CABG and Memory loss

[LindaLittleBear]

Hi, it's six week since my triple bypass. My scar is healing well and I'm slowly recovering from the surgery.

Two things concern me, my legs are still painfully swollen and causing discomfort the other is my short term memory is shot, I'd laugh at my forgetfulness but I'm beginning to find it scary. I keep forgetting getting where I leave thing, couldn't remember my neighbours daughters name, even after asking as well as forgetting things I was going to do.

Has anyone experienced anything similar?

[Blackcatsooty]

Yes I seemed to get old age forgetfulness. But for three months after recovery I was so overjoyed to be alive that I didn’t notice the bad memory.

I even had an appointment at neurology and they said no loss of memory. Specifically, not Parkinson’s. As the years glide by I am getting better recall.

I do wonder if the many months spent being alarmed about heart surgery actually masked my shortcomings before the severe stenosis.

Who knows. I try to make the most of things and enjoy my rejuvenated heart !

Sooty

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I think I had memory loss before I had my op

I have 3 grown up children I go through all their names when I am talking to one till they have to correct me which one it is

My Son tells me his work shifts a minute later I am asking again what they are I just laugh at myself but your legs been swollen you may need a stronger water tablet and this is something I would see the Doctor about and while you are you can just mention your memory even though I am sure that will not be a concern to them

Let us know how you get on x

[Hidden]

I don't know if during yr op you were on a bypass machine.? I was told that being on bypass and the general anaesthetic can affect memory for a while afterwards but unsure of any further detailBest wishes

[LindaLittleBear in reply to Hidden]

Ah I believe I was on bypass machine. Perhaps that the cause. I have a GP appointment next week and should have hospital follow up soon. I'll mention it then. thank you!

[gladliz in reply to LindaLittleBear]

Make a list of questions, so you don't forget them 😊😊

[Bishop1]

Delighted you making a good recovery. I suffered memory loss after bypass in Dec2020We were homebound at that time so family didn't notice it

I have suffered 7 mini strokes over the years ( big one 7years today)

Feel well now

Good luck with recovery but see G P about your legs x x

[DWizza]

Hi, I had quadruple bypass following Nstemi heart attack in July this year, I noticed how forgetful I had become, even struggling to finish a sentence because I couldn’t remember the word for a certain thing 😂… I’m making a fantastic recovery, back to running, weights , working round my small holding , riding my motorcycle.. I’m sure my forgetfulness will improve. Here’s to the future , Wizza aged 61 👍🎉

[Dyllibobs]

I'm exactly the same Linda. I was on a bypass machine too. I'm 4 months post cabg & have memory issues at times. Tbh I had some difficulties pre-op too, I put it down to my age (59). I've discussed it with friends & it seems we all have similar issues so I try not to worry about it. X

[momander]

Hi LindaI hadca double cabg in January of this year. I have had many many strange " after effects" of the operation. Luckily I have a wonderful cardiologist who gave me his time and explained all my symptoms as being entirely expected and very normal!! Thank goodness.!!! My eyesight has been affected, my memory has, I have had bouts of hairloss, very low mood, lots of crying, sleep pattern changed, bowels changed!!, dark thoughts and bad dreams. These are just a few things!! So on to the memory loss!! It was so frustrating for me as I was forgetting things all the time!! I have a very good memory normally. It was explained to me that the neurotransmitters in the brain are affected when you have this operation, and so mood swings, eyesight and memory are some of the things that are affected. It will all come back slowly. I am 10 months post op now and everything is slowly getting back to normal. My memory is virtually back to normal I would say. The rest just takes time and is slowly getting there. If you are at all concerned that it may be something else then perhaps a wee chat with your GP may help. I hope you continue to heal well and get back to your old self very soon. Take care. Xx