GJ, I firmly believe this is a symptom of MS, and not depression, anxiety, confusion, or anything else that the neuro may tell you! (Sorry, bit of a sore point for me.)

Typically cognitive problems for me include mixing up letters in words, or substituting one word for another. I was trying to type 'course' earlier and kept typing 'coarse' instead. Or Copaxone - my fingers keep wanting to type Xocapone. I do this when writing, too, but I write so slow that I can catch those mistakes.

As to what it all means... well, I won't give you any false assurances. I've improved since my last flare, and now I only have this problem when I'm having a down day. (More MS symptoms than usual) I still have short-term memory problems, and I do use the wrong word or phrase occasionally.

For memory, it helps to build up routines and double-check yourself. Keep a daytimer handy for important appointments, passwords, account numbers, etc. Then don't lose it! That's the sort of thing you don't want an identity thief to have.

I've been struggling with cognitive stuff a lot since my dx. It's a major issue with me. Sure some of my memory issues could be depression (I've suffered for 30 years) or the antidepressants (currently on high dosage), or perimenopause (year 9). But since these things have been ongoing for some time, I am able to differentiate what memory issues are related to them from what is MS. My problems with spelling is definately NEW and I blame the MS. I never had a problem with spelling before. In fact, I only developed this problem within the past three months or so.

The cog-fog, is also MS, as I never had this problem before either, not even during my worst days of depression (which included a couple suicide attempts, but I was always able to work). On my foggy days I can barely get through the work day.

The forgetting names has been with me a long time and may be a few things, but it has certainly gotten much worse with the onset of MS. And forgetting words was an occasional problem that has also gotten much worse.

I suppose it all varies person to person, but I have noticed a significant increase in how often I forget things, how spaced out I am, and my inability to concentrate (sometimes I can't even read a book without getting lost) just in the few months since the testing began in August 2007 and my dx in Nov 2007. And none of it has improved with time, I'm sad to say. My daytimer has become my security blanket.

Thanks Jen, I guess being open to 'anything' at this point is what will see me through all this. I don't want to get stuck on one thing any more....and am willing to listen and respond to what the doctor's say; the problem is, do THEY know!!??

Today I made an appointment with a PCP that I saw once. My DH and DD use him all the time. I'm going to bring in my testing for the past 4 months and get him up to speed on everything. See what he has to say

I know how you feel, it would just be great to hear "Your not crazy and it's not stress or anxiety" from a Dr, wouldn't it?

The Neuro didn't tell me I was having anxiety or stress...I told him Neuro said he would be there if any sx show up again and we'll look at it again at that time. His concern never strayed...but how far can you go with testing if it refuses to show up? It's a wait and see with him.

My Gynocologist said my missing period for 5 months was due to stress tho Guess she was right, cuz it's back.

For me, I would just like to determine WHAT took place and why.

Now I have an appt with a PCP and and Therapist....I'm getting to the bottom of whatever it is.

Stress can definitely cause your cycle to be thrown off. And it's pretty normal for you to be anxious and stressed... I think it's cool that you went ahead and told the neuro! He probably appreciates the honesty.

However, cognitive impairment (due to anxiety) is very different from cognitive impairment due to MS. It's definitely an organic failure in my case, because it's intermittent. (Thank goodness! I couldn't work full time if it were around full time.)

I think we've already talked about neuro-psych exams on this thread... I'm a-hankerin' to get one myself, as I want to know where I am right now. I hear it's a long tedious testing process, but worth it.

I heard that too Jen. I was told 7 hours with a lunch break. I can see the value in it. When I talked to my new therapist today, I asked him if it would help identify emotional issues, and he said not the way I'd like it too, but I'll keep that on the back burner in case I want to go there...and as always, follow thru on every lead until it's all crossed off.

Funny, I never asked for a "Santa's Wishlist" before....

Shes making a list
Checking it twice
Gonna find out which doctor is right

la de doo de da da de dum.......

All together now....

This is a good point for me to make with my Dr.'s, stress ALWAYS messes up my period and I haven't missed a beat in a loonnngggg time I told my neuro is was having any stress right now.

The stress was working 14 hour days, 7 days a week....on my feet. Exhaustion was certainly a factor in that stress, like an athlete who works their body too much....never lost the period before and it could be premenopause.

Goodness, yes that is stressful.