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  • 1.  Memory issues after CABG4

    Posted 03-24-2018 09:16
    Hello, My name is Patti and I joined this forum since <g class="gr_ gr_51 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="51" data-gr-id="51">by</g> brother in NJ recently had a CABG4 with bleeding & clot complications. Physically he is doing really well but 7 months later he is still exhibiting working memory issues. I don't know if this is <g class="gr_ gr_226 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="226" data-gr-id="226">pumphead</g> or related to the drugs ( <g class="gr_ gr_303 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="303" data-gr-id="303">eliquis</g>, <g class="gr_ gr_330 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="330" data-gr-id="330">toporol</g>) or a result of oxygen deprivation and I am wondering if others out there have experienced this issue and what your thoughts are on possible therapies etc. Also wondering if there are any support groups in the Middlesex <g class="gr_ gr_1001 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="1001" data-gr-id="1001">county</g> area of NJ.

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    Patricia
    NC
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  • 2.  RE: Memory issues after CABG4

    Posted 03-25-2018 07:38
    On August 9, 2013 I had CABG5. I too had clotting and blood loss issues. I needed 40u of various transfusions.  I had diplopia immediately after surgery and still have it. I also developed depression which is well controlled with medication. I think his memory issues are very likely a result of the surgery.  But I suspect there wasn't a good option other than CABG.

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    Ralph Fortson
    Tampa FL
    (813) 968-1170
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Memory issues after CABG4

    Posted 03-26-2018 15:55
    Thank you both for your responses. I have been educating myself about '<g class="gr_ gr_1151 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="1151" data-gr-id="1151">pumphead</g>' and agree the prolonged time he spent on the heart/lung and vent <g class="gr_ gr_1571 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="1571" data-gr-id="1571">are</g> factors in his memory issues. His memory has improved <g class="gr_ gr_1980 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="1980" data-gr-id="1980">substanially</g> since his operation in Aug 2017, but there is still lingering forgetfulness, coupled with a tendency to fixate on a single issue ( house repair etc). Since my brother should be coming off his medication ( <g class="gr_ gr_78 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="78" data-gr-id="78">eliquis</g>) and BP meds soon. I am hopeful that this will improve things as well. He has always been a gym rat and since completing his cardiac rehab and been given the ok to go to his regular gym that has seemed to help also. He still does not have the Ok to drive because of the lingering questions about his 'fogginess' and this is a huge issue for his sense of well being. Someone mentioned carrying a pen and pencil at all times and that sounds like a good idea. His wife has posted a large calendar and keeps a daily reminder book filled with tasks for him while she is at work. Forming the new habit to rely on these tools is hit or miss. Fingers crossed the <g class="gr_ gr_3803 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="3803" data-gr-id="3803">8 month</g> mark will mean another level of improvement.

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    Patricia
    NC
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Memory issues after CABG4

    Posted 03-25-2018 07:44
    Memory loss
    2007 CABG3X I told my surgeon about memory loss after a couple months. His response was “No, not the anesthesia, but rather the bypass heart-lung machine which causes small air bubbles in the blood which affects memory temporarily in the brain. These will dissipate over several months.” And that is exactly what happened with me - my memory was back to “normal” after six or eight months. Your husband should carry a note pad and make more notes during this time.
    Joe Jansen
    Sect. #312 Fort Myers


    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Memory issues after CABG4

    Posted 03-26-2018 15:58
    Thank you <g class="gr_ gr_26 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="26" data-gr-id="26">Joe</g>, for your response. <g class="gr_ gr_71 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="71" data-gr-id="71">Hopefully</g> the next month will bring another level of improvement. Had no idea this surgery could take so long to recover from.

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    Patricia
    NC
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    Original Message