Memory!!!

Hi Kym, Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience. We are sorry to hear you are struggling with memory loss. It may help to know that you are not alone: Memory loss is very common among sudden cardiac arrest survivors. We invite other survivors to share their experiences and how they coped with memory loss.

My memory loss isn't as significant as yours; I was without heartbeat for between 10 and 20 minutes, but was lucky enough to have someone administer CPR from the very first instant. I still do have several gaps in my memory, especially short-term, and also changes in my thinking process that prove challenging.

I don't have any great methods for compensating for the changes in my thought processes; I write more things down, follow set patterns, try to spend time to implant images in my memory. I don't know if any of these will help you, but it's sometimes helpful for me.

Kym,

First of all, I am so sorry that you had to go through all of this, but more importantly, I am so proud, happy you survived! You are resilient, tenacious and a true fighter. :)

I can understand the struggle to recall and the fear of that hindrance in your life. It can be debilitating. Not to mention the fear of moments of weakness, inability to remember or even worse, another event.

I know it is hard, but you can not let that fear control you. The very worst life can throw your way is death, and Kym, my friend, you have defeated that. You literally have made the choice to be a survivor, and that is something to be celebrated! I am proud of you and you should be proud of yourself. If you ever need a kick in the pants, just remember how awesome you are at surviving.

There will be little stumbles and road blocks along the way, but if you keep facing them head on, they will get better and improve. I know it. :) Thank you for surviving Kym, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Kym1036,

I am struck by the extent and severity of your ischemic injuries. Kym1036, you took major hits to your heart, your kidneys, your lungs and I bet you had sepsis, weight loss and muscle weakness.. Yes your brain function too took a hit. If you read on, you will see that your medical course was very severe compared to the rest of us.

I arrested 3 months ago, and had neurocognitive therapy for 2 months. I am finally back to work. I think the brain is different. It recovers, but to do so is more complex. Think about learning to use your left hand to write if your right handed. You can do it but it's hard and slow. Over time you will get just as good using your left hand to write as your right. Learning or relearning can be done, but you got to practice. Then after not using your left hand for one year you will not be able to go back to your prior level with the left. Why? The brain must need to be constantly practiced to maintain these newly acquired tasks.

Kym1036, you lost blood flow for an amazing amount of time, and yet, have lived on. This shows me how exceptional you are. No one survives what you went through by accident or from the acts of good doctors. No, this was you. You are outstanding! And no one can alter that because ITS WHO YOU ARE! Maybe all us survivors are. I don't know.

You need to keep practicing your brain. All the time. Intentionally! You will have to do it for memory tasks, motor, sensory, verbal. You will be better at some but you you need to concentrate on what your not good at! Remember your left hand! Do it over and over. This is how it is going to be for the rest of your life. Mine too. Probably all of us. Good luck, BICYCLINGGUY