Living with Multiple Sclerosis - Cognitive Issues

[rob26bingley]

Hi Lauren, Just wanted to say I love your videos I am still awaiting a diagnosis at the moment so in limbo at the moment. I was wondering are you still able to keep working at the moment? I have been suffering from cognitive problems and am worried that i wont be able to carry on with my work (I am a nurse) as I love my job. Will this improve if I am diagnosed and start on medication? Thanks, Rob

[laurenvparrott]

@rob26bingley Hi Rob! Thank you so much for your comment! I have had MS for 11 1/2 years and I work full time and I'm going to grad school! Anything is possible! If you are diagnosed, you will learn new techniques to remember things and/or try to adjust to the cognitive problems as much as possible. I have cognitive problems, and I write EVERYTHING down so I don't forget or get confused. My professors know that I have cognitive issues and they are incredibly understanding. I wish you the best!

[TheKyleecow]

I even have issues while I type. And in eyesight, my numbers were a 20 and a... 300! D:

[laurenvparrott]

@TheKyleecow Oh wow, good luck with everything!

[TheKyleecow]

I definitely have lots of cognitive problems. I have so much trouble writing paragraphs in my writing class because I cannot figure out how to start. I have SO MUCH problems in math because, for some reason, I couldn't figure out how to divide, which is causing a lot of problems now. I mess up almost every word. Especially if I'm tired, 'cause I get really goofy and stutter lots. Great job! After I get my blood work back to see if I have thyroid or diabetes, I want to get scanned for MS.

[laurenvparrott]

@TheKyleecow I wish you the very best with everything. I can understand how frustrating that is!

[seekirk]

I keep loosing words. I hate it. I developed a skill of making up a string of words to replace the word I am looking for instead of stalling on the word and then forgetting what I was trying to say in the first place! I would rather say something basic, than use that one word that I have no idea where it went. I can relate fully.

[laurenvparrott]

@seekirk Oh I've done similar things like that! It's so annoying!

[Aaron5185]

(Aaron's wife) I definitely get the"can't think of a word" problem almost daily. It is like my mind goes blank and there's nothing there to describe what I want to say. I was on my way to becoming a high school biology teacher when standing in front of a room full of 30 teenagers with nothing to say became a problem. I had problems remembering textbook concepts and speaking fluently during lecture. I ended up leaving my teaching dreams behind.

Recalling names is also a challenge...

[laurenvparrott]

@Aaron5185 Thank you for your comment - I can completely relate! I'm sorry you had to leave your teaching position, but it sounds like you're doing well now!

[Snarlez]

beautiful women, But If i know one thing about MS It will always make you a child at heart. People with MS do not understand the Puzzle. Yet that Is what makes this girl so cute... She may be feeling well but MS, It still shows In her eyes and expression. She has that unstable look where she just wants to cry or laugh. Like most MS patients they are just the cutest most charming people and their anger only comes from the Illness. It Is really sad.

[laurenvparrott]

@Snarlez Thank you for your comment - I'm doing great and I feel amazing!! Despite the disease, I'm doing incredibly well.

[bloodtearsbarbie]

Thank you for all of your videos. You help me so much. You're amazing.

[laurenvparrott]

@bloodtearsbarbie Thank you so much!! That means a lot :)

[zunika2002]

Lauren...u r such a wonderful person...I happen to hit on your video when I was looking for information for my project, I chose MS as a topic.... I could not help it forgetting what I was gonna do... u r very impressive... U R DOING WELL!!! U GO, GIRL!!!

[laurenvparrott]

@zunika2002 Thank you so much!! Good luck on your project!

[lostnhisluv]

OMG Verbal Fluency, LOL!!!!!! I know no one else with MS who has experienced this. It's sooo frustrating when you're trying to speak & craziness comes out of your mouth. When I try to discipline my young son he has to finish my sentences for me, LOL. It's not funny but all I can do is laugh about it. It actually makes me feel less of a parent b/c when this happens I can't say what's necessary for my son to hear...

[laurenvparrott]

@lostnhisluv I know exactly what you mean! I feel bad because I can imagine how frustrating that would be as a parent. But I just laugh too!! That's all we can do!

[skymonkey81]

Thank you for posting this. about 6 months ago my wife had bad double vision they thought it was MS but then said maybe not. Now she is having the exact symptoms you are describing especially the word recognition thing. She is like a different person.

[laurenvparrott]

@skymonkey81 Has your wife been tested? I would recommend that she see a neurologist. I wish you both the best!

[skymonkey81]

@laurenvparrott She started steroid treatments again today. She really cant talk much at all anymore. The MRI found another large lesion. Steroids suck but they worked great last time for the double vision. Guess we will be starting the MS treatments after this. Thanks for your thoughts!

[gettalong123]

I am a female, 33 years old just diagnosed on Saturday. I have no insurance but the MS society paid for my MRI's. They have been wonderful. I have optic neuritis, facial tingling, numb feet and hand tremors. They all come and go. Good luck to you Lauren.

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you for writing! I am so glad that the MS Society helped you! Please write to me anytime!

[NikiBoBicki]

This scares me so much. I am single, and have no one to rely on financially. If I can't work, I just don't know what would happen. I do have difficulty with multitasking, and I have the "tip of the tongue" problem too. Where you know the word you want to use, it's just not there. You just can't find the word. It worries me.

[laurenvparrott]

Are you on disability? The government will give you assistance to pay for medications. Are you able to work at all? Part-time? Don't worry - I know it sounds scary but you'll be ok! There have been so many times where I didn't think I was going to make it and now I'm doing great! But I've had my struggles...believe me!

[traceynmat]

Hey, Thanks for posting video!!...I am a fellow MS'er from NZ....i went to cognitive therapy and found that helped sum what!! Intense 3hr sessions tho lol!!

I love the way you said about your grandmothers conversations with you!!

Because i can sooo relate to that lol!!

All the best for the future...and fingers-crossed for a cure for "all of us"......Matt.

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Matt! Thank you so much for your comment! I hope you're feeling well and I hope to keep in touch!

[monarch8080]

Hi

thanks for posting this video. I have ms and the cognitive BS is scary. I'm just barely hanging on to my job. just started provigil and it does help some. Try provigil it may help. my confidence is shot and even get confused at the check out line. I feel like a complete idiot and coworkers dont know, understand or care. They can be hurtful :(

I will be looking at your other videos but its getting late now. Thanks so much!!

John

[laurenvparrott]

Hey John! I'm so glad that Provigil is helping you. I know what you mean about co-workers not understanding or caring...most people don't take the time to understand and it sucks.

I wish you the very best and I hope to keep in touch!

[onagus2008]

I had the same problem as you described. Sometimes my thoughts would slur along with my speech. I think my coworkers thought I was drunk at times. I remember times when I got all these funny looks. I had so much trouble focusing on the job, and like you, I barely clung onto my job. Hang in there! You're not alone, nor are you crazy.

[mrazmakesmehappy]

Hello Lauren,

I just found your videos and can relate with so many of them. I've had MS for several years now, but just recently decided to get on any medication. I've been looking at video's to see how others deal with their injection site reactions. Anyway, I found your videos and just felt I should say hello, and thank you for doing these to help us all feel more confident with ourselves and this disease. I can see what a positive spirit you have and am grateful that you are sharing it.

[laurenvparrott]

Hello! Thank you so much for writing! I wish you the best with everything, and please write anytime!

[williamjrb]

hi;

I'm an MS patient since 2002. I have been having Cognitive Issues for I while, I cant remember when it start. The problem that I have and have been bothering me a lot is that I'm an engineer. My job description includes been a multi-tasker; have good thought process, been a good problem solver. Have a good memory and been able to analyze information quickly. Have good communication skills, been able to analyze and communicate the interpretation of the data.

[laurenvparrott]

Wow I can definitely relate to that. I'm not an engineer but I have the same exact issues. I wish you the very best with everything!

[crazycardiak]

sometimes i talk backwards. like my sentences are worded backwards. does this happen to you?

[laurenvparrott]

Yes that does happen to me. Then I get confused and I fumble on my words. It can be so frustrating sometimes.

[chuchara02]

so you talk like Yoda????...lmao

[erikahilton]

that stuff happens to me all the time....i say i have a memory of a gold fish

[laurenvparrott]

Haha that's really funny...I think I'll start saying that!

[hamidatoosa]

Hey Lauren. I am a 1st year medical student and just learned about MS. I mainly used your videos for learning more about the disease. I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story and update other people with your experience with this disease. You are a very sweat girl and I wish you the best. Be strong and try to enjoy every moment of your life with your family and your boyfriend. Take care of yourself.

[laurenvparrott]

Wow, thank you so much! I think you're very smart for learning about MS from a patient because even though it's incredibly important to do your reading and research, sometimes you learn MORE from patients! I wish you the very best in medical school!

[foxy7699jre]

i love your videos!! just dx'd in feb 09. my prob comes with typeing words i misspell and can't get my thoughts together. i drastcally stop talking so much. yesterday i not only forgot my name i stubbled it out when i finally could get it out. mind all this was in front of the owner of the company!!!

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you! That has happens to me sooo many times - I can relate! I wish you the best!

[lsilpe]

Ohh Wow i just watched this video and was amazed. I could relate to everything you said. Sometimes i think it's just terrifying to be going through this i feel much better after watching this video. And will talk to nuro when i go back to see him next month

[laurenvparrott]

I'm so glad you could relate! Cognitive Issues are so challenging. Please keep in touch!

[sheelea05]

You hit it on the head! I didn't know the exact problem but now I have a word for my neuro COGNITIVE PROBLEMS!!! No room here for all the cognitive problems I've been having more of.

Thank you for explaining this. I have been feeling extremely stupid and or ignorant!

THANK YOU, Michelle-Ohio

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Michelle! I'm so glad you can relate! I feel stupid all the time...I'm not stupid and I'm positive you're not either. We just can't control these cognitive issues!

[CherrydeWerff]

Lauren!! Thank you so much for this. I laugh at myself a lot. Recently I called my sweet daughter Camille, "Holly" ummm... funny and we laughed, but gees... We just don't look sick, do we?

[laurenvparrott]

haha that's funny! No, we don't look sick!

[Stilleary]

hey lauren. i've had ms forever and lately i've been wondering what in my life are effects from the ms and what is natural? Things for the most part have been ok with me (minus the thousands of dollars I spend on treatment) but I have to wonder would I be the same without all the drugs? I'd obviously have a lot more money. I'm just not sure where I stand on this and curious if you have any advice? I'm to the point where I am just SICK of being sick. I feel like I'm lost in space and BROKE!!

[laurenvparrott]

I can totally understand where you're coming from. The way I get through life is I think of how my MS could be A LOT worse than it is, and I appreciate the things I CAN do instead of focusing on the things I CAN'T do. That's how I get through each day.I hope this helps!

[Novemberheart]

May God bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you.

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you so much! God Bless You!!

[BretagneShrew]

thanks for this video! I have only just gotten broadband connected at my new house so I've only just been able to get back on youtube! My mum (who has lupus) and I both have cognitive issues. It sucks because I used to pride myself on being intellegent and having a great memory and excellent concentration skills and now they've gone to pot. It's hard for other people to understand because it's invisible. As someone else said, you do find ways to cheat with these symptoms ;)

[laurenvparrott]

I know what you mean - the worst part is that people can't SEE our cognitive problems! It hurts sometimes but there are ways to cheat!! :)

[saulrae1]

I've been thinking I might have ms but my doc says I have an anxiety disorder.

I want to belive him but I have tremors and pins and needles dizzyness headaches that come and go, I will have a few good days when im my self then i'll wake up knowing its gona be a bad day.

Have you ever come across a docter who has done this or should i just except what he is saying,im 36 and have felt like this for 3 months now....i'm 37

Dawn

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Dawn - I went to 3 different doctors before I got my diagnosis, so that might be something you could do. Make an appointment with another doctor and see what they have to say. I hope this helps!

[teslagirlM]

Lauren, this was a great vid! very informative. I have cognitive issues too. I have trouble finding words, particularly when I am in a relapse. Crazily, my day job includes training the staff of four luxury retail stores, so I have to find ways to 'cheat.' sometimes I think people must think I have no vocabulary, but actually, they don't really notice! hahaha!

Thanks for another great vid with your positive energy and smile!

Marlo

xx

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you Marlo!! Hahah that's funny, that happens to me too! I hope you're feeling well!!

[Whoelsebutmeee]

Hi again!

wanted to once again thank you for videos and say that even i have cognitive problems(such as memory and other aspects)and it is actually very frustrating from time to time!

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you! I know, it is incredibly frustrating - I just try to make the best of it!! I hope you are well :)

[jermeal385]

nice vid i deal with cognitive issues sometimes lol it sucs but hey !!and my son's b-day was feb 14 god bless 2 u and yours tho lata

[laurenvparrott]

Hey Jermeal! Yeah it does suck - oh well. Jaydin's birthday is Febryary 14th? What a lovely day to have a birthday! He'll get extra luvin :)

[macycj]

happy valentines day 2 u 2!!

I also have cognitive issues.

And again that was one of the first things to go.

Althought its much better now,but before it was a trip to do day to day things.

hugs,

aly

[laurenvparrott]

Hey Aly! Yeah, my cognitive problems are better, but they are still really frustrating! I hope you are well!

xoxo

[tummydesk71]

Hi Lauren, thanks about your comments about the fires in Victoria (the state in Aus). I have just heard that the death toll has climbed to over 400 people. Truly unbelievable. But we Aussies rally together and have raised about 70 million dollars so far to help with recovery for the victims. Nothing will replace the loss of life but at least it will help. Thanks for the video on cognitive issues. We have blonde moments :) Very important. Jodi.

[tummydesk71]

Sorry, the deathtoll is about 189. Whew, cognitive issues kicking in :) I don't know what I heard that wrong figure from, geez louise! I might even be wrong about the monetry figure too. I'll just shut up now. Jodi.

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Jodi - you made me laugh so hard! I have exactly the same issues with cognitive problems, and I confuse information all the time. I'm so glad that the numbers are lower than you originally said. I hope you're feeling well!!

[kezzcass]

Hi Lauren, Thanks for the comments re fires. It is scary, we've had fires overnight within 2km of our home, East of Melbourne. Also I am currently having a cognitive relapse so your vid has been very timely. Again I am reminded that I am not alone in MS and even prayers are being sent around the world for our fire affected communities. Bless you Lauren, Kerri

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Kerri! I am so glad that you're ok. Those fires are just devastating and I feel horrible, but I'm glad that you're fine. I hope your cognitive relapse is getting better!

[ernahnotme]

I do suffer from cognitive issues, eg. I can be in a happy mood one moment, then depressed mood for a few hours - tears in my eyes etc, some how I overcome it by listening to soothing music (trance music) and that calms me down, keep well. Thank you for your prayers about the bush fires - I sure they will get all the help needed in crisis. Keep well, stay safe, cheers, Ivan

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Ivan! I go through the same things that you do. I'm so happy that you can overcome depressing moods. I wish you the very best - you'll be in my prayers!

[bvaleriea]

When someone says, after I start to talk, "Just a minute", I have to say...."Nope, that will be too late." 

Loved the heart necklace!!!! And great roses! lucky girl!

[laurenvparrott]

I have to do the same thing! Thanks for the compliments about my necklace and roses!

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you for your comment! I'm so glad you can relate to me, and I'm even more happy that you're doing well in your country!! Please keep in touch :)

[vincekelly1]

Hi Lauren,

Thanks for your videos re: Tysabri.

I'm coming up on my 5th dose next month. My problem is mostly coordination, especially in my legs where now, I need to use a cane to walk.

My question to you is about exercise and its ability to improve coordination in my legs. I have an pretty good stationary bike that I use and when I use it, I feel better. What do you do for exercise? How is the coordination in your lower extremeties?

[laurenvparrott]

Hello! I use an elliptical machine and that helps me a lot...I feel better after I use it. My legs have gotten better since I started taking Tysabri, but I still have drop foot in my left foot, and I'm weaker on my left side so I still have coordination problems. But it's a lot better than it used to be!

I'm so glad a stationary bike works for you. Stay with it!

[OSA503]

I always tell my husband, " I know the answer, I just can't find it right now."  Then hours or sometimes days later I blurt out the answer...But half the time I can't remember the question or what we were talking about.

Jolie

[laurenvparrott]

That happens to me too Jolie!

[angelusa73]

Dear Lauren,

I am part of the 50% of people that have cognitive problems!

I feel that it is the worse symptom for me because I used to have the best memory ever and now...well, I don't have it any more.

I have trouble doing two things at the same time and I have to concentrate on one thought at the time.

I do realize that my symptoms get worse when I get tired physically.

Thank you so much for talking about this. I am sure a lot of us can relate to what you talked about.

Thanks!

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Angela! I know I can totally relate. Thank you so much for writing!! I hope you are feeling well!!

[ussteph]

hi lauren,

i don't suffer from cognitive issues so much yet, but my boyfriend has a hard time remembering things. it is hard for him, cause he gets frustrated about it all the time. the only problem i have so far is that i sometimes don't find the words i want to say.

well, thank you again for another great video!

stefanie

[laurenvparrott]

Hey Stefanie! Thank you so much for your comment. I'm happy that you don't have cognitive issues, but I can definitely sympathize with your boyfriend. I wish you both the very best!!

[tonywilde1234]

Hi Lauren, Hope you had a lovely Valentines day ! Another great video, i haven't really had many cognitive issues as yet, just had my 13th tysabri so its a calendar year now with only 2 small relapses. The fatigue is back to normal now but the chest pain (MS hug) wont seem to go away, im holding off on the idea of pain killers for now. 90% of my job is doing cognitive assessments in the hospital so i can see both sides of this. Stay healthy and loads of love to you and your family

Tony xx

[laurenvparrott]

Hey Tony! I hope you had a great Valentine's Day as well! Good luck with everything and I wish you the very best!!

Love, Lauren :)

[WORRO01]

Good video Lauren. Happy Vday.

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you, I hope you had a great Valentine's Day!

[tonymac2008jtv]

happy valentines young lady

[laurenvparrott]

Thanks Tony! I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

[qualisarx]

Thank you for your video!

[laurenvparrott]

Thanks for writing!

[WhoRonPaul]

oh -... and a happy valentines day too!

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you for writing! Happy Valentine's Day!

[WhoRonPaul]

thanks for sharing this vlog =)

[skullroses]

this is one of my main problems!! the other day i drove up to the ATM and then drew a total blank... (i feel sooo stupid at times) i've had the same PIN for 7yrs but it was like being in a void

[laurenvparrott]

That happens to me too!! I hate when it happens!

[deauxwolf]

Hi lauren its me Aiden, I am up late lol its like 10 past 12pm in England, Happy Valentines Day Lauren.

I hope your doing fine!

I will come to meet you one day.

Another point in Australia. I am really sorry about them fires, It has been on the news in the U.k loads, R.i.p all them who died.

Love you loads Lauren,

(Aiden)

xXx Its my bed time lol. Keep thinking positive!

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Aiden! I hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day! I would love to meet you one day :) I know it's so sad about Australia. I love you too and I'll talk to you soon!!

xoxoxo