Thumper
07-17-2016, 10:22 PM
I know I/we joke about it from time to time and that doesn't bother me ... I can separate friendly banter among friends and legitimate insults from strangers. This Pump Head stuff is a serious problem that sometimes bugs the living hell out'ta me. I noticed a major change shortly after surgery and it was serious enough, Lynn called the VA for some answers. They had me come in and I was tested, for a full half day, by a group of five psychiatrists. The results were that I was a "pump head" and the condition was exacerbated by pain which diverted my attention and broke my concentration. It made sense.
But, WTF is a pump head? They explained that also, but said it's temporary. It may clear up in weeks, months or it may even take up to 5 years! Well, I've been off the pain pills for years now and I've learned to live with the pain and don't really notice it "most of the time". BUT ... the pump head thing is STILL bothering me and can really be a problem at times. I call it CRS disease and Lynn calls me senile and even the possibility of Alzheimer's has been tossed around, but I've been going in for testing and, so far, they keep going back to the "pump head" thing. I went in a couple weeks ago for some additional testing and at that time, asked whatever happened to the old, "It should clear up over time" that I was told 5-6 years ago. Well, with further study, it's looking like this thing could be permanent. :(
Anyway, I'm gonna be returning to the hospital on Wednesday to see my Neurologist again. I'm not sure what's up ... she ran some tests a couple weeks ago and now wants me back in for some reason. There was a hint of further testing. Anyway, in case any of youse dufes get bored and want to learn something ... here's a bit of reading for you. The change from temporary to permanent kinda worries me a little. As a reminder, I was on a bypass pump twice in three days. :(
This was just published (or updated anyway) 2 months ago. It's a bit of a bummer. :(
https://www.verywell.com/pump-head-cognitive-impairment-after-bypass-surgery-1745241
But, WTF is a pump head? They explained that also, but said it's temporary. It may clear up in weeks, months or it may even take up to 5 years! Well, I've been off the pain pills for years now and I've learned to live with the pain and don't really notice it "most of the time". BUT ... the pump head thing is STILL bothering me and can really be a problem at times. I call it CRS disease and Lynn calls me senile and even the possibility of Alzheimer's has been tossed around, but I've been going in for testing and, so far, they keep going back to the "pump head" thing. I went in a couple weeks ago for some additional testing and at that time, asked whatever happened to the old, "It should clear up over time" that I was told 5-6 years ago. Well, with further study, it's looking like this thing could be permanent. :(
Anyway, I'm gonna be returning to the hospital on Wednesday to see my Neurologist again. I'm not sure what's up ... she ran some tests a couple weeks ago and now wants me back in for some reason. There was a hint of further testing. Anyway, in case any of youse dufes get bored and want to learn something ... here's a bit of reading for you. The change from temporary to permanent kinda worries me a little. As a reminder, I was on a bypass pump twice in three days. :(
This was just published (or updated anyway) 2 months ago. It's a bit of a bummer. :(
https://www.verywell.com/pump-head-cognitive-impairment-after-bypass-surgery-1745241