Symptom 3. Cognitive Difficulties: Where Did My Brain Go?
Next up in our detailed understanding of fibromyalgia symptoms is cognitive difficulties, more commonly known as ‘fibro fog.’ So, what does this mean? Well, imagine trying to wade through a swamp with heavy boots. That’s what cognitive processing can feel like for someone dealing with fibro fog.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all symptom; the severity and manifestation of fibro fog can vary greatly between individuals. However, the common threads that run through are a noticeable decline in memory performance, attention, and speed of cognitive processes. In essence, it feels as though the brain’s once well-oiled gears are grinding and groaning.
Daily life with fibro fog can be a game of tag, constantly chasing after thoughts that slip away. Mundane tasks like keeping track of keys or remembering appointments can become frustrating obstacles. Concentration becomes an elusive beast, making tasks that require focus, like reading a book or following a movie plot, increasingly difficult.
And then there’s the speech and language troubles, a largely overlooked yet deeply frustrating aspect of fibro fog. Picture this: you’re in the middle of a conversation when suddenly you hit an invisible wall. The right words are there somewhere, but you just can’t grasp them. Or, you find yourself using the wrong words or stuttering.
Life with fibro fog is like being a detective in your own mind, trying to locate thoughts, words, and memories. Navigating this can be challenging, but acknowledging the issue is the first step towards mitigating its impact. (*)
