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Condition-Specific

Brain fog is destroying my work performance

emptybank
I don't even know how to write this without sounding like I'm making excuses. I have CFS and the brain fog has been getting progressively worse over the past 6 months. I'm a project manager and my job is literally to keep track of details and deadlines and I just... can't anymore. I forgot about an entire client meeting last week. Not that I forgot to go — I forgot it EXISTED. It wasn't on my calendar because I forgot to put it there after the email came in. My boss pulled me aside and I could tell he was trying to be nice but also concerned. I'm terrified of losing this job. I need the insurance. I've started writing everything down the second I hear it but even that doesnt always work because sometimes I forget I wrote it down. It's like my brain is a sieve. Has anyone figured out systems that actually help with this? Apps, methods, anything? I'm getting desperate.

5 Replies

dee_cfs

I have CFS too and the brain fog nearly cost me my job. Here's what saved me: 1. EVERYTHING goes in my calendar app immediately. Like the second someone says something to me, I'm typing it into my phone. I don't even try to remember anymore. 2. I use a task manager app (Todoist) with aggressive reminders. 3. I send myself email summaries after every meeting while it's still semi-fresh. 4. I was honest with my boss. Not full detail but "I have a medical condition that affects my memory and I'm working on systems to manage it." He was more understanding than I expected. The hardest part is accepting that you need these crutches. But they're not crutches — they're tools. Just like glasses for bad eyesight.

livin_foggy

same exact situation here. project manager with cfs/fibro and the fog is my worst symptom by far. some things that help: - voice memos on my phone. i record quick notes to myself throughout the day - sticky notes EVERYWHERE. my monitor looks like it has feathers - doing my hardest cognitive tasks in the morning when my brain is (slightly) less foggy - being really honest about my limitations on bad days. "i need to reschedule, im not at my best today" has saved me from more embarrassing mistakes than i can count also: have you been checked for sleep disorders? my fog got significantly better when i got treated for sleep apnea. not saying thats your issue but its worth ruling out

tony_cfs

One thing that helped me that might sound weird: I stopped trying to push through the fog and started working WITH it. On foggy days I do the mechanical, low-brain tasks. On clearer days I tackle the complex stuff. I basically batch my work by cognitive difficulty. It requires flexibility in your schedule which not everyone has but if you can swing it, it helps a lot.

horizontal_life

^this. also want to add — brain fog can be worsened by medications. I was on a med that was making my fog significantly worse and didn't realize until I switched. Worth reviewing your med list with your doctor specifically asking "could any of these affect cognition?"

rachh

same. i bought a planner thinking it would help but then i forget to check the planner so. yeah. following this thread for ideas

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