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Created by Michelle Hamilton

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Speaking problems with FM/CFS/ME

March 20th, 2010 by Michelle Hamilton

Impaired Language in Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Saturday March 13, 2010

Blog Classic: Feb. 3, 2009

How often do you find yourself searching your brain for a simple word that you just can't remember? Do you have problems writing, or understanding things you read or hear? If so, you're certainly not alone! This kind of language impairment is a symptom of both fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS).

This language problem is the source of a lot of frustration and embarrassment, and has made some of us unable to read very much, or remember what we have read. This symptom alone can make it hard for some to hold down a job. It's medical name is dysphasia, or in severe cases, aphasia. It's a recognized speech disorder, so you can tell people you have it without having to go into the whole explanation of what FMS and ME/CFS do to our cognitive function. I feel like a broken record saying this, but (of course) no one knows why we get this problem. It's usually associated with brain damage or degeneration from diseases. So far, there's no evidence that FMS or ME/CFS cause this type of degeneration.

Dysphasia drives me crazy! The people closest to me have learned to recognize the signs, so they wait for me to get my words together and continue. I hate talking on the phone, especially to people I don't know.

If dysphasia or aphasia is a major problem for you, talk to your doctor about speech therapies that may help. Here's an article (originally written for stroke patients) that talks about various forms of treatment: Aphasia Treatment

What's your experience with dysphasia/aphasia? Has anything helped you? Leave your comments below!

Results 1 - 6

  • Jennifer

    I have this and have not tried anything in particular to help it... 

    My husband has learned to translate my words - I say the wrong word often.  I have called a fan a flag for example.  "Can you turn off the flag?"


    23 months ago

  • Kenyatta

    This aspect of the condition has been the toughest for me, since I am working to earn my degree. I have lost valuable quality time with my kids because it takes me so much longer to read assigned chapters and write papers. It is comforting to know that there is therapy for this, I'll be talking to my Dr. about it soon.

    23 months ago

  • Michelle

    It is very hard for me.  I used to be so sharp minded and now saying the wrong words or just drawing a blank on a word that I use everyday, it can be very embarrassing.  But my family and I have learned to make a joke of it and that has helped.  I had never thought about therapy for it and I don't know if my insurance will even cover it, but I am thinking about trying.

    SHELL

    22 months ago

  • Jacki

    This is also very difficult for me to deal with.  Sometimes is seems to take forever just to put one sentence together.  However, my granddaughter had the best explanation for it (at age 4).  She said "Mammy, your words are just playing Hide and Seek with you.  Just close your eyes and count to ten and then look for them".  Three years later she still waits very patiently for me to find the "hiding" word and then yells OllyOllyOxenFree!  I have to admit that definately takes the stress away!


    Jacki

    22 months ago

  • Michelle

    That is a wonderful story Jacki.  You just gave me an idea for our next writing contest!!!

    SHELL

    22 months ago

  • Jacki

    Thanks Michelle.  Glad I could help. :)

    22 months ago

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