concentration

[Guest guest]

*Hi , Sorry this is so long, I was a kid when was dx with JRA so I

kinda know what you are going thru. I was dx at age 11. I got all A's in

school and was hyperactive before that. It was a shock, and my mom

helped me tie my shoes, put my socks on, get out of the tub etc. My

throat was always sore and I hated swallowing because it felt like a

painful click. I just could not understand why I could not concentrate

or remember anything. Studying was useless.

I just sorta avoided other kids and really became introverted. It was

literally like my head was completely blank. My dad wasn't very

understanding when I grew up, and thought I was faking. So there I was,

getting terrible grades and being in constant pain all of a sudden and

stressing like crazy! In my late teens I was in remission, but had RA. I

had foot surgery 5 years ago and I was told the trauma triggered AOSD. I

am 35 now and I forget everything. Alot of my friends and family saw me

as thoughtless because I would make plans and forget, or tell someone I

was giving them something and looked like a liar. To others it looked

like I didn't care about anyone but myself. I learned from a young age

to ignore the pain because I wanted to fit in. I listen to music on my

ipod and just daydream, I really think it is a defense mechanism. Need a

break from the pain, so to lala land I go! I never did drugs or drank

alot, I guess when things got to stressful, my brain would take a break.

My doctor told me that pain can make the mind fuzzy. So if you are

dealing with a lot of pain, it is probably distracting you. I constantly

forget! Talk to your mom about it, I think she will understand. I hope

you feel better Sweety, you are in my thoughts! Love Sharon xxoo

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