when you get sick do you have trouble thinking?

I assumed up to this last time I got sick that when people get really sick that they pretty much experience the same thing that I do. (I'm talking about the flu, sinus infections, stomach virus etc) I get dehydrated really easily when I get sick and all I want to do is sleep. I literally can have trouble waking up to drink fluids because I am so out of it. In addition to the aches and pains (and nausea/vomiting/diarrhea depending on the illness) that everyone talks about when they get sick that people also experienced cognitive problems. I have a really hard time thinking and putting two thoughts together when I get sick. I had to depend on the health services at school (I talked to the nurses) last time I was sick because I couldn't figure out what to do for myself to get well or if I was bad enough off to need to go to the ER. I just couldn't cognitively function because I felt so awful. It was like I was trying to think through mud. I felt like I lost all ability to remember anything I knew about anything, and especially how to get well when dehydrated. I think it is worst when I get really dehydrated. I don't get this sick very often, maybe only every 4-7 years, but it just recently happened.

Do other people experience this same cognitive decline when they get sick? I just assumed it was part of being sick for everyone, but maybe it isn't. So I'm asking all my PC people to let me know if this is a usual response or not.

Thanks.

Hi googley,

I think we met on chat yesterday but i could be wrong. Anyway im sorry to hear your sick It depends very much on the type of illness you come down with and your own body chemistry but i think impared cognitive function can be expected to some degree. I know i certainly wasn't able to put two and two together when i last came down with the flu. I don't know if your on any but i wonder if meds come into play in terms of functionality when people get physically sick? Hmm off to do some research methinks. Anywho, hope you get better soon. Sending hugs (if ok)

Absolutely googley! When the body hurts, it just seems as though our brains can't function. I think all of our energy is sucked into trying to relieve the physical symptoms of flu type sickness.

I hope you are feeling better now and over your flu.

Yep, and If I'm running a fever I also suffer from delirium ... I'm also brain addled for several days afterwards as I'm recovering ... Kinda like a fuzzy fade out of some kind ... Stupor? ... At any rate, yes, I think I know of what you're speaking of ... Maybe it's because our brain starts drying out due to lack of fluids? ... Just a thought ... Which is why it's extra important to keep ourselves as hydrated as possible ... I only want orange gatorade and saltine crackers when I'm really ill ... So that helps to some extent, I guess ... ... PS ... Get Well Soon ... !!!

Thanks everyone. I'm better mostly now. I realize I still have a touch of brain fogginess, (probably apparent in my last post). I'm back to my life and my daily activities. Cloud- I was thinking it might have something to do with dehydration. I know it doesn't help when I can't take my meds because I can't keep anything down. But that isn't always a problem when I'm sick. This time it definitely was.

I do not believe I experience the same cognitive decline as you describe (at least not yet), but I do have trouble thinking straight when ill.

Even if you are feeling better, please keep an eye out for yourself, Googley.

Googley, Glad to hear you are feeling better. I get in a fog when I am sick for sure.

Yes when I am really sick I cannot think. In 2007 I went to the ED because I felt like I was going to pass out and my BP was 70/35 and stayed low for several hours. I was unable to tell them what meds I take and I normally have no problem remembering them.

Yes, I experience the same things you mention. In addition when I feel really crummy, the last thing I want to do is get up, get dressed and go sit in the waiting room at the doctor's office. I hope you feel better soon.

i do get that way but even though all I want to do is stay in bed most of the time I have no choice but to get up and do what I normally do which is everything since my spouse does not help.
the only times I get to stay in bed is when I have a migraine since those days I cannot get out of bed and he knows this when I am sick it does not seem to matter.
I am glad you are feeling better