Has anyone become Tongue Tied or had memory problems

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backachedp
backachedp Member Posts: 132
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
My Husband Bob still hs eating issues probably due to the tongue being tied and he needs surgery on his sinues. He has been Cancer Free over 2 years now but he seems to be declining fast..he had a spider bite Brown Recluse and seemed like he became senile,..then he had a tooth pulled a few weeks ago and it got worse...he has had eating issues all along but he had them take out his feeding Tube way too soon...he choughs constantly when swallowing even water...Dr's say all looks good...they say his Immune System is weak and that is why they say he seems disoriented...why can't they give him something to BOOST his Immune System? I am sorry to complain but tgis whole thing has been very trying for all of us...he seems to think he is dying giving away his things etc...I hope that his mind get's better but why after so long has he become so...confused I just do not get it every time he gets an infection it gets worse he had a car accident drove to McDonalds at 3am lookng for an egg McMuffin when he can't even eat one...I did not hear him get up and leave..his speach is getting worse and the Dr's just seem to not care anymore....any ideas??

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  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #2
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    he deserves to be evaluated for this
    doctors can get tunnel vision. Just because he has had cancer doesnt mean he cant have all the other reasons for senility come up. In fact, one he is at special risk for is narrowing of the carotid arteries (called stenosis) from radiation. Mention this to them, or to his G P.

    Pat
  • Laralyn
    Laralyn Member Posts: 532
    #3
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    Sorry to hear about this!
    Will your insurance let you visit a different doctor for a second opinion?

    Also, when I was doing research I read about something called "chemo brain." Did your husband have chemo? If so, that can cause some problems with short term memory and thinking speed. It's more likely on the higher doses (like the three dose Cisplatin treatment).

    If you can find out what's causing it, your husband may have an easier time dealing with it. He may be depressed (it's easy to get that feeling when you're going through all of this), and it may also help him to get on an anti-depressant while you figure out what's going on.

    Hope this helps!
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #4
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    memory problems
    Hello !
    I'm having issues with recalling names of things and people where as I didn't a month ago. I intend on getting a second opinion. Yes deppression, meds., or other medical condition could be coming into play here. Please ask for another opinion. Warmest regards to Bob and yourself ! Katie
  • backachedp
    backachedp Member Posts: 132
    #5
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    katenorwood said:

    memory problems
    Hello !
    I'm having issues with recalling names of things and people where as I didn't a month ago. I intend on getting a second opinion. Yes deppression, meds., or other medical condition could be coming into play here. Please ask for another opinion. Warmest regards to Bob and yourself ! Katie

    thanks for the replies
    I am going to ask the nurse that I call about most everything tht comes up to see if they can do some cognitive testing my friends Cousin hhad Surgery on his Brain and he had all kinds of Therapy afterwards...She mentioned Chemo Brain too as she had Breast Cancer. It just worries me as Bob is in his 50's...he can't be getting Senile...or could he. i wish he could eat too without Nutrtion how can one survove and now the Carnation VCH has gone up in price and shipping is like 16.99!!! 1 case is about 80.00 now. I used to get it thru Walgreens.com now they quit selling it then I went thru Amazon.com now I see the price is increased and shipping was 4.99 now 16.99 it is just terrible. He has to have it though...
  • D Lewis
    D Lewis Member Posts: 1,581 Member
    #6
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    backachedp said:

    thanks for the replies
    I am going to ask the nurse that I call about most everything tht comes up to see if they can do some cognitive testing my friends Cousin hhad Surgery on his Brain and he had all kinds of Therapy afterwards...She mentioned Chemo Brain too as she had Breast Cancer. It just worries me as Bob is in his 50's...he can't be getting Senile...or could he. i wish he could eat too without Nutrtion how can one survove and now the Carnation VCH has gone up in price and shipping is like 16.99!!! 1 case is about 80.00 now. I used to get it thru Walgreens.com now they quit selling it then I went thru Amazon.com now I see the price is increased and shipping was 4.99 now 16.99 it is just terrible. He has to have it though...

    So sorry to hear all this.
    I hope you get some answers soon.

    I use the regular Carnation Instant Breakfast powder that is sold in supermarkets. Have you tried to ask if your local market can order some of the VHC for you? Alternatively, you might be able to boost the calories and nutrition by using the regular version, but mixing two packets of the powder into a drink instead of just the one packet.

    Deb
  • backachedp
    backachedp Member Posts: 132
    #7
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    D Lewis said:

    So sorry to hear all this.
    I hope you get some answers soon.

    I use the regular Carnation Instant Breakfast powder that is sold in supermarkets. Have you tried to ask if your local market can order some of the VHC for you? Alternatively, you might be able to boost the calories and nutrition by using the regular version, but mixing two packets of the powder into a drink instead of just the one packet.

    Deb

    carnation VHC
    I see now it is called BOOST and it comes as a powder you mix with whole milk it is cheaper than the canned stuff I will order some and see how it works and let all of you know.
  • TheDane
    TheDane Member Posts: 27
    #8
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    This can be fixed.
    Hi,
    I have had severe radiation to my whole neck about 2 years ago and I have had these problems too...brain just started going blank ALL the time.
    OK, let's jump in:
    1. NUTRITION - the canned corn syrup junk will kill you, it certainly will not aid in healing.
    SOLUTION= VITAMIX blender. It's not cheap but it's the best. It can turn nearly anything into a drinkable liquid. And you'll save so much money not buying the canned death that it will pay for itself quickly.
    FRESH Fruits and vegetables are a MUST! Obviously it all must be juiced or blended - I cannot eat them whole either. Add fresh steamed blended up veggies to a cream soup and add water until it can go down comfortably. You can even puree cooked meat in these things and add that to your soup! Must get a lot of water too of course.
    I also found lightly cooking eggs in chicken fat helped A LOT for being able to swallow them!
    2. THYROID - if his neck was radiated his thyroid can be damaged. MINE IS NEARLY DEAD. These symptoms you describe are also common to people with bad thyroid function.
    SOLUTION= blood test from doctor to determine thyroid function. Then Synthroid and Cytomel can be used to correct for this. (Or natural Armour Thyroid)
    3. STENOSIS of the arteries in the neck will also contribute to brain fog.
    SOLUTION= I don't know yet.
    4. DENTISTRY - a tooth pull CAN inject infections into the blood stream which are not going to help anything! Antibiotics are needed for this. I have to have antibiotics every time I go to the dentist.
    5. Last step - after all these are done, investigate RITALIN. Yes, the drug they give to kids with ADD. It speeds up brain function in normal people (those without true ADHD or ADD) and can help A LOT with memory, and the brain fog.

    ~Cheers
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #9
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    TheDane said:

    This can be fixed.
    Hi,
    I have had severe radiation to my whole neck about 2 years ago and I have had these problems too...brain just started going blank ALL the time.
    OK, let's jump in:
    1. NUTRITION - the canned corn syrup junk will kill you, it certainly will not aid in healing.
    SOLUTION= VITAMIX blender. It's not cheap but it's the best. It can turn nearly anything into a drinkable liquid. And you'll save so much money not buying the canned death that it will pay for itself quickly.
    FRESH Fruits and vegetables are a MUST! Obviously it all must be juiced or blended - I cannot eat them whole either. Add fresh steamed blended up veggies to a cream soup and add water until it can go down comfortably. You can even puree cooked meat in these things and add that to your soup! Must get a lot of water too of course.
    I also found lightly cooking eggs in chicken fat helped A LOT for being able to swallow them!
    2. THYROID - if his neck was radiated his thyroid can be damaged. MINE IS NEARLY DEAD. These symptoms you describe are also common to people with bad thyroid function.
    SOLUTION= blood test from doctor to determine thyroid function. Then Synthroid and Cytomel can be used to correct for this. (Or natural Armour Thyroid)
    3. STENOSIS of the arteries in the neck will also contribute to brain fog.
    SOLUTION= I don't know yet.
    4. DENTISTRY - a tooth pull CAN inject infections into the blood stream which are not going to help anything! Antibiotics are needed for this. I have to have antibiotics every time I go to the dentist.
    5. Last step - after all these are done, investigate RITALIN. Yes, the drug they give to kids with ADD. It speeds up brain function in normal people (those without true ADHD or ADD) and can help A LOT with memory, and the brain fog.

    ~Cheers

    Chemo Brain
    Over a year ago I read that the AMA does, now, officially recognize Chemo Brain as a very real post-tx disorder, but was nowhere close to having standard treatment criteria for it. I'm over 3-years out, now, and can honestly say that it seems to have been corrected for me when it comes to memory. However, the overload thing does still continue- I still easily get maxed-out when too much is put on my table at work, or just in life.

    kcass
  • ToBeGolden
    ToBeGolden Member Posts: 695
    #10
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    Calcium
    I doubt whether your husband shares my problem but the information may be valuable anyway.

    For me: Neck surgery caused damage of my parathyroid glands. This left me unable to regulate calcium levels appropriately. With the help of an endocrinologist, I must maintain a strict level of calcium and calcitriol in my diet.

    Low calcium produces muscle cramps and spasms.
    High calcium can produce seizures and mental problems.

    No need to guess about your husband: Calcium is checked in normal blood work. If he has not had a calcium level since his symptoms became worse, ask your doctor for one.

    The condition is rare, but the test for it is easy. And the treatment is relatively easy. The treatment is only keeping calcium intake within very strict bounds.

    As I've said several times, I don't think this is the problem in your husband's case. But take a look at his calcium levels to be sure.

    Also excess calcium is either put into the bones or excreted by the kidneys. So andy problem with the kidneys can raise the level. Rick.
  • ToBeGolden
    ToBeGolden Member Posts: 695
    #11
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    ToBeGolden said:

    Calcium
    I doubt whether your husband shares my problem but the information may be valuable anyway.

    For me: Neck surgery caused damage of my parathyroid glands. This left me unable to regulate calcium levels appropriately. With the help of an endocrinologist, I must maintain a strict level of calcium and calcitriol in my diet.

    Low calcium produces muscle cramps and spasms.
    High calcium can produce seizures and mental problems.

    No need to guess about your husband: Calcium is checked in normal blood work. If he has not had a calcium level since his symptoms became worse, ask your doctor for one.

    The condition is rare, but the test for it is easy. And the treatment is relatively easy. The treatment is only keeping calcium intake within very strict bounds.

    As I've said several times, I don't think this is the problem in your husband's case. But take a look at his calcium levels to be sure.

    Also excess calcium is either put into the bones or excreted by the kidneys. So andy problem with the kidneys can raise the level. Rick.

    Blood Sugar
    It's me again. I'm diabetic.

    Low blood sugar can cause mental confusion. I've had very low sugar levels (under 60), when I would take a bite of an apple and forget to chew or swallow it. Every decision becomes so much work.

    Again the test is easy. I might suggest you get a glucose meter and test your husband's blood sugar when he is at his worst.

    This problem is more likely if your husband's confusion and memory problems fluctuate. Again both the test and the solution are easy. And again it is a long shot, but I think you are looking for long shots that are safe to check out.

    If you find your husband's blood sugar questionable low, you might try rubbing some honey on his inside cheek. Then talk the problem over with your health care provider.

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