Is it just me?

I am SO glad that I took 8 weeks off work! I'm doing great physically, but am I the only one that seems to have lost most of my weight in my brain??? I'm not talking about depression or emotions which could be passed off on hormone problems. I am just struggling to wrap around a complex thought. I haven't finished my taxes and it is a major undertaking to think my way through what I need to do. To put this into perspective, I normally am working on 3-4 complex projects and keep both the big picture of the entire projects and most of the details in my mind simultaneously. There is NO WAY I could function at this level now! Do you suppose it could be low blood sugar? I am getting in 55-60 gms of protein per day. I'm not hungry, which is my typcal reaction from low blood sugar, but I don't have the shakes or weakness that I would typically have. And if that is it, what in the world can I do about it? Just wondered if any of you is experiencing this or if you have read anything about how long it lasts. (If you hear it is permanent, don't tell me!) Joy -22 lbs (of brains) / 26 days

I know I have been MAJORALLY ditzy since surgery. Not sure what it's attributed to, but I am. I know it's not my blood sugars. Those are doing great. Could it be lack of food??? -Naomi (damn! can't even spell my own name!) -41 pounds[!!!!!!!]

Joy - I am NORMALLY that way but haven't noticed a whole lot of problems since surgery since I'm that way anyway (I do have Adult ADD though). I'm not doing my meds (stimulants) while at home, but since I've not got any pressing schedules, I don't have to worry so much. I do know I have scattered thoughts though, but I guess I don't care! I have always noticed that I get worse when I eat a lot of carbohydrates, but I can't imagine you could ingest too many carbs after this surgery if you are getting your protein in. I always did so much better with my ditziness when I was doing Atkins, so maybe it's the even higher protein that helps...who knows. Dina

DINA, I DONT KNOW ABOUT BEING A DITZ, OR ANYTHING BUT WHAT WOULD YOU CALL A GROWN WOMAN WHO SPILLS, THROWS AND KNOCKS OVER 6 LG GLASSES N CUPS OF WATER IN ONE DAY? COULD I BE IN DA-NILE? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAA OR COULD IT BE IM HIGH ON HYDROCODONE AND IT MAKES ME JUMPY! HAHAHAHAAHAH, I PERSONALY WILL GO WITH #3.... NOW TO CONVINCE POOR RICHY, WHO HAS TO KEEP CLEANING IT UP! GOTTA LOVE THAT GUY! HE HAS BEEN SO WONDERFUL! I AM BLESSED TO HAVE HIM BY MY SIDE HUGZ MARY

Mary - I'm voting for the dope in this case! But hey - you are entitled. At least you are taking enough to keep you in good spirits! Dina

You sure it was water?? Joy

I also do (at least did) Atkins. But I can't have meat yet, so that is out from a strict perspective. My carb count runs about 30-50 per day. Not high, but a much higher percentage of my diet than I am used to. I am sticking to just protein-containing foods (cottage cheese, beans, yogurt, deli chicken, mac n cheese, skim milk) but they are not as concentrated as I usually eat. I have never had ADD--until now! I have a new respect for those who fight it all the time! Joy

I am glad you did this post. I play literati on Yahoo for relaxation and mental stimulation. I am pretty good and prior to surgery had a rating in the high 1700s near 1800. Since surgery, I went on a losing streak and can barely hold my rating in the 1600s.....I am just not as sharp yet as I used to be....and it is getting better, but I would not have guessed this would happen. But anesthesia is pretty serious, so I guess my brain cells are still waking up.

Hi Joy, I've mentioned this in several previous posts: that foggy, hazy feeling of not being mentally alert. Just an "out of it" feeling. It's got to be residual anesthesia or pain medicine. Probably the chemical/hormonal factor is playing in too. I am definitely feeling less hazy recently, especially with more outdoor, fresh air activity. -Eve

Hey Joy, Just in case misery loves company. I'll have you know that the ole caboose here is one major space cadet. I swear I've either got ADD or early onset of Alzheimer's (I just can't remember which one)! I've had it for years and have learned to fool lots of people . Scary thought since I work in finance for Boeing. You are fortunate indeed to have taken 8 weeks off. I put in for 3 weeks but though I was having laparoscopic. Now that I'm having open, I wonder. Anyway, my brains weren't there before so I don't have much to lose in that area. I don't think it would be low blood sugar if you're getting in 55 to 60 grams of carbs. If you did well with Atkins, you were getting far fewer carbs in then. Seriously though, one thought I do have: You've mentioned that you're a type to kind of never say no. You know, you don't always think of yourself first. I know, when I "take the weight of the world on my shoulders", which I do, I have a very difficult time focusing and prioritizing and so NOTHING gets done. I don't know if you're doing this but if you are, back off a little. Learn to manage expectations of others by saying no or HELL NO! Keep your daily tasks to a minimum, something you know you can manage. I don't know if this is part of your problem. It's just a thought. BTW, You CANNONT SAY NO TO BEING MY ANGEL!!! Actually, I'm just kidding here too. You've done a lot of Angel duty. I think that's wonderful but maybe it's not the best thing for you with everything else on your plate. If you need a break, Kat (my girlfriend) will gladly come on here and post my progress on a regular basis. Take it easy Joy. Focus on you, not everyone and everything else. Love ya, Caboose T-2