Brain fog and fatigue

Hi, !

I am sorry you are noticing an increase in your brain fog and fatigue. And, dealing with the double whammy of Lupus and RA, well, it's a lot. And both conditions can cause fatigue and brain fog, so it's kind of hard to pinpoint which condition is causing the problem. Or, maybe they are both teaming up on you at the same time. Ugh.

It sounds like you are already incorporating some good tricks to manage your brain fog, but I know it would be easier for you if you could find ways to combat the fog in the first place. Here's one contributor's compilation of tips for managing the fog -- https://lupus.net/video/lupus-fog-tips. Also, since you mentioned being diagnosed with Jra, I wanted to share an article from our sister site dedicated to RA, written by one of our contributors that was diagnosed with RA at the age of 2 -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/brain-fog-impaired-thinking. Kelly definitely knows all the ins-and-outs of living with a life changing diagnosis and navigating a world that's not always very adaptive to people with different needs. I also wanted to share another link to an article with fatigue tips (apologies for the link overload) -- https://lupus.net/living/fatigue-tips. There are medications that *can* help, at least temporarily with fatigue and brain fog, but many members find them to be more of a stop gap measure, as opposed to a long term solution.

I do hope you get helpful feedback from other community members, as I know many of them can relate to what you shared!

Please keep communicating with your doctor about your ongoing issues and, if necessary, do talk to your professors as well. I know that's a big step and maybe you will never feel comfortable taking it, but it's okay to acknowledge that you are carrying a burden most of your classmates could never understand.

I hope your Spring semester goes well and that you find little peaks in your energy and mental sharpness (and I hope those peaks come at helpful times -- like when you are studying or writing a paper)!

Best, Erin, Team Member.

Oh goodness I wish there were tricks or things to improve the brain fog. Bc it really is a big problem. I wasn’t diagnosed in college, but had some symptoms. I just had to write EVERYTHING done. I had(and still have) lists everywhere. I will say it really helps me to sit down on Sunday and make a list of everything you need to do for the week. Then each day I also break the tasks down into daily lists. On the daily tasks list I include Everything, even the little things that seem obvious. I use the notes app on my phone that way all my weekly and daily tasks are in ONE a place. Bc heaven knows if I put them in two different places I’d never remember to do it. You may not be a list person and that’s okay. It’s just what has kept me in line. As for passwords if you have an iPhone, they have a cool password “app” that helps you keep track of everything. It’s saved me so many times.

As far as the fatigue, you just have to be gentle with yourself. I won’t say it’s ever “easy.” But just rest when you can. Whether it’s taking a nap or just watching a show. Letting your body rest is very important. Especially since you have insomnia. Which is the worst and helps nothing. I will say I’ve quit going grocery shopping. It was just an activity that took so much energy. So I either will order from walmart and do a pick up. Or have them delivered. You just have to find tricks like this that aren’t energy sucking in your life. You may have to rest for two days before a night out with friends so you don’t have to rest for a week after. You’ll figure out what really works for you!

Sorry for the novel. But over all you just have to remember to give your self some grace. It’s not an easy diagnosis to get. If you have questions don’t ever hesitate to ask. That’s what we are here for.

Amber RN, BSN, Team Member