I always say pain short circuits your brain! Also, ADHD is linked to leaky gut as well as RA, and your gut is considered your "second brain", so what's going on in your gut affects ability to focus and learn.

@A myRAteam Member, I think that happens to everyone as they get older, and RA or other issues certainly complicate it. There's so much that is going on inside us it's hard to always sort through what's going on outside. Sometimes when the circus gets too loud it still continues in our head even after it has stopped. We need to try to stop, and take some deep breaths to help refocus, trying to do just 6 breaths a minute. Smelling real essential oils -- ones we especially like, also seems to help. I like the citrus oils or vanilla. Not lavender--some like it but I don't. I tried it once to try to sleep better and it kept me away all night--I hated that smell, so it has to be a smell that is pleasing to you. You might like lavender. Frankincense is a good one to help clear your mind and focus.

Outside stimuli affects some people more than others--you might be one of them. We are all different. Praying you find something that helps! Love and hugs!

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A myRAtea...

I do have to stay focused more, and it doesn't help that my husband has issues himself. Sometimes I think he still thinks I am the 19 yr old he married.
Not use to see me just sitting.....

I hear ya! I have same issue. Thought it was my meds maybe? I want to do something, particularly read, and to get motivated to do it can take hours. It did get somewhat better once I got off Oxycodone. Hated that stuff!

The more active the disease, the worse the brain and. Once you get it under control,the brain fog starts going away.my brain fog was severe for several years but much better the last couple years. Biologics seem to help brain fog the most.