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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
memory loss after bypass surgery
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memory loss after bypass surgery
by kram5358, Apr 24, 2003 12:00AM
I am a 70 year old male. I had a quad bypass operation about
4 months ago. I have no memory of the first 5-6 days after surgery and seem to be having trouble remembering events from much earlier in life. ( decades rather than years).
Typically, a friend will say 'remember when......., and even after prompting I will not be able to recall the event.
I don't know if I am forgeting more things as time goes by or am just being exposed to more things I have forgotten.
Since the operation I have had a month of heart rehab and am
now in a self admin exercise program and typicallly walk on a treadmill twice daily for 30 min@ 3.5 mph. I have lost 35 pounds and fell much better and more capable physically.
Is my memory loss condition normal/typical for my age group with the heart bypass operations.
4 months ago. I have no memory of the first 5-6 days after surgery and seem to be having trouble remembering events from much earlier in life. ( decades rather than years).
Typically, a friend will say 'remember when......., and even after prompting I will not be able to recall the event.
I don't know if I am forgeting more things as time goes by or am just being exposed to more things I have forgotten.
Since the operation I have had a month of heart rehab and am
now in a self admin exercise program and typicallly walk on a treadmill twice daily for 30 min@ 3.5 mph. I have lost 35 pounds and fell much better and more capable physically.
Is my memory loss condition normal/typical for my age group with the heart bypass operations.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-M.D.-KE, Apr 25, 2003 12:00AM
Dear Kram5358,
Sorry to hear about the memory loss you have been experiencing following your bypass surgery. Approximately 3 to 6% of people undergoing bypass surgery may experience some type of adverse cerebral outcome which includes stroke, cognitive decline, seizures or memory loss. As people age the incidence of these adverse events increases following bypass surgery. Fortunately, many people do return to their baseline(pre-operative) level of cognitive function. One study showed that most patients who experienced cognitive decline following CABG returned to normal within 6 to 12 months. However, they did remain at increased risk for further cognitive decline. I would recommend continuing interact with your friends and participating in mind stimulating tasks. I would also recommend discussing your concerns with your doctor. Hope this helps.
Thanks for your question,
CCF-MD-KE
Sorry to hear about the memory loss you have been experiencing following your bypass surgery. Approximately 3 to 6% of people undergoing bypass surgery may experience some type of adverse cerebral outcome which includes stroke, cognitive decline, seizures or memory loss. As people age the incidence of these adverse events increases following bypass surgery. Fortunately, many people do return to their baseline(pre-operative) level of cognitive function. One study showed that most patients who experienced cognitive decline following CABG returned to normal within 6 to 12 months. However, they did remain at increased risk for further cognitive decline. I would recommend continuing interact with your friends and participating in mind stimulating tasks. I would also recommend discussing your concerns with your doctor. Hope this helps.
Thanks for your question,
CCF-MD-KE
I am 42 years old and had a triple by-pass October 27, 1999. (I have had 4 heart attacks since 1997.) I have memory loss too -- for the longest time I thought I simply had SFB
Just wanted to share...
Donna