Rapid Progression

Grandma Sandy

Has anyone experienced a rapidly progressing diagnosis of dementia/Alzheimer's following a major surgery with General anesthesia? My DH began exhibiting "noticeable" symptoms about 6-7 weeks after his surgery. That was 10 months ago. He is now in Memory Care.

ImMaggieMae

Grandma Sandy, my husband’s doctor told us that general anesthesia can cause more rapid progression of dementia. It doesn’t necessarily happen with everyone. That’s why we opted to try to prevent gallstones through diet rather than having his gallbladder removed.

Grandma Sandy

ImMaggieMae . . . I feel you may have made a good choice. None of the doctors along the way told us this. My husbands surgery was hip replacement. It wasn't an emergency. In looking back, I wish we would have delayed it and/or looked for an alternative. Thanks for your insight.

Ed1937

Sandy, I'm sorry that caused such a rapid decline. It's too bad you weren't part of this forum before the surgery. This is something that is mentioned quite frequently. Before a surgery is performed, people should be made aware of the possible decline by doctors. Unfortunately that is something they are not required to do. Hospital delirium is another thing they should mention, especially if the patient is older. But that usually fades with time.

Grandma Sandy

Ed1937 . . . . yes, I wish I had been part of the forum before surgery . . . but at that time, the need was not present. Dementia/Alzheimer's was not on our radar. Too bad such insight is not out there in the general public. Thanks

M1

Could be true, true, and unrelated GS. No way to know and I wouldn't second guess yourself about consenting to the surgery. Arthritic hips are very painful, so there may not have been a good alternative.

Ed1937

"Arthritic hips are very painful". Yes they are, I had that done about 8 years ago. Best thing I ever did. You should never have guilt about that.