugs till I was really sure it's the only solution.  Good luck and let us know how you get on, Ailsa

[Patze]

Hi Scott,

I'm glad to hear that yours improved with your thyroid getting treated, but like several others here, I still suffer from brain fog.  Brain fog is a common theme with an AI, and like several others here, I too am trying to find the key to improving my memory retention more, along with trying to focus my attention.  And if your doctor gives you any advice, please pass it on!

Take care -

Patze

[shop247mom]

Getting diagnosed w/ ADHD is what brought me to this forum! Most all of the medications that treat this are VERY drying! They dried me out soo much that I was googling for remedies and causes when I discovered sjogrens, and realized I'd had many of these symptoms for many years. And even though I can't take ADHD meds now, I do believe they really jumpstarted my sjogren's.

[Patze]

Hi shop247mom,

Let me welcome you to the SJS World!  Please do look around as there are tons of topics that you might find interesting.

Can you tell us a bit more about you when you have a moment?  Would love to know a bit more about you.

Again, welcome and take care -

Patze

[forest]

Thanks for the replies everyone.    I'll let you know how things go with my GP. Sorry that some of you still have the brain fog. I completely understand what it is like... not fun at all.

Harrigan, I have the listening problem too. The team that I am on at work gets together daily for status reports, and my attention often drifts to something else. Embarrassing when someone says "What is your opinion on that Scott?" while I am in la-la land.     Please let me know how the plaquenil works for you.

shop247mom, sorry to hear that the ADHD meds affected you so much. I appreciate your reply, and I'll make sure I talk to the doctor about it. What I don't want to happen is to go on meds, and have them write off all of my Sjogren's symptoms as side effects of the meds as I would really like a firm diagnosis. I think I deserve one after 10 years of suffering.

forest

[missyb]

Brain Fog, I think it's the first thing to come, and the last thing to leave! I have wondered if I have ADD myself, starting one thing, on to another, then another, I run in circles all day, unless it's just a mom's life! lol I do not have the patience to start one thing and finish it. I must have several things going on and I rotate between them..

[KYMOM]

When my brain wonders I often call it my adult onset ADD. Roxanne