Is this pumphead or old age??

[Jane]

In general, I am feeling very well indeed, except when I overdo things. However, I have noticed that I do tend to forget things during a conversation, eg if I have told someone something before, who I have told what to, and consequently I repeat myself a lot. It is a bit embarassing to say the least.

Also I forget what I have done the day before etc. Is this normal?? If so, will it get better, and when??

 

[R0Y]

Jane,

Glad to hear you're feeling well. Two months out it's still easy to feel like you overdoing it. I'm a strong believer in stretching the boundaries to achieve improvement. As long as it's safe, that's not really overdoing.

The memory loss is clearly a concern. Without a medical evaluation, there's really no way to be sure what is happening. One of the well-documented risks of open heart surgery is the possibility of small clots that develop during surgery producing very minor strokes. This situation can result in some memory impairment. Fortunately, the brain is quite resilient and over time full function is normally restored. On the other hand, the condition may be unrelated to the surgery.

The best thing is to get the condition checked by a specialist so you can make the best decisions.

Here's hoping for a full and speedy recovery.

-- roy --

 

[Kevin M]

After my last op, I had the same thing for almost 6 months.
It was pretty frustrating. Mine went away quite gradually, but it did go back to normal.

I had a problem spitting out what I wanted to say. It was like I knew what I wanted to communicate, but I could not find the words. I also had some of that forgetfulness too.

It's common, but if it concerns you it never hurts to check it out.

For me the 2-6 months post-op period was frustrating because I would overtire myself and wonder if there was something wrong because, "after all, it's been 5 months already".

It takes a long time for the body to heal and then build up the resiliance that it used to have.
Kev

 

[Vicki448]

Jane,
I am 5 months out of surgery and I forget things, too. Some days are better than others. I found that stretching my brain was a good skill. I found mind games on the internet and played them like crazy. Word Whomp was one of my favorites. Also, I just learned to do something when I thought about it. Usually that resulted in me having several projects going on at the same time, but I felt less frustrated doing things that way. In addition, I found that I was entering menopause and that certainly affects many things about your thinking, mental ability, and overall well-being. I'm 49 yrs. old....I don't know your age, but I do believe that my surgery really had an effect on me and menopause. I believe my surgery put the 'ol menopause gears into "HIGH." Good luck to you.

 

[Jane]

Vicki, I am 50 and am indeed enjoying (??) a lot of the symptoms of the menopause. I am sure you could be right, and I expect the surgery has a lot to do with it also. I have a rehab evaluation this afternoon, so I will mention it then to see what they think.
Of course what I fear is that it is the signs of early dementia, but I am pretty capable generally. I just lose track of what I am saying sometimes and, as I said, I forget who I have told what. Just as well I am truthful!!

 

[Andrea]

pre-op memory loss

pre-op memory loss

This may seem strange but I havent even had my surgery yet and I am only 31, but as soon as my heart became damaged (due to phen fen) I have had very bad memory loss, trouble thinking as quickly as I used to, etc. I hate to think this may get worse after surgery ... did anyone have any pre-op problems like this?

 

[Nancy]

HI Andrea-

When your heart isn't functioning properly and pumping blood to all your organs in a normal way, the organs become oxygen starved. It can happen in the brain as well. After surgery and after the first few months post-op your heart will pump better and your body including your brain will start to feel better.

 

[Swill]

CRS syndrome...

CRS syndrome...

I'll have to mention the memory loss to my Cardiologist on Tuesday when I go in for my TEE. If I remember. Guess I should tell my wife.

Work is getting difficult for me, as I'm a computer programmer and need to pay attention to detail. That, along with the fatigue, is making life rough. I thought my Sleep Apnea was coming back (I had the operation to prevent snoring years ago), but they said it was fine after a sleep test. Probably symptoms of the valve failure slowly developing.

I'm hoping I get my memory back. On the other hand, I'm meeting lots of nice people...

 

[John Cochran]

Following is a list of factors that can affect memory:
--drugs administered during and after surgery can remain in the system for several months;
--the heart/lung machine is extremely hard on your blood, which takes time to recover;
--stress, anxiety and disturbed sleep patterns cause increased forgetfulness;
--post-op depression (etremely common) can cause forgetfulness;
--pain and discomfort make it difficult to attend to what's going on, also resulting in forgetfulness;
--post-op meds like ACE inhibitors and beta blockers can affect memory and mood;
Last but not least, simply worrying about your memory can cause you to be more forgetful!

Regular exercise, eating right, and especially getting enough sleep can help tremendously. As one who had a 14 hour surgery, with 10 hours on a heart lung machine, I know for SURE that these things help.

An excellent book for helping with memory (good techniques and "tricks") is "The Memory Book" by Harry Lorraine.

After your six-month post-op checkup, your memory should be functioning pretty well again. If it is still problematic, I'd be concerned and seek some professional advice. Before six months post-op, I'd say most all patients have some minor degree of memory impairment.

--John

 

[Swill]

Ace inhibitors

Ace inhibitors

Didn't know that about ACE inhibitors. That would explain a lot also...

 

[Nancy]

Hi Swill and all the newbies-

When you go to the doctor's office, please bring your wife or significant other. They need to know the whole story, no matter what, and they will have the extra set of ears, plus they can help you to remember questions you want to ask. Make a written list or questions at your leisure and bring that.

Make note too during the office visit. There's a lot of important technical info imparted, and lots of it will be in medical jargon which you might not be able to remember.