Michael's Journal

Rose Madura  Sounds like you are doing well. I just read your story. I pray the pacemaker does its job for you. God bless you.

Rob Sparling  👍. Here’s to “almost normal” and finding the fun (again!) in challenging yourself! Way to go!

Mike Roskowinski  Awesome job Michael. I keep pushing myself also by walking about 5-7 miles a day. I really want to get on the bike but I am worried about placing pressure on my incision and what if I fall off. Keep up the good work. A little more everyday is the way to do it.

Debbie Moriarty  My guess (and only a guess) might be the heart lung machine!! It sometimes takes up to 2 years to feel “normal” again. I experience some of your same issues - just mild though.

Scott Ainsworth  I’ve experienced similar things as you Michael but I thought mine was because of lung failure and pneumonia which I acquired as part of my OHS. I also was in ICU prior to my OHS. However Debbie brings up a good point about the heart lung machine.

Michael Harman  I suspected either the heart lung machine or the general anesthesia. As I had a relative, just a young guy maybe 25 or so that had to go under general anesthesia in the Philippines and they botched it big time. probably wrong dosage. He ended up with the mind of a child after the operation, but he remembered how he used to be, The guy ended up hanging himself, just could not take it anymore.

Mike Roskowinski  Michael sorry to hear. I would agree with everyone else it would need to do with the bypass machine. Give it sometime and I am sure it will get better.

Susan Lynn  Michael - You might want to research something called pump head. Many people complain of changes in cognitive function after heart surgery and while I understand bypass machines have greatly improved over time, I am convinced that this condition still exists. I felt like my memory, particularly for names and certain words, was impacted after my OHS. I discussed it with my cardiologist who was quick to downplay the effects of bypass. Unfortunately, we don't have much of a choice until off pump procedures are perfected for all heart surgeries. I feel like I have experienced some improvement and I hope you will, too. Be sure to let your physicians and surgeons know about your symptoms. They may have better answers for you. Wishing you good health!

Gregory Ballard  My situation was a little different but I suffered from a stroke during OHS #4 in 2011. Loss of my left side.... but with lots of therapy and work most has come back. I still have numbness in my left foot and suffer from coordination when isolating my left hand. Recently after OHS #5, several of my fingers were numb. I worked with a massage therapist and had her massage my arms and hand several times a week and it went away after a few weeks. Maybe try some massage therapy, might be helpful, it was for me.

Rose Madura  Hi Michael. I've not been on the site for a while but saw your post and thought I'd comment. I also had some coordination issues - even fell off my bike once. In the days after the surgery, I had trouble finding the right words. I do attribute this to the heart-lung bypass machine. But, it has gotten better. In fact, two years later, I have not ill effects. Hang in there. It will get better. If you are really concerned, talk to your doctor. He may be able to alleviate your fears. Best wishes!