Dr. cant make a diagnosis

  My husband has memory problems and speech problems.  Has
  a hard time at times getting his thoughts out.  He had
  some dizzy spells and then started having speech problems. He was in the hospital for prostrate surgery
  and went into septic shock and almost died.  His memory
  problems were real bad after getting out of hospital.
  Cant remember how long we were married or bith dates of
  myself or son.  Knew these before surgery.  He had
  several tests MRI, EEG AND BLOOD WORK. The Dr. cant
  come up with a diagnosis because he hasnt gotten any
  worse in the past year.  He wants to rerun all the tests
  again.  The Dr. said his memory and not being able to
  follow directions are caused from his speech problem.
  He knows what everything is for such as keys, tools and
  is driving well. No problems dressing or walking.  He
  does have a hearing problem caused from the loud noise
  and pounding on the job.  He does not wear a hearing aid
  could the above problems be caused from a hearing problem.  The Dr. did not diagnosis anything as of yet.
  Also all his test results were normal, MRI, EEG.  I am
  beside myself to know how to help him.  I noticed he is
  having trouble following instructions I give him, but
  yet he can fix things.  We painted and he forgot to trim
  and I had to do it.  I dont know what to do and sure
  need advise or help in helping him. He knows everybody
  and remembers old classmates he hasnt seen in 30 years.
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Dear Jean:
It seems that your husband may at least be suffering from 2 separate problems;
The first problem consists of hearing difficulties that lead to a lack of understanding at times. The hearing problems could be secondary to the chronic loud noise he is/was subject to during at work.
The second problem consists of selective memory problems that started or got worse after a complicated surgery. These problems may be consistent with the early diagnosis of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (Especially if he is oledr than 50 years of age). At times neurological probles such as your husband's start or are precipitated by a medical illness. The fact that your husband's MRI, EEG and blood work are normal does not rule out the diagnosis of Alzheimer's, but they may rule out other problems such as stroke (if these studies were done and interpreted appropriately)
Based on the above, I would suggest the following:
1. Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist consult for the hearing problem.
2. A Neurological reevaluation for the memory problems. The repetition of the MRI and some blood work may be needed.
These 2 evaluations may be performed at the Cleveland Clinic by calling 1-800-CCF CARE
I hope that my reponses to your questions are helpful
Good luck
PS: If you choose to bring your husband to the Cleveland Clinic remeber to bring with you the films and the results of all the tests done locally.