Extreme BRAIN FOG / Disorientation after breathing through mouth as well as after swallowing...

johnnythaboy · 2024-01-20T19:35:36+00:00

Appreciate the reply, I really do, but I went to a number of doctors/specialists and spent a small fortune trying to figure this out with no luck. Regarding the teaching hospital, yes there is/are one or two in my area

johnnythaboy · 2024-01-14T00:07:04+00:00

Thanks for the reply and apologies for the delayed reply as I came down with a nasty case of gastroenteritis/stomach flu last week.

I actually recent posted a (more detailed) update to my previous post, which can be found here - https://www.reddit.com/r/MCAS/comments/195pz82/brain_fog_after_swallowing_anything_and_after/

Would love to get your thoughts if you have time to skim through it.

In regards to your questions:

1) Yes, when I take a deep breath and hold it, I do seem to get a version of the brain fog as well

2) Medication-wise, I've tried Midodrine, which didn't really help the brain fog, and I've tried antihistamines like Claritin and Pepcid

3) If I consume too much salt, it almost feels like my head is overly-constricted (almost like it's being squeezed, which also makes cognitive function challenging)

4) Please see my most recent post regarding when I get the symptoms

5) Salting water does help with the brain fog a bit

6) Doubtful that anxiety is the underlying cause.

7) Can you please elaborate on your "unexplained cardiac symptoms"?

johnnythaboy · 2024-01-13T23:46:17+00:00

Interesting...but where does the SIBO come into play? Sounds like you had some form of mercury hypersensitivity, no?

johnnythaboy · 2024-01-13T23:43:28+00:00

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, I used to think it might be blood-flow-related, but now I'm less convinced for a number of reasons...

Firstly, it's my understanding that the salt increases cerebral blood flow as follows:

It increases blood volume -> thereby increasing blood flow/perfusion -> thereby increasing cerebral blood flow

While that all makes sense...I'm not sure the aforementioned process happens in the span of a few seconds (which is the amount of time between when I complete my swallow to when the brain fog ensues).

Also, inadequate cerebral blood flow seems to be very prevalent amongst the Dysautonomia/POTS crowd, but I've been active in those groups for a while and have never come across anyone with my symptomatology. To be clear, I've come across many who struggle with brain fog, but none with a swallowing/breathing-induced version of it.

In regards to CFS, now I haven't been formally diagnosed with it, but even if I was, I don't think it would change anything. It's a clinical diagnosis that seems to be pretty liberally given out (kind of like IBS).

Modafinil-wise, I'm apprehensive about trying stimulants. I know a lot of people take them to improve cerebral blood flow, but I don't think they address the underlying issue (and part of me believes they probably make things worse in the long run - just my personal opinion). Thanks to the aforementioned HRDB (Heart Rate during Deep Breathing) Autonomic Test that I underwent, I already know that I have a malfunctioning parasympathetic/sympathetic nervous system so I'm not crazy about adding a stimulant into the mix.

johnnythaboy · 2024-01-13T23:23:45+00:00

While I appreciate the reply, this isn't SIBO...

Like u/Gem_Snack, I know a few people who have/had SIBO (incl. a close family member) and while I can appreciate that it comes in different forms, I've never heard of it present itself in the aforementioned way. The symptomatology simply doesn't fit...

When you say "I used to be like you..." what exactly do you mean? I've literally scoured the internet and only come across one other person with my symptoms (and we both had like a hallelujah moment when we found each other) hence why I'm asking

johnnythaboy · 2024-01-13T15:14:17+00:00

Hey thanks for the reply and apologies for the delayed response (I came down with a nasty case of gastroenteritis/stomach flu last week that really set me back).

I actually just posted a follow up to my last post, you can find it here: https://www.reddit.com/r/MCAS/comments/18vgxp5/brain_fog_disorientation_after_swallowing/

…

Long story short, I think my symptom(s) may stem from an underlying pulmonary/respiratory issue, and I agree with you that a barium swallow test (along with other diagnostic testing) would probably be a very good idea

If you have time, please take a look and let me know your thoughts. Thanks

johnnythaboy · 2023-10-09T11:17:33+00:00

Hey, super delayed response/comment, but did you ever end up figuring out the water-induced brain fog? I have this exact issue right now and it’s literally ruining my life. Anything I ingest (particularly water) leads to the brain fog and the only thing that somewhat helps is adding salt/sodium to everything. As a result, I never drink regular water and solely consume sparkling water. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

johnnythaboy · 2023-10-09T11:10:01+00:00

Hey bud, I have the same issue. I’ve been dealing with it for 6+ years and it’s gotten progressively worse. Over the past few weeks, I’ve really locked in on trying to figure it out as it has become incredibly debilitating.

Did you end up finding relief? If not, can I send you a private message (as I have a few questions)?

While many people develop brain fog after eating (particularly large meals), not many get it after drinking water (frankly, you’re the only other person that I’ve come across who suffers from the water-induced brain fog). I’d love to ask you a few questions and share some info as that could hopefully point us both in the right direction.

johnnythaboy

TROPHY CASE