Anyone else suffering from Post Operational Cognitive Dysfunction ?

[Harrysgran]

I had an AVR 3 yrs ago and since then my memory and ability to retain information has been poor. I also had an episode of global amnesia and after a lot of tests a neurologist concluded that i have POCD. This is thought to be caused by being on the heart bypass machine and there is a lot of research that is inconclusive as to why it happens. Some link it to tiny embolisms that occur whilst on bypass. I also suffer dizziness and visual disturbances that the neurologist attributes to having heart surgery as it affects the vascular system. Does Anyone else have these symptoms or been diagnosed with this ?

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I'm four years down the road after CABG and have adjusted to the lack of ability to focus and short term memory issues. I was always a big book reader but haven't read one since operation, by time I get to end of a chapter most of the content is forgotten. Mentioned it to GP but he did not seem to think it was an issue!

[13allit]

Hi. I had my surgery in May 2108. I was taking part in some research and had several mri scans done, one of my brain a few days after surgery. I’d had one a few months before my surgery. They found I’d had some small bleeds and I was told these usually healed themselves over time and they were finding it was common for this to happen. I have had times when I loose my words part way through sentences. This was really bad at first. I know what I’m trying to say and can often visualise it but can’t continue. This comes and goes but is worse under stress. Recently it’s been more noticeable and my confidence has dipped. I feel far less able to do things than before my op some times but when things are OK I’m back to normal. I also have visual disturbances and dizzy spells. I’ve always had them before migraines but now get the same without the headache. It’s a relief to know that it’s not just me!

[Dolphin14 in reply to 13allit]

the research study sounds interesting.

[13allit in reply to Dolphin14]

It’s a study into mitral valve repair/replacement as they don’t know as much about the effects of this compared with other valves. It meant I had several very detailed scans and it was fascinating to see my heart beating and how the valve was affecting it. I could see the condition of my heart muscle before and then six months after my operation. Was very reassuring I have to say. It was carried out at Leeds General Infirmary.

[Dolphin14 in reply to 13allit]

That's great. I'm always fascinated by that type of stuff.

I imagine it's very reassuring to actually visualize the great work that has been done to your body.

you can imagine the technology behind the actual surgery itself and the research that had to be done to get to this point. The minds of the doctors that were able to put together all these interventions is just amazing to me.

I wish you the best of luck. Thank you for sharing your story.

[Harrysgran in reply to 13allit]

Thats interesting as i too have dizziness and visual disturbances though i didnt have them before my AVR and a neurologist says its related to the op and being on bypass.

[Dolphin14]

It can happen for many reasons during the surgery. Isn't always the heart lung machine that causes the issue.

[kefalonia1]

Hi, not that l would wish it on you but its nice to know l am not alone with the same memory fogs. My last AVR was Feb 2017 and even now l struggle retaining information and feel the need to write things down. Before two AVR ops 5 weeks apart, the first one failed, l could spell almost anything and remember most things. At first my family would finish off my sentences, l would stop speaking half way through trying desperately to express what l was trying to say. l think that 17 hours in total spent in theatre leaves scars inside your brain mentally. l read there is a condition called Pumphead. l agree with you about the heart lung machine l don't think you are quite the same after your heart is stopped and restarted. l don't have the dizziness but l get headaches more often but worse of all is the post operative cardiac depression which l fight all the time. Sometimes l forget all the hell l have been through and try and pretend l am just the same person l was, sadly it never lasts. l think time is the best healer and reading books to stimulate your brain. Some Doctor told me to do everyday tasks using your left hand if you are right handed because you use your brain more, things don't get done automatically. lt sounds good advice but be warned, l tried putting my makeup on left handed and l ended up looking like "the joker". Take care, Sue.

[13allit in reply to kefalonia1]

Hi I’ve just come across your reply and feel so much better knowing I’m not the only one. My op was May 2018 and I kept thinking I should be OK now as there’s nothing wrong with my heart after it was repaired but it’s not that easy. I’ll definitely try doing things left handed a bit to see if it makes a difference. I need to remember to keep smiling especially through the coming winter months! Take care and onwards and upwards for us all!!

[kefalonia1 in reply to 13allit]

Hi, thanks for your reply, l think l have found a short term solution for this bugging syndrome. Go on you tube and play the video "build me up buttercup" from the movie "theres something about Mary" its so funny and will make you smile, also the song is uplifting. Take care, Sue,

[Janma123]

Have you had your vitamin b12, folate and d3 levels checked?

My hubby had a CABGx4 in April 2018 followed by a small stroke in June 2018. The stroke mainly affected his memory and eyesight.

However he was increasingly tired, unbalanced and muddled this time last year and had no appetite ( I was worried that something else was setting in!) He was eventually checked for b12 etc and found to be low. Since having regular injections and taking folic acid and vitamin d3 he has improved considerably.

[Harrysgran in reply to Janma123]

Thanks for that Jamma. I was initially treated for the dizziness by an ENT dr with vit d but i dont think my b12 or folate has been checked so i will look into it x