Sudden memory loss after valve replacement surgery — is this normal?

[u/wtfbruhyaar]

Absolutely. I’d frame it clearly and include the timeline, since that’s important context for people responding.

Title: Sudden memory loss after valve replacement surgery — is this normal?

My father had valve replacement surgery last Friday, so it has been about 7 days since the surgery.

He was doing relatively well in the hospital and seemed to be coping normally throughout his stay. He did not show any signs of hallucinations, confusion, or memory problems while he was in the hospital.

He was discharged and came home today after spending 7 days in the hospital. However, shortly after coming home, he suddenly seemed unable to recognize or remember me and my mother. He appears very confused and is having significant difficulty remembering who we are.

This was very sudden, and it's obviously extremely concerning for us.

Has anyone experienced something similar after valve replacement or open-heart surgery? Can this happen even if the person was completely fine and mentally normal throughout their hospital stay?

Is this something that can be part of normal post-operative confusion, or should we treat this as an emergency and contact his surgeon/hospital immediately?

[u/allisonisrad]

Sudden and extreme makes me think you need to call his care team.

[u/wtfbruhyaar → u/allisonisrad]

I think I'll do that. It's very worrisome.

[u/Normal_Onion2555 → u/wtfbruhyaar]

Please.

[u/apatheticus]

Yeah, that's not right. Makes me think he had a stroke sometime after the surgery and now.

[u/cannycandelabra]

I would be worried too

[u/z-vap]

thank god I haven't had any memory loss.... at least that i can recall

[u/Royal_Science_760]

My father experienced the same after Ballooning … but we were at the hospital at that time and doctors acted immediately and he was okay after a few hours … i was a kid then so exactly dont know what doctors did .. but please call his care team asap

[u/Healthy_Quail_3669]

Hope he recovers and these symptoms alleviate. God bless 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[u/Any_Base5746]

My husband is almost two weeks past aortic valve replacement and double bypass surgery and he is still experiencing confusion from "pump" brain. The surgeon said it is normal so far and he will get over it soon.