Anesthetic Amnesia

By Gypsie-Ami Offenbacher-Ferris

Yalenews.com

In response to Reena’s Xploration Challenge #251
Prompt Word: Jamais Vu (opposite of Deja Vu)

My grown daughter told me that this was not the first time I had awakened and been told I had experienced a stress induced heart attack. In fact she said, the diagnosis by the physician was broken heart syndrome.

I was quite positive I had not heard any of this before and voiced my opinion aloud. In my hospital room with us was the head nurse of my floor. She put away the instruments used to acquire my readings and turned toward both of us.

“What you are experiencing is called Jamais Vu, it’s the opposite of the common occurrence we refer to as Deja Vu. Because you are experiencing memory loss due to the trauma your body has suffered, it is the first time you remember hearing it,” Nurse Stephanie said.

“And will I remember this tomorrow or will it all be gone and seem new to me yet again?” I asked.

“What you are experiencing is called Jamais Vu, it’s the opposite of the common occurrence we refer to as Deja Vu. Because you are experiencing memory loss due to the trauma your body has suffered, it is the first time you remember hearing it,” Nurse Stephanie said.

“Yes, I know. You just said that,” I said with a good amount of consternation and attitude.

“I most certainly did not just say that at all. I believe you are having a Deja Vu moment, quite common after a patient has been under anesthesia for an extended amount of time,” she remarked as she left my room.

I closed my eyes and wished myself anywhere but here; or had I done that already?

20 responses to “Anesthetic Amnesia”

  1. Most certainly! Thank you for the read and comment Indira! 🙏

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  2. Scarry indeed if you doubt your own perception. Excellent take.

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  3. I meant most! Ha ha. My typing, honestly…

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    1. You are mosely delightful Sunra!! 😉

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  4. Very clever, Ami!! Enjoyed this. It started off quite serious then gave us an ironic twist 💖

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  5. Excellent and horrifying! Once we doubt our own perceptions there is no greater battle we face!

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    1. It was definitely a battle Susan! Was not sure I was going to win against the anesthesia, mean nurse and gaslighting daughter … but I persevered! Thank you for reading and commenting. It is greatly appreciated!! 🙏

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  6. That’s a brilliant take and very scary 🤣😵‍💫

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  7. Reblogged this on Reena Saxena and commented:
    Anaesthetic Amnesia ….by Ami

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  8. Haha! Excellent take Ami.

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  9. You survived! :))

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    1. Definitely! Although I’m still not sure what was real and what was hallucinations. 🙃

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