Memory loss, cognitive changes in Fibromyalgia
 

I've been reading about the brain changes seen on functional MRI studies. I recently left my job because I could no longer manage my work. I complained about pain, but I wouldn't admit to my co-workers that I was having cognitive challenges. I've had memory problems for a long time but now am having memory lapses, confusion, concentration problems. Also suffering from depression and anxiety quite seriously for the past year. I know this is part of fibromyalgia, but I'm very concerned about the future. Anyone have information or thoughts about whether these changes are chronic progressive or is there ever any recovery. I would like to go back to doing some kind of work, but I'm afraid that even the slightest thing can confound me. I was such a high functioning person so this is really hard to take. :confused:

Here is the recent GABA study:
http://www.prohealth.com/library/sho...fm?libid=16518

I read everything I can get my hands on about fibro. It seems that many people do better when changing how they eat. Many doctors are now telling fibro patients to go gluten free, some grain free, to see how they do. Getting away from all processed foods often times helps. Do you take B12? Or Vit D?

I just read a good book called, "FibroWHYalgia" by Susan E. Ingebretson. She changed her fibro with diet changes.

I have the memory issues, but only intermittently, like names, dates, how to spell a word, and such. I do have the chemical sensitivities, loud noises scare me, movement next to me sets me off...all those, and of course, constant shoulder/neck pain with headache.

The more reading I do about FMS the more it scares me. I have all the autonomic dysfunction (anhydrosis, mottled skin, migraine, heat/cold intolerance, high heart rate at night, low blood pressure ...) in addition to my cognitive challenges, and, of course, lots of pain and chemical intolerance. I've been having b12 injections for over two years. I think it helps me sleep, but I'm not aware of any other obvious benefit. I take 2000 D a day. As it happens, my naturopath has me on a gluten-free, no dairy diet for a few weeks to see if that helps. We are also trying rhodiola for adrenal support. I have tried many supplements and diet programs. Whatever is happening to me seems to be outside of the diet realm, but, as I said, am trying the gluten free diet again.

Are you seeing a pain management doc? They can really be helpful. What, if any meds are you on? Cymbalta helps with pain and depression. And excercise, if you can. Some days the only thing you can do is rest. Then the next day, do what you can, don't over do.

I am sensitive to weather, noise, lights, crowds. Some of that I can't avoid, no more mall for me!

And like everybody else, I hurt all over.

Memory loss
 

This is very distressing and it's good that you are doing your own research, as you may find very little real help from the medical fraternity.
Have you considered finding out if you have M.E?
Have a look at my daughter's website where you can find diagnostic assistance to help you determine what you have.
One thing that you must be careful of, until you are really sure what is wrong, is exercise. Rest is the vital element in the early stages of M.E., and exercise or activity will increase the severity.
My daughter has gradually shown remarkable improvement of late, and a part of that is her strict diet and chemical avoidance.
There is a LOT of research info on her site, so i strongly suggest you have a good read.
If the link is removed, Google hummingbird foundation.
http://www.hfme.org/
I should also add that over the last 8 years she has tried so many things, including drugs and supplements. Drugs posed a problem as she has acute sensitivity, and found that she had to start with a 1/4 or 1/8 dose initially to see how she went. Vitamins, such as the B's, and other supplements like minerals play a large role in her improvement.
It gets to the stage though that you can't really identify what exactly has done what. You just have to do the research and try what you think.
She is also on distilled water, all meals are made fresh, using organic as much as possible. No dairy or wheat either! No alcohol-she is intolerant.
Still, we have found many good recipes to satisfy these needs, and as a result we are all eating better.

If that new-fangled "internet" thing ever catches on, malls may become the new dustbowls/ghost towns. I hear someday people will be able to shop from the comfort of their own homes - just point and click, and stuff will miraculously show up at your door within a few weeks! :yikes:

Doc

Ya know, I've heard of that Internet thingy too here in still sultry Florida!!!! Sounds like that would take care of the noise, lights and crowd issues, huh? The heat frys my brain, gives me fibro fog. Now I forgot what I was gonna say.

I-chica
 

Digestion
Internal use of coconut oil occurs primarily as cooking oil. Coconut oil helps in improving the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion related problems including irritable bowel syndrome. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have anti microbial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc., that cause indigestion. Coconut oil also helps in absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Immunity:
Coconut oil is also good for the immune system. It strengthens the immune system as it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. It helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.

Healing and Infections
When applied on infections, it forms a chemical layer which protects the infected body part from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil is most effective on bruises as it speeds up the healing process by repairing damaged tisues
I just found out about coconut oil on the 700 club:yahoo: and was so happy to hear what coconut oil does for you, I am having the same problems as you with memory lost and everything eles well this women Dr was talking about her husband having alzimers and of course it had gotten really bad to where she did research on coconut oil and found out it helps the brain well they tested him before anything to see a before and a after well they had him draw a clock well he drew abunch of circles with no #'s and as she continued to make c-oil part of his diet they saw him improving with his memory well the diet with oil continued and after a yr he is now drawing a clock with #'s and is socializing and joking and he can also read now he couldn't even read, please take the time to search on the benefits of coconut oil, I'm sure you will be amazed at how much it can do for you. I just strated taking it; I take 3 tbl spoons a day, I also looked up some recepies. :hug:
Blessings
Maria I-chica

Thank you
 

Thank you so much. I truly appreciate the information.

Doc, you got me with this one. :D Sometimes it feels like our cognitive function is that bad. Mine is intermittant and ever changing. There are a few days where I am really sharp. I always know my kids names (2 that I remember) but I am constantly forgetting the grandkids names and there are only four that I know of. Some days I know my complete address. Other days I may know my street address but don't know the state or city. When I take a memory index test, I just tell the doctor that I live in the state of confusion.

I never know who the vice president is, regardless of which administration it was. If I know I am going to be given the memory index, I find out who the VP is and write it on my hand as that is always asked. I remember THAT. When being accused of cheating, I remind the doctor that I have had cognitive therapy several times and that is considered an acceptable coping skill and that I deserve bonus points for remembering to write it on my hand.

Movies are a real hoot. There are some that are deeply inbedded in my longterm memory. Others, I have seen numerous times and have no recollection. This works out well as I can always find something that looks interesting on Netflix that I don't recall seeing before. I may not know what day of the week it is but am a terrific trivia buff. Go figure.

While problematic, we have to look for the humor in this thing. It is easy for me to say since I no longer work. While still working, I was constantly carrying a pad and pen and a tape recorder with me. That kept me out of trouble.

I was dxed with Fibro in 76 when it was called Fibrocytis and few doctors accepted it as a legit dx. That was problematic. We learn to live with it....around it. Eventually you will find coping skills for most of the problems. I have just started developing the autonomic issues and am having a hard time finding a sunny side of that.

I am going to work the coconut oil into the budget.......the good stuff. I know it is one of the healthier oils but don't remember reading that it had memory implications. Y'all have a good evening.