What Am I Trying To Say?

Whether we like it or not, we have moved to the fast track, which offers immediate convenience and response. We can email a letter and get a response in a matter of minutes if the person that you are sending to is quick to reply. I’m so guilty of that. For self-preservation, I shop online too, no fragrances, etc. to have to cope with. Then I hurry to wait for the order receipt, to make sure all is correct. It’s so much easier to pay bills online and saves a postage stamp! Besides by typing, no one can see the shaking hand. That happens often. There is nothing compared to the shakes after using my inhaler or nebulizer.

Detour signs

I was like that when doing things too. If I saw something that needed to be done, I needed to do it now. In my young days, I was a procrastinator, then I moved into this “get ‘er done” attitude, that my husband would call my OCD moments. I still have those, only I see detour signs everywhere I go. Dog’s food bowl is empty, fill it. Did I put my keys in the right compartment of purse, check it out quick. About 20 minutes later, I figure out what I was looking for. I think others do that too, don’t they? Talk about hurry to be late.

Doing some of this is more difficult now, as is the confusion.

Confusion

There have been times when I start talking and then I look at my husband because I’m lost. I have no idea what I am trying to say. I’m so grateful because my husband usually knows me enough to help finish my sentences, without me asking him what I am trying to say. It’s embarrassing to be this way with him and so sad when others are around. Earlier, I was talking to my brother and in the middle of a sentence, I couldn’t remember the words ‘independent contractor'. I just quickly changed that topic to something else that I could think up. I think more people are realizing that periodically I’m in the fog. And at times, it is very confusing.

Why is this happening?

Is it COPD? Other health issues? Meds? Do we have to put a name to it? It seems I have to have a reason for everything but I am getting better with that. Because I don’t know, and knowing isn’t going to change anything. It’s embarrassing, especially when we are with others. Thankfully though, I don’t have problems with knowing where I’m going, but I’m definitely in the fog when this happens. Sometimes I have to stop and think about it.

I hope this doesn’t frighten anyone. Confusion can be a symptom of COPD. That’s why I’m sharing this. Each of us is different. Do you struggle with confusion or anything similar? For later stages, some are prone to retaining CO2. Doing pursed-lip breathing can help to expel the CO2. When confusion is really bad, I know to check my O2. Sometimes it’s low and wearing O2 during these times helps. I am on night oxygen and days if needed.

I do Soduko and other games that are supposed to be good for increasing memory. I don’t know if it’s working or not, but I’ll keep doing them. I sure don’t want to forget any more than I already do.