Cognitive blips or brain blips are the second most irritating MS related issue that I deal with. I am 29 years old and rely on lists, diaries, reminders and alarms to make sure I don’t forget to do things. This really bothers me from time to time. My brain doesn’t always agree to keep up with the pace of my lifestyle. I like to be busy, but my brain does not! My cognitive issues seem to go hand in hand with fatigue, so if I manage one, I seem to manage the other. I often wonder whether the fatigue is causing my cognitive issues or whether it’s the other way around?? I do find when I get tired, my brain slows down, I begin doing things absentmindedly, I lose my train of thought and have trouble finding the right word. I also misplace things- my phone, my car keys, my car! I have often parked somewhere and after a few hours shopping forgotten what level/location!!
There are times that my brain blips have caused endless laughs. One morning I was quietly getting ready for work, I was running a few minutes late and trying to get ready at a faster pace than my brain could manage. After all the fussing, getting bags packed, lunch made, checking the iron was off and door was locked, I got out to the car and was on my way to work when I realised - I had forgotten to put my skirt on. It's a situation where you could laugh or cry, but I opt to laugh at these things.
Something that bugs me, and I can't seem to laugh at is when I go to Google something, then look blankly at the screen as I try to remember what it was that prompted me to open Google in the first place. It was my focus seconds ago and then nothing, it's gone. Similarly I can walk into a room and completely forget why I went in there in the first place. Losing my train of thought or having difficulty finding my words is particularly irritating during an argument or debate. I hate when I have a strong and valid point to make and when an opening to share my pearls of wisdom presents itself - it's gone, no words come out and victory escapes me once again. Later I think of what I was going to say that would have swayed things in my direction, but what good is later!
I have learned to know my limitations and accept them. I know that I hit a wall around 3pm for about two hours. I try to work around this, I use this time to do less complicated tasks and go back to more complex jobs once I have come out of that slump. Making sure I am well rested and hydrated is very important too. As I say, lists, diaries, alarms and reminders - while I complain they are indeed helpful tools to make sure I stay on top of things. Whether someone lives with MS or not, we all have blips now and then and that's okay.
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