As and memory loss

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hello I’m a 35 year old female who was just diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis.  On top of needing 2 hips and all of my joints / back being in constant pain I feel like I’m losing my mind.  I was incredibly sharp and I am forgetting everything now.  It’s effecting my life , everyone is yelling at me because I just don’t remember things and they think I’m lying or something.  I have just started enbrel today was my second shot.  Has anyone experienced this? Did anything help ? Please any advise I would appreciate thanks  

2

Hi yanaras mom,

Yes.  As my pain levels climb, my brain functioning declines. I've also noticed my memory and other brain functions are negatively impacted when my body is experiencing higher stressors (mobility difficulties, digestion, viruses, etc.)

Also, medications can cause these same problems. 

I wish you the best with Enbrel and hope these difficult days are soon behind you. 

3

Hi, unfortunately you are not imagining it, or going mad. Brain fog is a well known symptom, especially when you are in a flare. The pain and fatigue will worsen it. However it does ease off a bit as inflammation settles.  I have a reminder app on my phone, which I set so I don’t miss anything important. At work when my boss gives me jobs to do I make a note on my phone I can go back and refer too. It will get easier especially if enbrel suits you. I am on Benepali the biosimilar, and have had very good results from it. It does increase your risk of infection, so if the family are il scrupulous hand washing is required. 

There are many images re Ankylosing Spondylitis that will show you how the mind is affected. Unfortunately I can’t seem to attach an image to this post. Fear not now that you are diagnosed and on treatment things will improve. It is important to incorporate stretches into your daily routine. Nass have lots available on their web site that will show you which ones to do. Take care

4

Hi,

​  It goes without saying that if you are taking any narcotic pain pills for the pain, this can really cloud up your thought processes.  I am on hydrocodone and my ability to focus and to remember is seriously impaired.