Just a random question

This has nothing to do with bp but lately I've been having a really hard time concentrating and even reading gets to be too much unless it is short and sweet. But the weird thing is I've never had this problem before but I am starting to read words wrong a lot. Particularly the first words in most sentences. I get frustrated because if the first word is wrong I am stuck going back because it doesn't make sense. Is it possible the meds are doing that? Oh and another thing, my legs have been so sore since starting meds too...has anyone ever had this problem before? Or am I out to lunch?

I can't concentrate for s.h.i.t when I'm aggitated, or have racing thoughts... Reading anything longer than a short paragraph either irritates me, or I realize I haven't absorbed ANYTHING I've read, so I stop... Meds ANNIHILATED my cognition (and, right now I don't even know if I spelt that accurately) I lost/forgot some of my vocabulary, I couldn't spell (used to be a human spell-check) and I used to read wrong alot too. Sometimes I still do, so idk if that was a med or bp thing, as my overall cognition has greatly improved after quitting my meds. Hope someone has more definitive answers for you Christy

I read it is common for ppl with bipolar to also be ADHD. You might want to get tested. Also, I used to have restless leg syndrome from stress which can make your legs sore. Good Luck!

Peace & Hugs,

TnT

"I lost/forgot some of my vocabulary"

This was/is awful. Pausing, staring at the ceiling, giving up and trying to put together inadequate words to get the meaning across. Get frustrated and just give up on whatever I was trying to say.

Yes, muscle aches, but only in the beginning.

Reading news or technical articles is difficult, but reading books that I can really get into stayed.

Trade offs and maybe only temporary for you. There are always other meds to try.

Good luck.

I have lost my ability to enjoy a fiction book. This I attribute to the bp because it has been this way throughout all med adjustments. I also am having a problem with short-term memory and just getting the right words out. I attribute this to medication. I used to think that maybe I was overstressed at work, but I am not working now, so it must be the meds.

I used to read like mad. I loved reading. Now, each day is different. Some days better, some days not. Sometimes I can understand what I"m reading, sometimes not. It's not just focus, it's comprehension, too. I lose it. I can't focus, but then I also can't understand. And then I get upset. I was always good with language. That was my main skill. I can't even write that well any more. Words stop making sense. sometimes the words "attack me," i can't explain it. I'm trying to read and I just feel attacked and i get angry.

I know the lack of focus is probably bp, but the loss of comprehension is what really worries me.

I'm not on meds, so I don't know.

I think it does have to do with bp and the meds. I've always had trouble focusing, unless it's really fun or interesting then I hyperfocus. Reading has always been difficult cuz I lose my place on the page or space off, but still read and got good grades in school - I think that's my add stuff.

But since, for you, this is new, sounds like it very well could be med related. And the restless legs/pain in legs, yes, I had that with abilify and my sister experienced same thing on that drug. Hyperkinesis is a well known side affect of abilify, probably other meds too.

Wow, so glad to hear this is somewhat common. I have another ish, I don't feel speeded up or anything but I am stumbling over my words...when I was at the store today talking to the lady I sounded like a complete idiot. All I wanted to say was I need to use the bathroom but it came out "I need, I need, I need, the the bathroom"...Like wtf?!?! I can say it perfectly right now, I don't feel uncomfortable around her, what gives lol. Ugh fml, I guess I am destined to grow dumber with age instead of wiser lmao.

I recently began stuttering pretty badly. For the last year or so I've been reading so much less than I used to (and I'm a pretty huge bibliophile). This does change for me as I cycle, but it is still pretty bad. About three years ago (when I was not medicated) I was almost unable to speak, I was always searching for the right word.
I guess words are hard for most people with bipolar... I think it is a combination of the racing thoughts that we can't verbally keep up with, the lack of ability to concentrate, and then the fixation on things - kind of OCD-like.
It is a pretty common problem, but if it is really bothering you, talk to your doctor about it. It might have to do with the new meds, since it never happened before and you just started taking them.

I hope it works out for you

I lost my memory, long ago as well as my ability to pay attention. Im always thinking of other things when Im reading or trying to read something. Yeah its nice to hear its common but its still terrible.

I used to be a voracious reader, now I can't stick with anything longer than an essay or newspaper article. I've got books piled up all over the house that I haven't read yet. STM loss? Got my name written all over that one. Cognitive decline? Let me count the ways...... Hell, I could probably hide my own Easter eggs now, my memory is so bad!

Lol @ Easter egg hunter up there. Someone said it could be meds since it wasnt like this before, come to think of it it's been like this ever since I could remember. Maybe meds have slowed me down enough to care. I notice it is especially worse when I'm heated. I am no poet telling ppl off. You stupid, poop head, why why why duh don't you just just just sit down and be quiet...ed. Winner winner chicken dinner.

LOL Well good to have insight

meds have in the past altered my ability to read (maybe they still do?IDK) but also my mood affects my ability to read when I'm depressed its often hard to concentrate and when I'm hypomanic I can read really fast at first but then as my concentration deteriorates then it gets worse...