Brain fog is a term that is overused, but let's entertain the concept of brain for for a moment.
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis experience brain fog which can feel like one's head is confused, bewildered, dazed, muddled, or groggy. Thankfully, I have not experienced true brain fog since stopping oral methotrexate, but I did have it. I recall being unable to remember the word, yellow. In those moments, and there were many, brain fog was debilitating, traumatizing, and utterly dehumanizing. If the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis could be likened to drowning, brain fog could be akin to drowning in murky, dirty, water.
Moving on from oral methotrexate, although a strange mix of relief and fear in equal parts, the horrendous brain fog lifted.
In place of heavy, thick, brain fog, I have different, more subtle indicators of rheumatoid arthritis affecting my mind and brain. Most days, I am able to think, plan, execute, and evaluate my own work. Gone are the moments that stole my personality and ability to relate to colleagues, friends, and family. Hazy thoughts are more easily cleared now and I am more patient with myself when I can't recall a word, especially on the day after an injection.
The memories of true brain fog have stayed with me and every time, every time I change medications, for whatever reason, I wonder if the brain fog will come rolling in again.
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