IVC Filter- Personal Experience

Okay so I went in yesterday to have my IVC filter placed. I was a bit nervous, I mean your inferior vena cava is sort of a big deal! lol I was put under general anistesia and it took less than an hour for them to place it. I woke up in recovery and was pretty cognitive (actually according to my Dr. and what he told my husband I was strangly very awake and with it). I had minor pain, more like a burning/stinging when I woke up and was given some pain meds in my IV. I was wheeled back to my room and given some apple juice. X-ray came for me a few mins later, took an abdominal X-ray to make sure the filter was placed correctly. Once back in my room I was able to get up and go to the restoom, and change. I was out of there less than an hour after entering recovery.

My Dr. had wanted me to lay around the house with ice on the area (there is also a big pressure bandage there by the way). But after talking with him he reluctently cleared me to travel as long as I promised to keep my leg streched out and  to get out and walk every couple of hours to prevent blood clots. I still dont think he knows I actually traveled 12 hours to Texas, but what he knows wont hurt him and everything went really well. I do however promise not to pull any stunts like this once I have my RNY.lol

I was sent home with liquid Lortab and Phenagrin. I got both filled, but have taken neither. I just took extra strength Tylenol every 4ish hours on the way home and it worked just fine.

So there is my story! You can be a bit worried, but I promise its not nearly as bad as you might be thinking!

Hi - I was wondering what the filter is for?  and does everybody get it?  I am having RNY 1/14th.



Thanks

Lynn

The IVC filter is the Inferior Vena Cava filter. Your IVC is the main vein that returns deoxygenated blood from your lower extremities to your heart to be re-oxygenated. The filter is place via the groin to help prevent DVT and PE (deep vein thromboses and pulmonary embolism) or basically blood clots from making to your lungs and possibly causing death.

I don't think all surgeons make their patients do this. My surgeon and surgical location happens to be a center of excellence, which makes them a bit more strict. They have to be in order to keep their status. I'm not sure the guidelines as to who they require to get the IVC filter. I'm not sure if it goes by weight or BMI, or possibly both. Your surgeon probably would have already let you know you'd need this if you had to have it, but it wouldn't hurt to ask if your concerned.

Good luck!!