Brain Fog

[paulcongleton]

4 weeks ago today i had a mitral valve repair, via OHS.

Still suffering from brain fog and confusion.

Anyone else suffer 4 weeks on ?

Thanks

[Ageingfast]

I had AVR. It took twelve weeks to recover. I am twenty plus years older than you, but I would still think that six weeks would be the minimum recovery time. Just steadily follow the rehab advice and you should feel a little better every two days.

Hope things look better after Easter

Sooty

[Gundoglady]

In my experience the brain fog can last quite a while for me it was nearly two years before I could concentrate enough to read a book.

[Larneybuds]

Good morning....4 weeks is very early days after OHS and I think after any major surgery your body is in shock for a while and it takes time to come to terms with what you've been through. Have you spoken to your GP or anyone about how you feel? I had valve repair via OHS and did not experience brain fog or confusion but my partner had an osophogetomy ...huge operation... and felt the same as yourself for a few weeks until he was able to be more mobile and do things. He had district nurses in every day doing checks on him and changing dressings, blood checks etc and they were all fine . Are you doing daily exercise?...building up walking or any other form of exercise. After about 6 weeks the cardio rehab team should contact you and myself along with a lot of others would advise attending as it gives you confidence about what you are able to do along with getting you into a heart healthy exercise programme. Perhaps a chat with your GP or someone from the cardiac team would be a good idea or at least get checked over just to be on the safe side. Your bloods or a urine sample might show something that can be very quickly rectified. It may of course be nothing but always best to get checked anyway to put your mind at rest. I hope you continue well with your recovery and you are soon feeling more back to normal. X

[paulcongleton in reply to Larneybuds]

Hi. Thanks for the reply.

Been to the doctors and had ecg, blood tests etc and everything looking fine.

I agree 4 weeks is early days, it's just a weird sensation not been able to think clearly as normal.

I am suffering with low blood pressure, partly due to a beta-blocker they have put me on temporarily whilst my heart recovers, they think this could be the issue, I'm normally a very healthy 120/75 but currently 90/65.

Managing 2 - 20 min walks a day at the moment and yes im definitely going to go the cardio re-hab in a few weeks time.

Thanks again

Paul

[Larneybuds in reply to paulcongleton]

It sounds like the bp and beta blocker then, though keep an eye on yr low bp if you are exercising. I would definitely recommend the rehab and hope the brain fog and feeling confused disappears. If in doubt about anything it's always best to get checked. All the best in your recovery and I'm sure in a few weeks after your body has levelled out, you will start to feel much better. Take care x

[Mitchum]

I still had brain fog after many months Paul. You're still trying to force your recovery and really must , for want of a better word, "relax" into it Read the books you'd always meant to , watch the DVD's you've had for ages and listen to your favourite music but have five minutes walk every hour or so. Let it come naturally but slowly. You'll get there pal!

[Nelson71]

Four weeks is no time at all. Your body and brain has undergone massive trauma. Be patient don’t rush things and your body and brain will heal in its own sweet time. Good luck with your recovery

[fishonabike]

i completely agree with Mitchum and Nelson71 - the anaesthetic alone can leave you feeling brain-dead for weeks, then there's all the work you body is doing just trying to repair the aftermath of surgery - plus it's your heart they opened up an this is the part of your body which has to work 24/7 to keep your whole body supplied with the fuel and oxygen it need just to be able to sit up!!!!!

give yourself a chance, you are not superman or bionic - learn to just sit and be, you might actually enjoy it!

[Hidden]

Yes and Im 4 MONTHS onKeep going we'll get there

[paulcongleton]

Thanks for all the replies and positive messages.

Definitely not trying to rush anything and doing exactly what all the relevant doctors and nurses telling me.

Never suffered with brain fog/confusion before, so it is/was a little disconcerting.

But the replies have put me at ease somewhat.

Thanks

Paul