I am a 33 yr old female. Almost 2 months ago I was intubated, on a ventilator and sedated in ICU for a week due to respiratory failure, which was a complication of the flu and severe asthma exacerbation. My oxygen level was ok, but my CO2 level kept rising. At one point a doctor told my husband I might not survive the night because my CO2 was around 73 or 74 mmHg. I read that severe brain damage and death can occur after 75 mmHg. Surprisingly to everyone, I survived, and my CO2 levels went down to normal and eventually I was sent home. Ever since then however, I’ve been experiencing severe memory problems. I forget many conversations and events almost instantly, I can’t remember short lists like I used to, or to do things that I’m told not to forget. I’ve started having to write lists and set timers for things I never needed reminders for. I have difficulty with daily tasks that used to be routine to me. It’s like I forgot what I was doing and need to orient myself again, which is normal occasionally, but for me it’s a constant daily struggle now. It’s insanely frustrating and even my husband is starting to question if I suffered some sort of brain damage. Is it possible my memory issues are from the respiratory failure, and are they permanent?