Memory loss or not post myectomy

[Pam Alexson]

Hello everyone, I have a question ? After myectomy is it common to experience blanks in our memory ,has this occured to anyone, and how bad and how long does it last, are you even aware of it unless someone asks a question that you know you used to know the answer to or not? Sorry I think that's 1 question with 4 sub questions. The reason I ask is that I have read that after being on by-pass there is memory loss and often depression (but I'm not worried about the depression yet). Since my defibrilator has been tested yearly , I have noticed (as time passes) that there are some memories that I don't recall and don't even recall ever recalling. Sound confusing, it is . Well just need to know your input please . I may have to start counting my brain cells soon, ha! ha! Take Care ,Pam

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: Memory loss or not post myectomy

Anytime I have been "under" for any period of time - the day or two after are a little foggy...this is very common.
After my stroke in 1990 I had severe short term memory loss for about 6 months...now it is completely better (in fact my memory is better..strange but true!)
Suggestions for how to deal with the memory issues post procedure:
1. have someone with you as much as possible (family-friend anyone to be your advocate)
2. Keep notes as to what meds you have been given and what the docs have told you...so if your memory is not so hot...at least you can read it back to yourself.
3. Do not panic if you have a hard time recalling events for a few days.

Be well,
Lisa

[Cynaburst]

Re: Memory loss or not post myectomy

I had to respond when I read this too. Although I have never had open heart surgery, I had 2 brain surgeries last year...one only lasted anout 1 1/2 hours, but the other lasted 7 hours. I also have an ICD which was implanted in February.

Anyway, since the 7 hour surgery, I am definitely not as sharp as I used to be. I am not sure so much about the failure to recall events, but I am often searching for words, or, I might say one thing when I mean another. I know part of it is natural aging process, etc., but I am only 38, and I swear I feel like an elderly person sometimes.

It is really annoying....however, I guess the alternative...being dead...would have been worse.

I am also concerned because I haven't been working since my surgeries, but I am thinking about going back and since my job is one that requires brain power, I hope I am up to it.

I guess we will see.

[Dolly W]

Re: Memory loss or not post myectomy

I always blamed it on the anesthesia. The myectomy was my most recent surgery, but I've had three procedures prior to myectomy, and experienced episodes of forgetfulness after each administration of anesthesia. It usually subsides after a few weeks, but I still have "episodes" ocassionally. Maybe my remaining brain cells are mourning the ones that have gone before

[Pam Alexson]

Re: Memory loss or not post myectomy

Hi everyone thank you for the feed back . I'll just have to keep a close eye on it and thanks Lisa I will use your techniques to help keep track of the details . I still can't help but wonder if that defibrillator testing is the culprit. I plan to ask Dr. Maron about necessity on our next phone call. I am presently scheduled to have it done again in July. Thanks again ,Pam

[Robert Hartwell]

Re: Memory loss or not post myectomy

I have not suffered any memory loss due to my myectomy. I still clearly remember waking up in the ICU and the remainder of my stay in the hospital. I remember the events leading up to the surgery to the point where the anestisologist asked me "How do you like that martini I gave you?"

Sounds like I am in the minority here however. Unless I have forgotten that I really have forgotten!

Bob