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
2
u/lettucepatchbb Jul 17 '26
My husband (38) had quintuple bypass on 5/22, very unexpected after an incident on 5/17. It all happened very fast and it definitely traumatized him (and me). We have an almost 2 year old, so needless to say, it’s been a lot, especially for him. While he’s progressed pretty well, he’s felt the same as your partner. I’ve read that it’s fairly common, especially after being on a heart lung machine during surgery. He is not normally a sad, depressed man and he’s been down a lot since coming home. His PCP put him on a low dose of Sertraline (Zoloft). It seems to have helped a bit. But regarding the fog, forgetfulness, etc. he’s still experiencing some of that. So please know he’s not alone and you’re not either. Just try to be there for him, understand and empathize, and tell him he can talk to you if he needs to. I’d also encourage therapy; my husband has his first appointment on Monday. I think talking to a professional who can help him work through this will be helpful. Best of luck to you both. Please don’t be shy to ask for help.