Comments for Perusing Psychology

Comment on Post-operative Cognitive Dysfunction by Cassa

Cassa — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:40:49 +0000

Thanks so much. I know you’re right in saying it’s too soon to be worried. The issue may be that we weren’t properly informed about possible post-op scenarios — parameters for “normal” during the recovery. I intend to share this observation with our medical provider, Kaiser.

Comment on Post-operative Cognitive Dysfunction by Jared Tanner

Jared Tanner — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:02:57 +0000

Any changes like that can be very concerning. However, because he is only about one month post-surgery, it is not unexpected that he is having some problems. With heart surgeries, up to 60% of patients experience cognitive declines for up to 6 months or a year. Some recover faster than others and a small percentage have lasting cognitive deficits. At this point, if you are very concerned you could talk to your doctor for reassurances but I’d give your husband more time. If he is still having problems at 6 months, then I’d start to talk to your doctor and/or seek out a neuropsychologist.

I hope things improve with your husband.

Comment on Post-operative Cognitive Dysfunction by Cassa

Cassa — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:39:08 +0000

My fit, 59-year-old husband had a 4.5 hour mini-maze ablation procedure a month ago. His blood pressure is low, averaging 95/63, about 20 pts. lower than it was prior to the operation, and he’s been taken off all but a cholesterol-lowering medication. He’d anticipated catching up on his reading during his recovery, but even scanning the newspaper taxes him. His conversational skills have sharply declined. His time is spent sleeping with mouth wide open, watching TV and staring off into space. I’d joked that he’s more like an effigy than a husband, but now, after a month, I’m starting to be concerned.

Comment on The Psychology of Buying a Car by Kristi

Kristi — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:22:05 +0000

I’m glad you can see the humor in the situation. Hang in there, honey, and hopefully we’ll find the right vehicle soon!

Comment on Post-operative Cognitive Dysfunction by Jared Tanner

Jared Tanner — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:02:54 +0000

The memory loss and confusion and short attention must be really hard to cope with. Doing puzzles and other things requiring sustained attention can help ‘train’ your brain and keep as much of your mental functioning as you can. Without my knowing where the tumor was located, it’s likely that the attention problems are at the root of your confusion and other memory loss. Removing brain tumors unfortunately is impossible to do without damaging some of the surrounding tissue. It’s unfortunate that your problems have persisted, just try to stay as active mentally and physically as you can – it will help.

Comment on Post-operative Cognitive Dysfunction by DeLois

DeLois — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 05:29:01 +0000

I had a brain tumor removed 5 years ago at age 51 and started having cognitive problems almost immediately. And I’m STILL having problems with memory and decision-making skills.
I have memory loss and confusion and very short attention span.
I try to keep active (in spurts) doing crossword puzzles, reading, etc., but it (POCD)has affected my whole lifestyle.

Comment on Positive Effects of Bupropion by Jared Tanner

Jared Tanner — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:06:04 +0000

I’m glad to hear you had a good experience with it – I’ve heard a lot of good things from people about it.

Comment on Positive Effects of Bupropion by Zoe

Zoe — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:59:25 +0000

Bupropion saved my life — literally. I was on the verge of suicide, and I bought some generic Wellbutrin online. Although $78 for a month’s supply sure wasn’t cheap, it was worth the cost. Instead of wanting to kill myself, I’d just shrug when things went wrong (“Eh, it ain’t so bad”). I couldn’t afford to stay on the bupropion and I’m having problems again, but the symptoms aren’t nearly as severe as they were. It really is a wonder drug for me, and it was even easy to quit smoking. I know that not everyone reacts well to it (especially to the TEVA generic), but I think that it’s incredibly effective for some of us.

Comment on Post-operative Cognitive Dysfunction by Jared Tanner

Jared Tanner — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:02:00 +0000

I’m sorry to hear that. From what we know from research, your husband’s judgment should hopefully improve with time – it is very rare to have lasting impairment beyond a year (and it can take that long to improve).

With your husband’s staring spells and crying, I’d recommend talking to your primary care physician or a psychologist (or psychiatrist), if you have not already. It’s possible your husband is experiencing a depressive episode, or something like that, which could be affecting his judgment. It is important to talk with his physician.

Comment on Post-operative Cognitive Dysfunction by Rita

Rita — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:30:46 +0000

My husband had mechanical valve replacement 3 months ago and still has very bad judgement when driving and just started staring off and crying about most anything?