Tips For Lupus Fog

By Racquel H. Dozier

1 min read

Have you forgotten your glasses that are on your face? Maybe you've been talking on the phone and looking for it at the same time? Perhaps it's been a little more serious like driving down a one-way street or forgetting where you are going. Lupus fog or brain fog can be one of the most difficult symptoms to deal with.

Many lupus warriors will have to face the infamous fog. Sometimes it will last just for a couple of hours. Other times you may struggle with lupus fog for days at a time. You might even do everything right and still experience foggy moments. It's not your fault lupus fog comes on and you may not be able to get rid of the fogs completely. But you can do things to help yourself through it. It does take some practice, patience, and grace with yourself. Here are some tips that can assist you in dealing with lupus fogs.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Lupus.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Cody Leach Member
Thank you for this practical advice, <inline-mention username="Racquel H. Dozier" user-id="2041433"/>. I can't wait to share this with other community member's when I see comments about brain fog. Such a wonderful resource. - Cody (Lupus. net Team Member) 
1. Racquel H. Dozier Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Cody Leach" user-id="2037443"/> thanks so much I appreciate it ~Racquel ~ lupus team member
Geri Rodriguez Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Racquel H. Dozier" user-id="2041433"/> brain fog is such a pain and so hard to explain to others. thanks for the tips. also loved how this was in video format instead of text! - Geri (<a href='http://lupus.net' target='_blank'>lupus.net</a>, team member)
1. Racquel H. Dozier Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Geri Rodriguez" user-id="4508612"/> awesome so glad it was helpful in some way. ~Racquel~ Lupus team member
julie123 Member
<inline-mention username="Racquel H. Dozier" user-id="2041433"/> Thanks for these helpful tips and encouragement! A few years ago, before I was diagnosed with Lupus, I remember being at the grocery store checkout and I could not remember my Pin # that I had had for years. It was so scary to me, that feeling of a black hole in my memory. Now I know what caused it, and I'm very lucky that my medication has me in a mostly good place. 
1. Racquel H. Dozier Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="julie123" user-id="2224422"/> my pleasure. OMG the pin can be the worst to remember. It can be very scary for sure. Thanks for listening and I’m so glad you are in a good space. It is such a good feeling to be in those moments. ~Racquel~ lupus team member 
2. CommunityMember9be20d Member
 <inline-mention username="julie123" user-id="2224422"/> I too had the same problem.. Now, I have all of my numbers in my cellphone.. I mean , everything, like email name, pin #'s, usernames, passwords, appliance & serial numbers.. Now, I just have to remember to turn my volume on so I can locate my phone... LOL
RON K. Member
Thank you for the tips. Very helpful. Sometimes it's just good to know you're not alone! When I first started having brain fog I would try to get in the wrong side of the car every time. I lost my way to my brother's house where he's lived for 20 years and that I've been to dozens of times. Couldn't figure out which foot to put my shoe on in the morning, and many other such incidents. Hydroxychloroquine helped me out greatly. Not fully, but way better. The memory thing is just as bad as ever though. Thanks again
1. Racquel H. Dozier Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="RON K." user-id="4202898"/> You are definitely not alone. You have gone through some things like me as well. I've driven down the wrong way on streets, jumped into folks cars that I thought were mine and even spelled my own name wrong. Some fogs are worse than others. I'm glad it helped you realize you aren't alone. It can really be hard to deal with. Thanks for sharing and I'm glad the Hydroxychloroquine has helped some. It helps me as well. ~Racquel~ lupus team member
2. Sheila Member
 <inline-mention username="RON K." user-id="4202898"/> Talk about validation, your experiences are so similar to many of mine. Lupus affects my CNS primarily so I'm prone to longer periods of Lupus fog. Thankfully, my friends and family recognize the symptoms and encourage me to rest and support me when I need help (like remembering how to write a check). I have days when I get my words jumbled or forget the difference between a microwave and, the cup of coffee I really wanted. (It gets pretty funny around here when it's "one of those times.) Like you, I feel like Hydroxychloroquine has helped my brain fog. Wishing you health and joy
RON K. Member
Thanks for your kind words Racquel
CommunityMember6c680a Member
I never associated brain fog with my Lupus ,I had chemo years ago to fight breast cancer and just assumed it was that and getting a bit older (I'm 51) I am going to ask my family to read on this ,it may help them to be a bit more empathetic instead of thinking I am losing my mind for no reason. Thank you for the helpful tips but mostly that its not in my head.
1. GabbyFormica Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Sheila" user-id="4518635"/>, Thanks for watching and sharing! Wishing joy and great days back at you! Gabby (team member) 
2. Racquel H. Dozier Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Sheila" user-id="4518635"/> thanks so much I’m so happy it resonates some 😊 ~Racquel~ <a href='http://lupus.net' target='_blank'>lupus.net</a> team member
CommunityMemberb8d4a1 Member
I'm finding it more and more difficult to sleep due to the inflammation and pain, plus the anxiety of when I feel like I can't breath. I often wish I could not wake up, but am Also afraid to sleep and face breathing difficulties and not wake up. Dumb, I know 
1. GabbyFormica Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberb8d4a1" user-id="8320210"/>, Feelings are never dumb! Dealing with anxiety, sleep issues and pain is difficult to cope with. We hear you. We often talk about the physical burden of lupus but the mental and emotional burden is just as heavy and hard to carry. You are not alone in that feeling. One of our patient leaders wrote about their experience with anxiety and lupus, I'll include the link in case you are interested in reading more from them: <a href='https://lupus.net/living/anxiety-diagnosis-treatment' target='_blank'>https://lupus.net/living/anxiety-diagnosis-treatment</a>. Wishing you a gentle and flare free weekend, Gabby (team member)
2. Racquel H. Dozier Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberb8d4a1" user-id="8320210"/> not dumb at all. The anxiety that comes with lupus is real. Lupus can affect our bodies in so many ways. I’m sending you gentle hugs and I’m holding space for you to find ways to rest without worry. Have you ever talked to someone about the anxiety? I have found releasing to be helpful and sometimes talking to someone can give you some coping skills to help alleviate the anxiety and some of the pain so you can sleep. ~Racquel ~ <a href='http://lupus.net' target='_blank'>lupus.net</a> team member

Community Poll

Do you read through your insurance policies and ask questions?