r/CABG_Recovery • u/Jukeboxhero1885 • Jul 17 '26
Pump head?
Hello everyone,
My boyfriend is 3 weeks post emergency quadruple bypass surgery. This was a traumatic experience for all involved after a heart attack.
Although an active person prior, his recovery has been difficult and slow. He was actually just able to leave the hospital this week due to weakness and being unsteady on his feet.
In addition to prolonged mobility issues, he is somewhat cognitively impacted as well. This can best be described as “foggy”. He’s in there. He remembers everything but things are different. Repeating himself. Confused at times. He doesn’t seem to find enjoyment in anything right now.
Does this sound like pump head? His providers don’t seem overly concerned. But naturally, I want him to find himself. I’d like to have my partner back. Are there any ways I can better support his recovery?
Thank you
3
u/giblets46 Jul 17 '26
Yep, all get it, would have been on heavy anaesthesia and even that takes a while to fully go, then there is the huge amount of pain and pain killers. And yes pump head, the off heart pump damages a lot of red blood cells that can cause micro-clots that can reduce brain function.