Inability to concentrate and focus

[DianeD]

I've found a sometimes inexplicable problem with concentration. I drift off when I'm listening to someone (embarrasing).

I irk my dh sometimes as he'll be telling me something and notice I'm not fully engaged in what he's saying.

I also get distracted easily or find it hard to complete tasks. My memory seems okay; at least pretty much the same as always.

I'm getting older and it might be that some of this is just typical aging. My dh thinks he is more forgetful also.

Anyone else relate to this?

[lyndacarol]

Diane -- I am of an age similar to yours, but I have never accepted aging as a reason for any decline. I take great encouragement from the story of the Olympic swimmer Dara Torres (who, in her 40s, out swam much younger swimmers).

If we have changes in our memories, cognitive abilities, etc., I think it is more likely because of something related to MS, not simply aging.

But that is my idea and as you will learn, this site accommodates many different lines of thought.

[DianeD]

I respect your opinion, but 40ish (Dana's age) is not old. I felt so much better at 40 than 65. I do think MS has impacted me, but my family doc is always saying 'don't let MS be an excuse'. Irks me a bit as he doesn't have MS.

Docs get on their highhorse sometime and so do people in general.

Thing is that I often feel (this is terrible to admit) that I'd love to let the doc and others experience 'me' (how I feel) for awhile. Maybe that will wake them up to reality.

Some things the docs are taught nowdays are good practical and common sense ideas...like exercising, eat healthy, don't smoke, etc. How do you do the exercise stuff (for instance) when you fall alot. I don't need to break anything ...I joke that I have falling to an art (took a header face first a few years ago when going down my steps). That was interesting. I had my sinus surgery scheduled the next day and still went thru with it. I told the doctor i'd fallen face first, skidding on my nose 8 steps. I thought he'd be concerned, but nah....went ahead. I didn't have any outward swelling or bruises. However, I started bleeding during surgery and held the process up for 30 mins.

That meant the doc didn't get to do all he'd hoped to do.

This is frustrating.

Diane

[lyndacarol]

Diane, I am RIGHT there with you when you say,

Docs get on their highhorse sometime and so do people in general.

Thing is that I often feel (this is terrible to admit) that I'd love to let the doc and others experience 'me' (how I feel) for awhile. Maybe that will wake them up to reality.

In fact, I have SEVERAL nonphysicians I would like to share MS with for just a short while!

And I have done my share of falling, too. My best bruise came when my cheek bone connected with the tile floor.

I understand your frustration completely; this MS is the pits! I cannot explain the reason, but I am usually optimistic (although there are plenty of times when the tears flow -- this does not help my sinus drainage problem!)

In the meantime, we kindred spirits must just hang together and support each other.

[DianeD]

Diane, I am RIGHT there with you when you say,

Docs get on their highhorse sometime and so do people in general.

Thing is that I often feel (this is terrible to admit) that I'd love to let the doc and others experience 'me' (how I feel) for awhile. Maybe that will wake them up to reality.

In fact, I have SEVERAL nonphysicians I would like to share MS with for just a short while!

And I have done my share of falling, too. My best bruise came when my cheek bone connected with the tile floor.

I understand your frustration completely; this MS is the pits! I cannot explain the reason, but I am usually optimistic (although there are plenty of times when the tears flow -- this does not help my sinus drainage problem!)

In the meantime, we kindred spirits must just hang together and support each other.

Yes, we should support each other and I'm happy to listen when anyone wants to vent. It helps to have someone to relate to. I can't see your face, but we are linked by our dx and our experience.

It is very important to have someone to listen to us.

I don't expect miracles; I too shed some tears, but mostly I just look for relief in the moment.

I still like to look forward to the day. I like to imagine or hope things will be better for me and for all of us.

Diane

[joanp]

I know my brain is probably not the typical MS cognitive problem - but I do sometimes make weird sentences that I can only attribute to MS. My latest was this one.

i should ah...like maybe...like if you then...uh...will know for sure..you will know...you know now for sure.

[Algis]

Have a look at:

http://msrcsharing.yuku.com/topic/16761