“Memory Loss After Heart Surgery?” Asks Paige

Paige,

I experience the very same thing. I also had a dull headache that would not go away. My surgeon put me on Plavix and all of it went away. They would never say it is Pumphead syndrome but if you read about it, the symptoms are almost identical. It has been 9 months since my surgery and since being on Plavix and I haven’t had any of the signs of it again. But I also had my valve repaired not replaced.

Paige,

I wrote in to Adam previously asking the same question you did… I was told the same thing by several cardiologists that you were. I had the same surgery in December 2008 and I still have the memory loss. It just depends on the day. I was that way this past Friday. It really gets you down when you can’t carry on a conversation with anyone. I go back to the cardiologist this Tuesday and I’m going to mention it again and I still have memory loss. Thanks for taking time to share with us all.

Paige,
My aortic valve and root replacement was in Aug., 2008, and I experienced some memory loss – especially people’s names! And my short-term memory seems to have suffered too. It has very gradually improved. I try to keep certain things in mind: 1. Even if I have some memory loss, at least my life has been extended due to the surgery. 2. There’s nothing we can do about it – except maybe keeping our brains active in various ways. 3. I couldn’t always remember things before the surgery, so perhaps now isn’t much different than before and it’s just that I pay more attention because I knew that memory loss was a possible side effect of the surgery. So, I just try to accept it and be thankful for all the years I have left because of the surgery. I wish you the best!
Sean

No doubt about it! I was wondering about the same thing. I attributed it to being 75 but perhaps there is something in this theory!

Hi Paige,

My valve replacement was the end of January and I had, and still do to a lesser extent, the symptoms you described. But I had never heard of Pumphead. When I complained to my family that I had ‘changed’ they said I was just starting to get older (I’m 52). I joked that maybe I fried some brain cells while on the heart lung machine. Maybe my joke wasn’t that far off. The short term memory problem made my job as an Analyst very difficult. When I started back to work I took very detail notes on my work and conversations. While there are still times I have some difficulty it is nothing like it was 2 months ago. I’m pretty confident it will continue to improve. Thanks for asking Adam, made me feel better to know there was more to it then my imagination (or age).
Cindy

“pumphead” is my new favorite phrase !but seriously i definately suffer from that although its slowly getting better.my short term memory has been very poor lately. i often forget that i’ve said something and will repeat myself. the worst part ive noticed is writing or typing and putting the letters in the wrong order to form a word(im normally a very good speller), but this is the correct letters , just in the wrong order.it takes me twice as long to type sentences. jeffstoveken@yahoo.com
ps. is anyone else having difficulty maintaining their coumadin inr levels? jeff

Paige, I had my aortic valve replaced on 2/13/09 and still experience instances of not being able to remember words, names and especially going to find an item in another part of the house and then not remembering what exactly I was going to get. In this case, I can usually bring it back into my mind if I stop myself, don’t get upset about forgetting and then focus on what is in that room that I might have wanted. Like most everyone else, it has gotten better with passage of time and I expect it will improve more. Not only could it be pumphead, but an awful lot of powerful drugs are pumped into your system and they can take months and months to totally leave. And, during the surgery alot of organs, nerves, etc. get moved around in your chest cavity and take time to get repositioned so that everything flows smoothly again. I would imagine that some things inside even have to find or develop new pathways, so it’s no wonder we forget a thing of two. I have always been a pretty good notemaker, but now there are 3 X 5 note pads everywhere around and I have trained myself to write things down…then you don’t feel so stupid because you can’t remember a simple thing.

Have faith, confidence or whatever you want to call it and your memory will come a long way back.

Remember, all of us are now survivors and we can survive this also. Oh, one more thing is to be honest with family and friends about not remembering and they can help out alot.

Midge

hi
I also have the same prob i am over a year post op things are getting better but slowly.
to jeff
i had prob controlling inr as food also plays a big part in the levals but i have settled down i would give it about a year as this will help level ouy with your life style.
fazilat

I am 16 months post op from my Ross procedure and I still experience memory loss. Mine is typically short term…like I can’t remember what I was about to do…or why did I walk into the kitchen…etc. I’m hoping this will improve over time, but have also heard that it is somewhat normal.

Doug
Ross Procedure – 2/2008

I had my aortic valave replaced in February. Call it pumphead or whatever I have had memory and problem solving difficulties since then. It is getting better but very slowly. I keep reminding myself I am alive with a very healthy heart and a valve that is functioning better than my old one ! A little brain function is a small price to pay.

My husband had his aortic valve replacement in 2005 and continues to have some memory problems and is sometimes overwhelmed by situations since his surgery. We hope that he will not experience more loss of memory after his next surgery.

I had my valve replaced on May 18 2009. My memory for the last 3 to 4 months has been erased. This may be worse than the physical pain. Confusion, and not being able to sleep are other side effects I’m experiencing. Even typing this now is taking way more consintration than normal. Although I have noticed a small gain in memory the last two weeks since I’ve rejected taking oxycodone and xanax, still this is an annoying side effect. I went from photographic memory to having huge black voids of memory. Yesterday I went to the vitamin store and bought a high grade, phyto based multi vitamin that I mix with Gatorade, hopefully this will help feed my brain. I will keep you posted.

Hi

My Mitral valve was replaced in April 2003 in London. I suffered dreadfull memory loss and confusion when my heart was reconnected. This all came back to normal soon after but I still forget more than I would expect to do
some 7 years later. The other symptom that may well be related is vivid
memory recovery of short experiences when I am not trying to recall anything in particular.

It is interesting to hear from you who have similar experiences.

Phillip

I had surgery to replace my aortic valve on November 23, 2009. I have noticed major difficulties with my memory. I lose words when speaking and there have been a number of times my husband will speak to me, I will answer, then he will come back and want an answer to a question about what he just talked to me about and I have no memory that he’s spoken to me. I am fairly young for having had the procedure, 42, and I’m very concerned that this will be long term.

In addition, I’ve noticed a change in my ability to concentrate and in my attention span. I have been unable to become interested in reading a book, which before the surgery was a great passion of mine. Even watching television or listening to the radio has limited interest, and I find myself switching channels constantly because I am no longer interested in what is on. I truly hope this is a very temporary issue.

Reassurance for ELIZABETH. Elizabeth, most of what you are experiencing is probably temporary. I had my aortic valve replaced almost a year ago and went thru exactly what you are asking about. The losing words when talking to someone almost got comical….many times had to revert to young child type talk to explain what I was trying to say. Sometime the words would never come and I just got used to saying “never mind”. I did not try to hide this….I just explained to most everyone I came into contact with that I had these lapses in thought and if something didn’t sound correct, to let me know. I have people who work for me and I really stressed with them that this was going on so don’t be afraid to ask for more explanation. Most of it is gone now, but my spelling still continues to plague me. I just started leaving a dictionary handy. I have been an excellent speller all of my life and this really is frustrating to me. So, not everything gets totally back to normal.

The concentration has been less of a problem for me and after the first 3 or 4 months I felt about back to normal, although I do find it easier to sort of “space out” infrequently.

Remember, your body and all of its parts went through a major trauma and it takes time to get back to feeling more “normal”. Chin up and learn to laugh about alot of it (you can even make fun of yourself). Sure makes it easier.

Midge

my father had a mitral valve repair 10 days ago and today i surprised that he has the same problem (short memory lost) i dont think that there is something help getting rid of this abnormal condition but after i read the above comments of the patients themselves i looked into the bright side of the surgery which is more important of forgetting some words when he speak or what is he up to when go to the kitchen in the future as somebody mentioned … but i really thank all those who participated in this page ..it is very useful especially when u find many people having a lot in common in such serious cases
i wish he can get better with time .. and if someone has a useful tips or medical information to help our memory problem plz share it with us
regards

Yes I am having memory loss problems after heart surgery in feb 2010, is there any exercises for the brain you can recommend

I had a CABG done in May 2000. Since that operation, I have lost parts of my memory. I noticed it first when someone would discuss a person or event in my past, and I had no memory of them or it. It has become very annoying and at times depressing. I was only 36 at the time of the heart surgery and I believe that my young age has added to my feelings of depression. My thirty year class reunion has come and gone. I didn’t attend. I can’t remember a lot of the members of the class I graduated with. Enough said. I will have to live with it.

my pal Nick had a 4 operation with six stents… seems the last two were to repair what didn’t get done with the 1st two but I digress. Nick is a shop instructor and recently has complained about short term memory loss where he has to ask another instructor how to do something as he just can’t remember the steps.

It’s only been a month since the final procedures were done and just the other day he was sure he left some nails at my house the last time he was here…but do you think we could find ‘em. Just yesterday while watching the Eagle’s play and I indicated it was the Eagles… He goes, “we must be getting old as we can’t even tell whose playing”.

Glad to see this thread as it appears a linkage and it also appears to dissapate in the 6-12 month timetable. I will be letting him know as I am sure he will appreciate knowing that it is more temporary than not. Well, let’s hope so.

In October of 2009 I had an aortic valve replacement (bovine) and a AAA done–That’s an Acsending Aortic Aneurism for the lay people..I noticed almost immediately that I wqs having cognitive problems during my recovery period.Everyone attributed it to the trauma my body experienced.As time went by I realized that the condition was not improving and I mentioned it to my cardiologist whoi said I might have “Pumphead”,but that it should go away within 6 months.Well, here I am 1 1/2 years later and things dont seem to be improving. Rather, there are times when it is obvious that I may actually have lost just alittle bit more.I have a terrible short term memory now–if I am doing something as simple as dialing an unknown phone #–I have to look at the number while dialing because I cant even seem to hold 10 digits in my head long enoughto get it dialed.Confusion comes fairly easy and yes, I have forgotten where I’ve parked my car regularly.When I mention these things to my cardiologist–he just plays it off–I also notice recently while typing on-line–I must re-read everything–because I have a habit of inverting the letters–”Anoterh words” To the left you will see an example of what happens if not corrected.Any Feedback frm Anyone”?

I had aorta replacement 2 1/2 years ago and have recently begun to experience short term memory loss. I live out in the country and have suddenly not recognized the roads home. I lose my keys, my glasses, forget to go to the bank when that is the sole reason for going into town. I have difficulty feeling comfortable on the interstate as I get confused when there is a lot of traffic, especially on the on ramps. My Dr. is starting me on Aricept tomorrow, just in case of early onset Alzheimer. I am only 52, so he isnt convinced that is the problem. I will see a psychiatrist for testing soon.

Hello everyone, Nov. 2009 my mother(64 yrs old & diabetic but very active)had her aortic valve repaired. The surgery was successful and Doctors were surprised at how fast my mom began to wake-up post operation. Her first day fully awake she was eating and talking but her demeanor was changed. She kept repating herself using a line from a song she liked to answer most of the questions. Ex: I would say Mom,how are you feeling? her reply: I’m fine “I got the Midas Touch” It’s now 2011 and my Mom still has memory loss, she repeats herself, her sentences are often jumbled, gets easliy agitated and she tends to stare into the distance for several minutes likes she’s frozen, until you call her name. This can occur anytime and IT TOTALLY SCARES ME. My Moms says she’d like to go back to work (part-time)but she’s not confindent due to the symptoms I’ve described. What can I do to help her? I want my vibrant,intelligent,funny & creative mom to get past struggling with these issues and get as close as possible to the woman she once was. Any suggestions

Hi, my father had triple by-pass 6 weeks ago and has severe “pumphead” symptoms. He doesn’t recognize my mother, me or my sisters. He has become, (mostly in the middle of the night), awake, showers, gets dressed and demands to have the keys to his vehicle to go “home”. My mother is beside herself, because she doesn’t know this person when these episodes happen. The docs say it will pass. It’s been 6 weeks, and I understand that this is somewhat common, but it hasn’t gotten any better. Not even a little bit. Just wondering if we are dealing with early dymentia or if he will get better. Any thoughts or anyone else dealing with this. BTW, he is 77, and before the surgery was very active and in relatively good shape. Thank you for this forum.

HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE OTHER PUMPHEADS.

BUT I HAVE A DIFFERENT ONE. BEFORE SURGERY [AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT]
I HAD PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY IN THE LOWER LEGS/FEET. AFTER SURGERY THE
NEUROPATHY MOVED UP ABOVE THE KNEE IN BOTH LEGS. I FEEL THIS COULD
BE IMPORTANT INFO TO MEDICINE FOR ONE WHO IS COLLECTING INFO.

IT HAS BEEN 3 MONTHS AFTER SURGERY. LOOKING FOR A BRIGHT NEW YEAR.
SAM

I had heart surgery at 17 and again at 20 (3 total) had an ASD repair and mitral valve replaced. I have never been the same mentally since. I’m now 32 and still have trouble remembering things and especially gathering my thoughts when communicating verbally. I blank out a lot when having just normal conversations, even with friends. I’m fine when it comes to typing or writing… strange

Yes I too had open heart surgery in 09 and they had to go back in and placed me back on heart lung machine for second attempt! I definitely have experienced short term memory loss! It is very frustrating bc I won’t see something that will remind me of what I was doing or going to do it is completely gone! I have two small children and it is such a challenge!! If I leave our routine but don’t write down what I was doing or going to do it is lost from my memory!!