I need help with concentration

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Since my operation I find my concentration is poor.

When I walk to the local shop I find it hard to focus, particularly if someone talks to me or distracts me.

I think it may be because I am still using a crutch, at least I hope so.

It is not loss of memory, it is just loss of mental strength.

Has anyone else had this?

I do try hard to be alert but it is uphill at the moment.

Is this just temporary?

2

Yes I've had similar and it is improving - I'm 5 weeks post op - I think it's a combination of lack of sleep, relief it's all over, side effects of meds, and trying to do far more than our bodies feel we should be doing after such a major op!!!

take care xx

3

Hi Shirley. I agree with the last post. It's a major op and you are still recovering from the anaesthetic and the procedure. Your body now has to learn to adjust to a new hip. That's where your mental ability is concentrating now. Don't worry it will all come back. Try to puzzles at home. At the beginning I did word searches and then suduko (even the simple ones were hard !!!). My memory is coming back so it's only temporary. Good luck x

4

I am eleven weeks now and still find it a bit harder to think! As you say it is not loss of memory, but loss of concentration! It is easy to forget what major surgery it is......as the others have said it does get better.....

take care...

jane

5

am the same i do think its temporary due to the trauma the body has been through

6

Do you think maybe you have a lot to think about with taking care of your new hip that you can not focus on other things? I felt like this with a new baby, I could only focus on her and keeping her safe. The rest of the world is white noise. I wonder if it is the same with a new hip? Possibly once you feel safe, and you can walk normally again you may find your concentration comes back when you don't have so much to think about! 

7

I do hope so Shirley. Prob be because you are concentrating so hard on walking properly. Early days so don't panic

Take care

Kate x

8

 LoL ... well, finally I have an excuse - I am not very focussed when I go grocery shopping, never was -  

my problem is more paying attention to what other people are talking to me about and trying to remember when I see them again ... but maybe it was not interesting anyway ... 

however, I always was very focussed when I was working - very organized etc. - but I am retired now -  so who knows ... 

I am going to test myself and will do wordsearchers - I used to be very good at it !

All kidding aside, yes, my attentionspan has diminished -  my eyes get tired and sight gets blurry - there is some kind of low noise buzz in my ears - 

big hug to all - 

renee

 

9

thanks dalmation

I agree it is a few things added together. Coping with a crutch, a trolley and the strong wind today has been quite tough for me.

I used to be tough and capable but now I am .... well a hippie with a crutch.

Take care of yourself

10

H i donna,

I am a crossword addict and managed to complete the Guardian cryptic the day after my op. But I can only tackle a crossword when I am at home with no background noise.

Concentrating on paying for shopping in a supermarket is a different ball-game completely. I get so flustered these days.

I am very conscious of my crutch and scared of holding up the queue, I think.

11

Hi jane,

Yes, I think you could be right. I remember I had brain fog for a long time after my Caesarean, but that was so long ago I have frgotten how bad it felt.

12

thanks quail. Good to know others are the same.

13

Hi rose,

Good points you made there. Maybe I am so self-conscious about my hip that it kind of blots everything else out a bit.

14

Hi renee

Something you said about a low buzz in your ears as I have got that. Wasnt sure if it is the blood thinners (still got a week to go) or possibly anaemia as my doctor has just done a blood test to check as I still feel really tired and wake up every morning with a headache.

My daughter asked me the other day if I was still on pain meds as I seemed a little "spacey"!!

Linnet x

15

That is a good point too. If I don't concentrate on walking properly my operated leg drifts across in front of my good leg and they knock together.

16

Hi renee,

Yes, that is true, my attention span has diminished.

I kind of "talk to myself" to get myself to keep on track (but not aloud thank goodness)

But then if someone butts in on my "script" I lose the plot.

Very easily distracted is how I think you would describe it.

hugs

shirley

17

Oh shirley,  yes, that is something else ... I lived in Los Angeles for 34 years where your groceries are packed for you - I live in Holland now since 13 months and they don;t do that here - plus the cane and getting groceries out of the shipping cart, pack them, put them in the cart and pay for them .... I also mumble to my self - so sad .... funny  too though, but only to me - 

oh well ... don't panic and carry on 

warm hug

renee

18

could be Tinitis  ( not sure about the spelling ) i suffer with it and the noise does vary

19

There have been some good points made here about our concentration or lack of. I do love Rose's comparisons about a new hip being similar to a new baby. 😊. I'm calling my new hip "baby" from now in 😍

20

I think we live in a society where we are constanly overstimulated and expected to be able to concentrate regardless. Years ago we had a much slower, quieter and simplified way of living. I say live and function at your own pace and pleasure. Dont worry about anyone else.