⁸Short term memory loss

[Welshladder]

Wednesday I found my partner not breathing and no pulse, I am not proud to say I panicked my neighbours came in to give him CPR until the paramedics arrived to continue CPR, they had to shock him 4 times and give adrenaline to get his heart beating again. By some miracle he was up and talking by the time they got him to resus, day 2 he was up and walking to the loo. The only issue is his memory he can remember everything about his life before the heart attack but can not retain any memory at all now. I don't know how long he was there before I found him, and I delayed the CPR, does any one have experience of this and will his memory return. Also what can I do best to support him through this, I am currently an anxious wreck about it all and while can't wait to get him home I am also terrified of him coming home.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

[sturon]

What a dreadful shock for you. Like you my husband (then 56) had a sudden cardiac arrest. I was able to get myself together enough to phone 999 and start CPR. The ambulance service, back 5 years ago, were quick to respond. After a period in ITU then coronary care and finally on to the cariology unit he spent 3 weeks in hospital. He was diagnosed with a condition called long QT syndrome; This can cause sudden cardiac arrest. He is now fitted with an implanted defibrillator.

Well, that was back 5 years ago now. The first weeks after discharge he would never be left alone, he followed me around the house and didn’t want to go out. It was so bad that he insisted on me carrying a baby alarm with me if I went to the toilet, so I could hear him. That passed after a few months. To say I was on edge all the time is a massive understatement. So remember to take care of yourself.

I noticed he could remember things from years ago, but his short-term memory was very poor. I would say it took a good year for things to start to get back to normal. Before Covid we started to travel again. At first just short trips in the UK but then we planned long haul trips again. Now after 5 years his memory has improved. He still gets some word muddled and is forgetful, but we have learned to live with that. Patience is the word you will need, try not to get frustrated with him. Eventually you will get there - we have.

I hope our experience shows you that there is life after an event like this.

Good luck to you both. Please let us know how thing go.

[Welshladder in reply to sturon]

Thank you so much for reply, it is early days, I also have to work out how to stop beating myself up over panicking that time could have cost him his life, not sure if I can ever forgive myself for that. My partner is 58, doesn't smoke or drink. He has a congenital heart condition but oddly this episode was nothing to do with that. Other that the Wednesday he was admitted I have not been able to speak to the Dr who are caring for him so still not 100% sure what happened, I am sure they are telling him, but he does not remember seeing them.

[sturon in reply to Welshladder]

You really should stop 'beating yourself up'. Getting your neighbours in was just as sensible as you trying to phone and do CPR yourself. Like you I panicked, it a natural thing to do, when you see your loved one collapsed. We are both fortunate that they survived, as you know the odds of survival are slim in an out of hospital cardiac arrest. There a number of groups which you may find helpful. The British Heat Foundation nurses can put you in touch. One group is for sudden cardiac arrest survivors. You may find it helpful once you get him home.

Please let us know how things go and if you need to drop me a message anytime, please do.

Kind regards.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Thank you for sharing your experience with the Forum, it is natural to feel panicked in such situations, it is a shock that no-one can ever fully prepare for. Your quick thinking to get help immediately would of contributed to your partners survival. It is vital that everyone should be aware where their nearest defibrillator is located. CPR and a defibrillator can increase your chance of survival by 50%. Please visit our Defibs Saves Lives campaign for details and advice: heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/...

Many individuals do experience after effects, therefore its important to encourage your partner to seek the support of the medical team for advice. With your support I am sure they are in good hands and will contribute to a swift recovery.

Our Patient Services Team are always here to help, if you would like to have a chat or some advice, please do not hesitate to contact us: heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/...

[Welshladder]

While my partner is doing really well and we were hoping to get him home tomorrow, he has just texted me to say the ward was now under quarantine as a gentleman in the bed across from him has tested positive for Covid. My partner is not even 1 week post attack and now may have to battle Covid now too. I have been trying to be positive and upbeat, but now I am back to just being scared I am going to lose him 😢

[TracyAdmin Partner]

I completely understand your anxiety, please try to remain positive, he will be relying on you - he is in safe hands, and I am confident the hospital will do their very best to protect and care for him. Take care, Tracy

[Grouser]

I will add something even worse to your story in hope that you will feel better. My husband had what they call a heat stroke while walking home from the beach . He had a seizure and was unconscious. I just looked at him an observed it never occured to me to do cpr or anything! after a while ( it seemed a long while ) I called ambulance services and some beach going folks stopped to help . His memory is coming back and thank goodness he does not remember what a fool he has been married to for 53 years. We never know how we are going to react in these situations. I cry when I think how different he would have acted had the situation been reversed.

[Welshladder in reply to Grouser]

Thank you for sharing that, You are not a fool at all, I think we all know how we should at in those situations but our brain does strange things during times of high stress. Don't think logical thinking come in to it when it's someone you love dearly. Hats off to those who can and did keep a cool head. I also like you know how my partner would have reacted if the situation was worse.