posted
I just wanted to see if what I'm experiencing it really brain fog or something else.
I have had constant feelings of "not being here" for the past 2 years straight. I haven't had a single day where my brain felt clear. My memory is terrible, I feel very detached from everything. When I read about people having brain fog it seems to come and go.
Could this be something else like depression? My anxiety is really bad too.
All this makes it very hard to function.
I was wondering about other's experiences with brain fog and what it's like for you and how long it lasted.
I really can't stand it anymore.
Thanks
Posts: 86 | From new york | Registered: Jun 2008
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CherylSue
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13077
posted
Doxycycline was a big help for me. Are you being treated for Lyme?
Posts: 1954 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2007
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posted
OMG...you are not my wife, faking a name, and posting this, are you?
Your descroption is exactly what I have witnessed in her. I too wonder...
Posts: 822 | From midwest | Registered: Apr 2009
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Leelee
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19112
posted
I think it is brain fog. You described essentially what I felt before starting on abx.
I still deal with depression and anxiety, though. In fact today my therapist added another anti-depressant to the ones I already take.
But the memory loss, general confusion and feeling that I wasn't really present has gone. My brain was one of the first things to come back once I began treatment.
-------------------- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King,Jr Posts: 1573 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2009
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I've even done IV rocephin...nothing's really helped though.
Sorry, wtl, not your wife...Haha
I've been on abx for over a year now, tried a lot of different combos and have been treated for coinfections.
I'm sure this type of question has been asked a million times and no one really knows the answer, but I was just wondering if it could really be from just being so overwhelmed with having lyme.
Seems like I should have had some improvement by now. I really need to be "here"..it's really disturbing.
Posts: 86 | From new york | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
The memory problems and trouble thinking, that is brain fog. The detached feeling, feeling like you are "not really there", sounds like derealization. Worst symptom ever in my humble opinion. Some people think it is from bartonella or mycoplasma, possibly babesia. Wish I had more answers, but you are not alone, it really sucks.
Posts: 205 | From northern california | Registered: Apr 2008
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posted
I'm right there with you Sarah, going on 4 years straight now with this "detached" feeling. It is the worst symptom and I haven't been able to crack it.
I have been on abx for over a year, I have had random moments of clarity on certain days, but like you said my "brain fog" is 24/7. And has never really eased up the 4 years i've been sick.
It's really hard to describe and I always say it feels like cotton has been injected into my head, and when I look in the mirror it feels like im not even looking at myself, it is scary. I tend to avoid staring in the mirror just because of it.
I'm not sure what the root cause is, im guessing something in the central nervous system like inflammation or anxiety that just won't quit.
But you are not alone, hopefully someday something clears our heads and we can finally feel "present"
- trevor
Posts: 59 | From Arizona | Registered: May 2008
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posted
I have been battling all of this too. I have been in treatment for 11 months now after being actutely sick and undiagnosed for 15 months - 8 of that with complete derealizaiton.
I am just now coming out of the derealization and getting my memory back and cogntive function. I have a long way to go, but slowly I have been getting better. As I am learning, it takes time!
Kathy
-------------------- Severe neurological problems. Probably sick for years. Became chronically sick in Aug 2007. Undiagnosed for another 15 months. Started treatment for lyme and bart Sept. 2008. Improving, but very slowly. Posts: 515 | From washington dc | Registered: Aug 2008
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quote:Originally posted by Sarah182: Sorry, wtl, not your wife...Haha
Ok, if you said so.
I am encouraged by the responses from those who have seen the improvements after treatment. That has been one of the main worries I have about my wife.
I am also glad that now I can put a name "derealization" to describe what I have witnessed.
I am having an extermely hard time to adjust the reality that I am not able to talk to her like we used to. It puts a lot of burden for the caretakers, for sure. I feel very lonely, and almost worse than her because I now become the advocate to explain the situation including her doctor and take care of everything in and out.
Posts: 822 | From midwest | Registered: Apr 2009
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posted
She's lucky she has you, wtl, and I'm sure she's greatful!!
It's so hard to live day in and day out like this. I'm glad to know people improve. It seems like it usually happens faster than what's happening with me, that's why I wonder. Makes me scared that this is permanent.
Everybody better watch out when I can think clearly again!! Here comes the know it all! I can't wait.
Posts: 86 | From new york | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
Man o man.. that symptom..suuuckkked! whatever it is..it felt like my soul was being eatin by the bugs and it was a very emotionally 'thin and foggy' feeling..like i was experiencing only the shell of life..the shell of myself..
I so much better with that now. It comes with my PMS and hormonal cycles..but it goes with them too Posts: 17 | From All over Maryland | Registered: Jun 2008
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