I think pumphead is very real. I think it varies dramatically from individual to individual. My cardio said that my "cognitive issues" should dissipate. No timeline given!
It's funny to feel clearer in the head (I was very spacey prior to surgery) and yet have trouble with recall. I've never been great with names or labels, and that is where I'm still balking. It has gotten MUCH better this last month, so I am encouraged. At first I could not pull out important words (you know, have to use a whole phrase to explain when obviously one vocabulary type word would have worked and I should have known it.) My husband and daughter laughed at me when I first got home because I wasn't making much sense for awhile.
I thought I was making perfect sense, though!!
Try not to worry too much about it. It really seems to be an individual thing. Doing things to exercise your brain cells (or whatever!!) might make you feel like you're trying anyway. You know, use a different hand to tie your shoes, or to button your shirts, or comb your hair. Do some crosswords (I hate them!) or word finds. Read the editorial page every day for awhile (those people think way too much!!).... stuff like that.
And by all means discuss it with your doctor if you don't feel right.
Oh, and Doug......I think some of the pain meds they use in surgery actually have amnesiac type properties. They don't want you to remember!!
JF. Where is there an online ADD test?? Curious about those!
Marguerite
