Post bypass memory loss

[lolo9793]

I had a mitral valve replacement 5 years ago. I continue to have short-term memory loss, reduced reading comprehension, and difficulty processing information. It is extremely frustrating, trying to cope with this as a middle school teacher. Given my age (51), I'm not sure an alternative career is in the picture.I try to cope by always being prepared in advance (living for the post-it note); however, this is taking a toll in the form of 12-14 hour days and working weekends to "catch up." How detrimental to my heart health is this stress? Are people who have had this "brain" thing at a higher risk for stroke?

[MstrGareth]

I suffer from this also after having a coronary artery bypass graft. It is a side effect of being on the heart-lung machine and the way it operates by using a continuous flow instead of the bodies typical "pulse". It is an uncommon side effect that usually resolves itself within the following year but can be permanent.

I am almost at the year mark and still suffer from it heavily. But it comes and goes in intensity that is possibly relate to anxiety levels.

[ed34]

May I ask what medications you are taking?