thorninmyside

I can’t find my bleepin’ (oops, had an Illinois governor moment LOL) keys- AGAIN.  Now, I know that many of you that don’t live with a chronic illness can relate to this but those of you that do can relate on a completely different level.  Brain “fog” as this symptom of many chronic illnesses is known,  is my most frustrating symptom on a personal level.  I feel like I can’t trust myself to remember things that used to come naturally, such as my son’s orthodontist appointment or where the heck I put my keys, shoes- you name it.

I am a professional organizer by trade so I have incorporated tried and true methods to help me remember, much like I would suggest to a client that struggles with attention deficit issues.  Yet, here I sit.  Typing a blog post instead of driving to Bible study because I can’t find my bleepin’ keys.

I prayed and resolved myself to the fact that since it is freezing rain outside maybe I am not supposed to be driving today.  God knows my stubborn nature and knows that hiding my keys is probably the only way to keep me at home today. Or, I’m losing it. I prefer the first option.

Cognitive impairment (I prefer brain fog) occurs in approximately 50-60 percent of people with multiple sclerosis (www.nmss.org).  It manifests itself through issues with short term memory, information processing and executive functioning abilities.  Executive functioning are those mundane, everyday things like being able to balance a checkbook, shop from a list, locate your bleepin’ keys. 

The pre-frontal cortex of your brain (the frontal lobes that comprise the cerebrum) is responsible for these executive functioning and cognitive tasks.  This part of the brain also controls learning, behavior and judgement.

Other symptoms like fatigue, nutritional deficiencies, etc. can exacerbate the cognitive issues associated with MS.  And environmental and external pressures like stress (it is the holiday’s) can also worsen cognitive symptoms.

Does any of this make me feel any better?  Actually, yes.  Knowledge is power and being educated about the disease process that affects you is key to maintaining a realistic outlook on your situation.  I don’t need to sit here and beat myself up about the fact that I have lost my keys again.  I can chalk it up to a myriad of the issues mentioned above and actually chuckle that at least I have an excuse (since some of my friends have similar issues and no illness to blame it on LOL).

And, if brain fog or any other symptom does get you down from time to time (we are human and I for one tend to be emotional at times) then just remember the words to this song by Steven Curtis Chapman.  The lyrics came to my mind while I was frantically looking for my keys and are frequently of comfort to me:

His strength is perfect when my strength is gone

He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on

Raised in His power, the weak become strong

His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect.

His grace is sufficient~Melissa

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