Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Does Personality Changes After A Surgery?
Question: My (sadly) ex-boyfriend had a femoral artery bypass operation 2 years ago. Since then, although he appeared well physically, his personality changed from being a positive, cheerful and energetic man to being morose, suspicious, believing trivial mistakes (by others, not me) were deliberately planned insults. He abruptly ended our 10-year relationship about 6 months after the operation, insisting that I would "side with" the people who he believed had insulted him. Could his personality change have been caused by the operation, the anesthetic, the blood-thinning medication he'd been taking for many years, or what? I was devastated and am still mystified. He was 78 years old at the time of the operation. Thanks in advance for any ideas.
If the personality change was not caused by the operation, then was it just the beginnings of Alzheimer's or dementia? I forgot to say that his short-term memory had been deteriorating considerably at the time and he had started behaving rather rudely to former friends, interrupting speeches at formal dinners, etc. - things he had previously deplored in others.
Thanks in advance.
If the personality change was not caused by the operation, then was it just the beginnings of Alzheimer's or dementia? I forgot to say that his short-term memory had been deteriorating considerably at the time and he had started behaving rather rudely to former friends, interrupting speeches at formal dinners, etc. - things he had previously deplored in others.
Thanks in advance.
Brief Answer:
Illnesses and probably dementia!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about what you experienced and what your boyfriend has been doing. I have reviewed his information fully and am of the opinion that dementia and illness combined push him into this personality break down and the consequent behaviors. Because he had severe artery disease, the same process goes on in the brain and causes vascular dementia that can cause personality changes.
In all, onset of probably vascular dementia and the stress of the disease and surgery precipitated the string of atypical behavior he manifested.
I hope this helps. I wish him well. Sorry for all the consequences you have suffered. If you need more information and clarifications, please feel free to ask me.
Illnesses and probably dementia!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about what you experienced and what your boyfriend has been doing. I have reviewed his information fully and am of the opinion that dementia and illness combined push him into this personality break down and the consequent behaviors. Because he had severe artery disease, the same process goes on in the brain and causes vascular dementia that can cause personality changes.
In all, onset of probably vascular dementia and the stress of the disease and surgery precipitated the string of atypical behavior he manifested.
I hope this helps. I wish him well. Sorry for all the consequences you have suffered. If you need more information and clarifications, please feel free to ask me.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you, Dr Ditah, most helpful. So it probably wasn't actually the operation itself which precipitated the personality change but vascular dementia which was developing alongside his femoral artery blockage. When he broke up with me, I told him, as kindly as I could, that he could probably get psychiatric help. At that moment, he seemed relieved at the notion that there was a cause for what was, clearly, making him very unhappy but I doubt that he sought help. I'm not in touch with him any more - he wanted "no contact". He lives alone. I hear from people who know him that he continues to upset former friends with his rude behavior - so different from the man I knew. Isn't it sad?
Brief Answer:
It's sad and I feel your plight!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It's sad to see someone whom you have shared so much with go down so easily and succumb to the undesirable fate of illness. I will advise you to stay positive and optimistic and know that it was nothing of your fault. I will not also blame him because he's is somewhat not even aware of ll the personality changes and the inconveniences that is causing.
I hope this throws more light and insights into his problem and relieves you of your worries. I wish you a good and happy time.
It's sad and I feel your plight!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
It's sad to see someone whom you have shared so much with go down so easily and succumb to the undesirable fate of illness. I will advise you to stay positive and optimistic and know that it was nothing of your fault. I will not also blame him because he's is somewhat not even aware of ll the personality changes and the inconveniences that is causing.
I hope this throws more light and insights into his problem and relieves you of your worries. I wish you a good and happy time.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
