Anastesia ?

[daggiesmom]

Has anyone had trouble with their memory after being under anastesia? Of course, I had anastesia during the operation and then afterwards they kept me in a coma for about 2 weeks. When I finally came out of that, I had alot of confusion, couldn't remember important facts, really felt like someone else, at least for a while. Now two months later, I find that I forget conversations I've had, some important facts that I should remember. It troubles me and I wonder is this a long term effect that will fade over time, or am I going down the "old age" road quicker than I should? I also notice my concentration is not very good and I tend to flit from one thing to another. Reading is not as interesting as it used to be.

Thanks,

Joanie

[Connie B]

yes, Yes, and YES! ME TOO! I have such a memory problem. It seemed to get worse after each surgery I have. I feel like I have the early stages of Alzheimer's.

This really sucks! I use to have such a GOOD memory. I didn't forget nothing. Not anymore!

Like you I can be in the middle of a conversation and all of a sudden I forget what I wanted to say.

This all started to get more noticable after my last surgey 3 years ago. However, I did notice some of it after I completed chemo too. My memory was REALLY BAD during chemo, but most of it came back after I completed my treatments. NOT ALL though!!!

I use to be a good Speller, but not anymore! (Snowflake) can attest to my spelling ability, being she would pm me when I would spell something wrong) But it sure is frustrating when you use to be good at something and then all of a sudden your NOT!

I use to do all kinds of arts and crafts and sewing etc., etc., and NOW, no way. I can't consentrate long enough to do any of that stuff.

And reading isn't what it use to be for me either.

Sounds like we're in the same boat, do you want to row this week or should I????

I don't know what the cause is, and I don't know what or if anything can make us better, but I know it's frustrating at times. But, I keep saying to myself, it's a small price to pay to be here?!?!?!

[mhutch1366]

Amen, Connie, it is a small price to pay.

Whether it's the short term memory problems, the loss of some frequencies in hearing, or the partial numbness in the fingers.... I'm still glad I'm here.

I asked my 16 year old that same question two days ago, figuring I was embarassing her. She said emphatically NO!, she'd rather have a mom who tilted and forgot things than have me absent.

I know I lost a bit too from anaesthesia. Again, some, not alot. But all those add up to a good chunk...Thanks anyway, I'm glad I'm still here!!

XOXOXOX

MaryAnn

[teresag]

Chemotherapy also causes cognitive losses, esp. in ability concentrate. If you were sedated for 2 weeks, that can also have long-term effects, but I am more familiar with muscle weakness as a side effect of that than cognitive losses.

[Snowflake]

Joanie,

I have short-term memory problems. I've had three surgeries in the last three years - the lobectomy, gall bladder removal and a hysterectomy. I was referred to a neuropsychologist since Alzheimer's is known to start in 30-year-olds. (This IS 30, not a misprint.)

According to the doctor, just having cancer in your body can lead to issues with white matter damage. The tumor is a little toxic waste dump and all things cycle through the brain eventually. I took Iressa for two months, but none of the traditional IV chemotherapies. Could be the Iressa, could be the anesthesia...it's NOT Alzheimer's and it's not cancerous activity in my brain. It just plain sucks.

...and all these "small" trade-offs really begin to add up! Radiation made my thyroid stop working correctly and I've gained over 50 pounds, my head doesn't work correctly and my face is horribly red. Seems like a small trade-off, but every step away from the old me to this new me tosses the whole experience right back in my face.

I don't like it. I hate losing my thoughts when I'm speaking, having a brain fart and not knowing how to answer the phone, getting lost on my way across town, forgetting why I am wherever I find myself - sometimes I get up to pee and forget what I'm doing!

Oh yeah, they're just "small trade-offs"....my *ss!

[Connie B]

Hey Becky, what are you REALLY SAYING HERE? Are you saying that we went through all these wonderful treatments to kill this cancer monster that lurks within us, so down the road years later we would end up with shi_ for brains???

hummmmmm I'll have to think this one over if I don't forget what we were talking about.

And I might add, if you don't remember getting up to peeeeee in the middle of the nice, then you might want to buy some depends and forget the trip to the bathroom all together.

[Nancy B]

I have short term memory loss from chemo, two thoracotomies, and especially the brain radiation. I have talked with people that experience memory loss after surgeries. It is very frustrating. I am making mistakes at work and since my husband and I are self-employed, he is having to deal with this.

If anybody has any hints to help with this (besides PostIt Notes) I would be very grateful to know them. Reading is not the same and it is very tiring to be sooooo attentive all the time. If I don't pay really close attention, I don't remember it. I hate going through this but it is helpful to know that I am not alone.

Nancy B

[cindi o'h]

Don't forget that there are so many causes for what you describe, Joanie. Some of them are more serious than others. Another big cause among lc patients is from steroid psychosis or maybe even just high doses of steroids. They definitely have an impact on the brain. I was barely able to function after a bout of decadron, prednisone and that injectible steroid into my spine. Anyway, I would turn on water in the kitchen with both plugs in the sink and leave the room to flood; Pots on the stove burning for hours... very scary. I, too, went to see a neuropsychologist, but it was 5 months after the start of the problem, so I was nearly out of it completely by the time I was tested. It took a good couple years before I started to feel like my old self again.

Also, post traumatic stress disorder can easily account for the symptoms that you are reporting.

And, let us not forget that major depression also can cause these same symptoms.

I have heard peri-menopausal women declare these same symptoms, though I am not sure of the severity in the breeches of their thought processes.

I would like to encourage you to talk honestly with a very kind, trustworthy, and compassionate doctor who will help you sort this out and get you the results you are looking for.

Good luck, Joanie!

Cindi o'h

[trish2418]

Thank goodness; I'm not alone! I used to be renowned for my memory; in fact, my nickname was "Memorex"! Now, between the anesthesia, chemo, radiation, and menopause, I can barely remember how to get to work each morning. My short-term memory, in particular, is shot. I can still sing word for word songs I haven't heard in 35 yrs. but I can't remember the basics from yesterday. I have learned to use "chemo-brain" as an excuse for almost every crazy thing I do. One small benefit from all this craziness.

Trish

[Patty]

WOW everybody!! I am so glad that I am not alone with this stuff. I have so many symptoms like everbody else. I had surgery and then chemo. I had some of the symptoms before, but it all seems to be getting worse and I can't get any HRT for my menopause because of the cancer. I don't want to take ritalin and also have a lot of physical soreness and a lot of things just don't seem to be getting any better. WOW again, so good to know I am not just crazy, lazy or stupid. So just exactly what is this "chemo brain"???????

Thanks so much, Patty

[Connie B]

Hummm, I came in here for something but I can't remember what that was?

Oh Ya, My Memory!!!!

[shannon]

Well ladies, you can blame memory loss on anethesia, on chemo, on cancer, on other medications....but the truth of the matter?

Stress...Stress....Stress....

I haven't had cancer, I have just had surgery though...but my short term memory was SHOT after the death of my dear husband Mike.

However, between an anti-depressant and getting my thyroid levels back to normal (finally- had to switch doctors twice!) I now have a normal 54 year old woman's memory.....

And it sucks! Stress and the aging process ladies....that's what it is!

Not to make light of a real situation...I know that cancer, chemo and other treatments (including repeat surgeries) will make you forgetful. But remember this...the rest of the population isn't that far behind you...honest!

Hugs,

Shannon

[Snowflake]

Well ladies, you can blame memory loss on anethesia, on chemo, on cancer, on other medications....but the truth of the matter?

Stress...Stress....Stress....

Shannon,

I don't mean to start a pissing match here, but it is NOT the same. I had a stressful life before cancer and I didn't forget things like I do now. I have LESS stress now and my short-term memory is close to non-existent at times. I have marked white matter damage and have seen a specialist for it. This is NOT stress. I'm not even forty, for crying out loud!