My Grandpa just had quadrupal bypass this past Thursday. He now doesn't know anything.....?

Question

Is it normal for patients who just had surgery to go through 'memory loss"? The nurses tell me that the one thing that would help him is for one of his relatives to be right there in order for him to recognize the things in his life. The problem with that is that he's in Texas I'm in California and cant get out there. Will he snap out of this? I'm totally tripping out.

Answer 1

Its not unusual. I would bet that everything will be fine in time.
Getting a procedure like that is a big shock to the body - and the body literally says "hey there brain, I have more important things to do as far as healing and maintenance than keeping track of your memories, so for the time being I'm taking over and you'll have to catch up later".

It takes time to get them back. Some people recover faster than others. Some people never have any effects, some people will always have a hard time with proper names, or giving directions, etc. The brain is an extremely complicated and very elegant organ - we take what we do with it (and we do everything with it - everything) for granted until we have a problem with it. It's impossible to predict how people will recover - but generally, they fully recover in time. Its bothersome - for the family, and even more so for the patient - just remember that no matter what, he's still Grandpa - and be very patient.

Answer 2

its normal the brain takes a trip from the bodies pain censors to rest and to think about remembering someone can be hard for you and me even sometimes who sat next to you in six grade ok now who was behind you and in front brain working now eh ok thats what i mean he will be ok .

Answer 3

I have also undergone Bypass surgery in October, 2006, and am enclosing some guideline after Bypass surgery. Best wishes.

Care after CABG surgery

After-surgery appointments
It’s important to see your regular doctor after you leave the hospital. Some appointments will be made for you and others you may need to make from home. If the appointments are not already made, please make them. Your regular doctor needs to know that this appointment is for a check-up after surgery.
Prescribed medicines
Take your medicine on a routine schedule. If you miss a dose do not take twice as much the next time. Resume your schedule with the next dose.
Sleeping
You may have trouble sleeping for a while. Try these ideas to sleep better:
•Shorten your daytime naps as you recover.
•Use relaxation activities before you go to bed, such as reading, listening to music or having a light snack.
•Ask your pharmacist or physician for the name of an over-the-counter sleep product.
•Alternate narcotic pain medications with Tylenol® during the day.
Constipation
Eat more fruits, vegetables and foods high in fiber. Try prune juice as well. Check with your pharmacist for a mild over-the-counter laxative or supplement.
Bathing
Shower every day with any mild antibacterial, non-perfumed soap. Turn your back on the spray of the water. A tub bath is not recommended until your incision are completely healed and no scabs are present, usually about two to four weeks.
Lifting restrictions
The 10 pound lifting restriction varies. In general, most doctors restrict you for four weeks to three months. Ask your doctor to recommend what’s right for you.
Climbing stairs
You may climb stairs, unless you have other orthopedic limitations. However, during your first 2 weeks after you leave the hospital, limit the number of times you climb the stairs each day.
Driving
Check with your surgeon for instructions on when you can drive. It will depend on how quickly your breast bone (sternum) is healing. Do not drive until you are no longer taking a prescription pain medicine and when your incision is comfortable enough to let you step on the brake quickly.
Resuming sexual activity
You can become sexually active again as soon as you are comfortable enough to tolerate activity equal to climbing one to two flights of stairs. There is no danger to your heart. During sexual activity, do not assume a position which bears weight on your arms, which causes pressure to your sternum.
Notify your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
•a rapid heart rate or shortness of breath that lasts more than four or five minutes after intercourse
•chest pain during or after intercourse
•feelings of extreme fatigue the next day
Walking
You may walk outside if the weather is good and sidewalks are in good condition. Until you feel comfortable, it is a good idea to have someone go with you for the first few weeks.
Bicycling
You should not ride outside for six to eight weeks. A stationary bike without arm components is acceptable.
How to know when you're doing too much
As you exercise, try to be aware of your body's response. Signs that you are doing too much may include:
•dizziness or lightheadedness
•nausea and vomiting
•breaking out in a cold sweat
•having shortness of breath, that makes conversation difficult
•feeling extremely exhausted or unusually fatigued
•feeling that your heart is suddenly racing or pounding
•feeling pain or pressure in your chest, teeth, arm, jaw, ear, neck or between your shoulder blades
Activities to avoid
Check with your surgeon for when you may resume these activities: driving, golf, swimming, tennis and other racquet sports, softball and baseball, chopping wood, shoveling snow, mowing the lawn, vacuuming and raking or hoeing.



Increasing activity
Begin with shorter, more frequent walks. Use shortness of breath as a guide, being sure you can walk and talk at the same time. Gradually increase the length of time you walk, and cut back on frequency. Maintain a level of activity for three to four days, being sure you are not short of breath or extremely fatigued the next day. Then increase your activity level. Follow your individual plan from your cardiac rehabilitation therapist.
Diet
During the first month after your surgery, it is most important to eat a balanced diet with good nutrition to help your healing and general recovery. Give yourself a variety of healthy choices. Eat frequent small meals and nutritious snacks, if you can’t manage a large meal. Your appetite will gradually improve after recovery. After a month, concentrate on changing your dietary habits to ensure a heart healthy diet.
Attending outpatient cardiac rehab
If cardiac rehabilitation has been ordered, you will start about seven to 10 days after you return home from the hospital. Someone from your local outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program will call you to set up your initial visit. If you don’t receive a call, please call the phone number you receive before you leave the hospital.

Answer 4

You need to get out there.....someone needs to get out there. At least send the hospital family photos....

Answer 5

I'd say no but every person is different