"Post-hysterectomy cognitive dysfunction"

Although it's better, I'm still dealing with short term memory problems and difficulty saying and reading certain words. Even though I have no other menopause symptoms (both ovaries were taken), my doctor prescribed estrogen (1 mg. estradiol tablet) to see if it would help. Can't tell much difference yet - it's only been two weeks. I am, however, having the same complaints of puffiness, swelling, grumpiness, bladder irritability, etc. that I had before my hysterectomy. If I don't see an improvement by the end of the 30 days, I think I'm going to stop taking the estrogen. My doctor said if the estrogen doesn't help, that he will refer me to a neurologist.

A nurse anesthetist (not the one I had) said that research he did showed that up to 67% of women report "cognitive dysfunction" after hysterectomy. I've asked him to point me in the right direction so I can read it for myself. Personally, I don't think I believe figures that high. Does anyone else have any thoughts about it?

I certainly feel like I've "gone slightly stupid" since my surgery a week ago. I have problems verbally expressing myself and when I try to help the kids with homework (ie last night) I found that I could process the math problems at all.

I am SO GLAD to hear I am not losing my mind! Several times over the past few weeks I have said something and I know it is wrong even as it is coming out of my mouth!

One good thing is that I am now totally thinking through what I am going to say before I say it. I really hate to do that, but I don't want to embarrass myself any more than necessary.

Something I did even prior to surgery was to keep a notebook handy at all times. It has everything from "to do" lists, grocery lists, thoughts I need to follow through on, etc. Since my surgery it has been a lifesaver! Since I have come back to work I am really making a point to write everything down...even things I don't think I will forget!

I think I would be fine with the loss of short term memory--I can do something about that--it is the speech problems that are really concerning me! If you find something on ways to deal with it OR FIX IT, please let me know!

You are not alone...

cm

I don't know for sure about hysterectomy, but it's a documented condition with heart bypass surgery. And, mostly it passes with time. My husband had it for about 3 months after his surgery -- but it was hard to tell for a while whether it was the pain meds he was still on, the after-effects of anesthesia, or what. It eventually passed. I've been having it too -- I can't "find" words, use wrong words, make spelling errors, etc. And I just don't feel as "sharp" as I would usually be. I haven't been scared, because I watched his cognitive abilities come back to normal -- and also, I figure some of it might be hormonal adjustment (I don't have ovaries anymore and am on a patch). I also used to get this symptom regularly when I had migraines... it's always been temporary.

Definately had that, couldn't say words properly, keep things in my mind or think straight, but seems to have settled down now after 5 weeks and nearly back to mornal (LOL).
caffie

I've had it and at times I still am experiencing it!! However, it IS improving.LOL
Barbie

It was interesting to me to find out it actually has a name and that quite a bit of research is being done about it. I'm three months out now and feel like it should be better. Some days I'm worried about keeping my job. Took me two months to remember my door code to get into the office.

I think it's interesting that he gave me estrogen specifically to help my brain when a possible side effect of estrogen is that it can cause cognitive dysfunction.

Hi! I am six months out. The brain still isn't functioning like it used to. I think the synapses suffered some truama. I think (hope) that my intelligence comes back someday. I feel I dropped several iq points after the surgery. I am getting ready to have a second surgery in four days for a rectocele repair and i am dreading the additional loss of brain function.


TVAH, BSO with Vag repair, 7-12-05

I can relate to that! I was in the shower the other morning, always wash my hair first. Almost done my shower and I couldn't remember if I washed my hair! It was un-nerving! I too will forget words, go into a room and forget what I went for ect. ect. And, yes especially if I have a headache.....bumble, stumble over many words. Had this a bit before surgery but much worse since.

L

I agree my sugery was on 11/28. I have always kept lists to do as part of my habits. Very very busy work schedule and it keeps me on the right track. But after my surgery with nothing important to be done or on my mind I find I forget simple things such as going to the store for only milk then coming out with everything but milk. hope this does improve.