Can a serious medical incident change your personality?!?

Scania · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:02

I hope this does not contravene the non medical threads rule, it's a question I'd like to hear other peoples experiences and views on rather than seek a solution - which ,incidentally, I have already sorted out for myself as such....

In a nutshell, I had two heart attacks around a month ago, since my return from a nine day stay in a cardiac unit (which was no fun I assure you!!) my wife feels that I have become much more "serious" and less inclined to "have a laugh" - I was surprised to hear this, if anything, I think / thought I was being quite cheery and positive about it all!! - the wife's comment has got me pondering this....

On the one hand, it was certainly a life changing experience and indeed my life has changed because of it and the repercussions therein.

On the other, frankly, I'm just damn happy I'm here to tell the tale - many of my fellow patients (inmates as we called ourselves) alas, we're not so fortunate....

I hadn't noticed any change myself as such but do wonder if this is a common thing in such like situations.....

If I'm being a bad lad by asking this question admins, please delete!!

Thanks in advance for any experiences shared....

Kosmiche · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:06

Your wife sounds demented, you've had TWO HEART ATTACKS.

You will of course be less inclined to "have a laugh" in the short term...you've had TWO HEART ATTACKS.

'Harry · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:11

Yes.

That **** will put the fear of jebus up you. Tell the wife to take a chill pill and STFU.

Nitefly · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:14

You created a thread on OCUK - that's the sign of seriousness.

doofer · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:15

I missed Eastenders and X-Factor on Ice to come and see you and you just lay there in your coma and ignored me ...

DB_SamX · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:22

Yes, without a doubt, but both for the better and for the worse.

SilverTongue · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:27

yes it does, my dad had a heart attack just before Christmas. When he came home from hospital he was a right grumpy sod for a couple weeks, but he has a completely new outlook, he's happier, smiles more, is more active and just generally a nicer person, but as i say he was a grumpy sod for the first couple of weeks, but that was probably just boredom

pooley · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:32

Eames said:
Your wife sounds demented, you've had TWO HEART ATTACKS.

You will of course be less inclined to "have a laugh" in the short term...you've had TWO HEART ATTACKS.

+1

VoG · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:37

Of course it can, you've just been thoroughly slapped in the face by your own mortality, surviving a double heart attack, cancer, major accident etc, such things are life changing, i don't know any one who's just shrugged such experiences off as if there nothing.

d_brennen · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:39

If two heart attacks didn't change you, just a little, I think that would be a little more worrying. IMO

Pestilence · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:44

Nitefly said:
You created a thread on OCUK - that's the sign of mental illness.

Fixed.

mattyfez · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:46

Your bound to have some deep moments of reflection after something like this. Sounds like a very supportive wife.

Sell your assets.

Get a lawyer!

Hotwired · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:48

Very famous incident which changed a chaps personality: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phineas_Gage

dirtychinchilla · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:49

I definitely think you can, particularly if the illness is to do with the brain.

I've had Chron's for about seven years and my personality has changed a bit since then, over the years, based on what I can and can't do really.

Participant · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:51

Lol Skania's wife

Kishywish · 17 Jul 2013 at 22:58

You are the sum of your experiences.

A traumatic event (two, in your vase) can change a person, but not necessarily will.

PS: best of luck with your recovery.

peterwalkley · 18 Jul 2013 at 08:20

Your wife is likely also cakking herself after all that has happened, the remark is that she wants you back and healthy i.e. like things were before.

Take care and keep us updated.

TheMightyTen · 18 Jul 2013 at 08:29

It's just as likely that the incident has changed both of you and she's struggling to understand how she's been changed by it as well

Participant · 18 Jul 2013 at 08:29

peterwalkley said:
Your wife is likely also cakking herself after all that has happened, the remark is that she wants you back and healthy i.e. like things were before.

What she wants, is very far down the list of priorities.

elmarko · 18 Jul 2013 at 08:37

Every single thing you experience changes you in a vast array of different amounts.

Significant events are obviously more likely to change you on a purely personality level.

Some injuries (such as ones in the pre-frontal cortex) have been associated with quite distinct personality changes, so yes - many forms of injury (to the mind or body) can change your personality, along with the usual life experiences which also change you.

The "self" is a fluidic state, nothing as grounded & solid as we like to think - constantly adapting & changing based on experiences, environment & a little bit of chance.