Anesthesia

[danalyn]

I understand that memory can be affected after general anesthesia. How long does that last?

[Fr Pat]

I still had some "Brain fog" after a few weeks. For me, it meant having some difficulties at times in remembering the word I was trying to say. Caution is needed if you are doing calculations, accounting, etc. as you might make more errors than usual. And be VERY attentive when driving as you might not get back full alertness and reflexes for a couple of weeks. Some auto insurance policies have a clause saying you are NOT covered if you drive within a set number of days after anesthesia!
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                  Fr. Pat
                     donor, '02

[danalyn]

Thanks for your reply!  Would you say the fog was gone in a month?

[Michael]

I did a Google search using the term "anesthesia effects on memory" and there were lots of research papers and online articles on the subject.

[danalyn]

Thank you!

[elephant]

I went back to work after 3 1/2 weeks and was fine by that time.  But for the first two weeks I could barely even read! 

[danalyn]

Good to know. Thanks!

[Orchidlady]

Like others, I noticed the brain fog much more the first month. I remember they said I could drive as long as I wasn't on pain killers. About 10 days after surgery, I drove a few blocks to the pharmacy and knew as soon as I started out that I shouldn't be driving - I had trouble coordinating everything. Thank goodness it was a short drive and a side street. I didn't drive after that for a month. I noticed little odds and ends - mainly forgetting a name or something simple - for about six months after but it then went away.

[CK]

I don't remember having much trouble all beyond the first day or so.