short term memory loss

I went back and searched a few previous posts concerning short term memory loss. Went back as far as 2008, saw quite a few people claiming to have experienced this, but never saw a cause. Like most of the posters, I never passed out or lost consciousness. I do realize now that I had bradycardia for quite some time, at least two years before I received my PM. Before the implant, I had what some people refer to as a photographic memory, especially when it came to numbers and memory using mnemonics (word association). Now, I find I have to read a newspaper headline two or three times occasionally to comprehend it's intended meaning. Also, trying to commit things to memory takes way more effort than ever. I am not forgetting things, it just seems like I have having difficulty retaining things that I used to soak up like a sponge!

Is this a side effect of of being paced? Is it the meds? Some previous posters believe it could be a mini-stroke caused by the leads going in and knocking some plaque within the arteries loose.

I'm getting plenty of sleep due to being unemployed, and I do use a CPAP, so I am assuming I am getting quality sleep, at least 8 to 9 hours a day, but sleep patterns are messed up. Usually sleep from 2 am to noon. Otherwise, I feel great.

3 Comments

Just a thought ?

by IAN MC - 2015-05-08 03:05:32

Hi Busdriver Are you taking statins to reduce cholesterol by any chance ? Memory loss is a well-known side-effect of statins.

I was prescribed them but could never remember where I'd left the tablets

As it happens, they caused me so much muscle pain that I didn't want to find them anyway .

Cheers

Ian

meds

by Tracey_E - 2015-05-08 06:05:22

If anything, my memory got better when I got the pm because of better blood flow.

Leads go in veins which go to the heart, plaque builds up in arteries which go away from the heart.

My money's on the meds. Or your sleep pattern, try to get back on a regular pattern where you sleep during the night and are awake during the day and see if that helps.

You don't say

by Theknotguy - 2015-05-08 06:05:35

You don't say what medications you're on in addition to having the PM. As Ian said, statins and other medications can have an effect on "memory" loss. Sometimes though it's just the natural progression of aging. Had a lady in choir with perfect pitch. She said as she was getting older her perfect pitch was drooping. So it could be you read something, think you should remember it, then turn a mental microscope on it, and think your memory isn't as good.

They had me on Propofol - the Michael Jackson drug - for six days. Believe me when I tell you that really messes with your brain function. Lost my internal clock, lost my internal calendar, and have some memory gaps. After a year an a half it's all getting better.

Also some people react to the anesthetic they give you when they put you under but that's usually a short term issue.

In the meantime, your alive, able to complain, and it looks like you're doing good otherwise? Able to mow the lawn yet? Overall, looks like you're doing good.

Hope things continue to improve for you.

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I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.