Is it normal to have memory problems after anesthesia?

68% Normal
7 Comments

I have gone under general anesthesia 10 times in the past 4 months. The last time was a long surgery where I ended up having my kidney removed. Since my last surgery, I have had noticed memory loss. It's like I can think of what I want to say..but it just doesn't come out right or I say the wrong thing. I can't concentrate right, and I have short term memory loss. I can be told something and forget it right after that. It is becoming extremely frustrating. Everyone is now making jokes that I had brain surgery and not kidney removal. I am worried when I return to work on Tuesday that I will have problems there. I am the Lab manager and how can I train and be in charge of the whole clinic, when I can't even function well at home. WILL I EVER GET BETTER? OR IS THIS PERMANENT?

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68% Normal
Based on 31 votes (21 yes)
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Comments ( 7 )
  • ygrowup
    12 years ago

    It takes quite of bit of time to get past this, but it does get better, give it time

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  • ALL
    12 years ago

    I get 4 in 1 year and I find myself forget some small things, but after 1 or 2 years I feel ok now

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  • Faceless
    12 years ago

    Remember when you posted the story: Is it normal to have memory problems after anesthesia? If yes then your cured! Day saved, Im going on break.

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  • What'sMyName?
    12 years ago

    haha, i first read anesthesia as "amnesia" and i was thinking of course you're having memory problems after amnesia x)

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  • Cⓧrni$h_Re✗
    12 years ago

    LOL "faceless"

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  • Cⓧrni$h_Re✗
    12 years ago

    Unfortunately for some it is. You didn't mention your age group but your still working so it's safe to say your not retirement age.
    My mom, in her early 80's had went through open heart surgery a few yrs ago. I was scared to lose her physically but instead I lost her some mentally. The anesthesia did it. So much I had to put her in an assisted living place as it was just enough for her to not safely live on her own anymore let alone drive herself. It was bad bad at first but it got better but she's still toast some days memory wise.
    Now saying that I need to add what I found out. The anesthesia, if there is any memory lose to begin with, and there was. It can push it about 10 yrs in the future. Meaning this is about where she would be at in about 10 anyway.
    My dad all through his life has surgery's, open heart to but was never affected.
    As the above say it may come back and may not. Time will tell & everyone is different.
    Remember, we can't grow new brain cells but we Can connect neurons to (loose term) to take the place of those brain cells.
    Get you some memory games & push yourself to get back where you were.

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  • [Old Memory]
    12 years ago

    Yes it's normal to have memory problems after many anesthesias. I'm not sure if you will ever get better but I'm tempted to say no, sadly. I could be wrong though. Time will tell.

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