Vena Cava Filter`

Has anyone had a vena cava filter put in before the surgery? My doctor insists on it for patients with a BMI over 50. It is to block emboli from getting to the lungs. I would like to hear from people who have had it because mine is on Wednesday followed by the surgery on Thursday. He prefers to do it just before the surgery, but I am first in the OR on Thursday so I am getting it on Monday in the Iterventional Radiology Dept. The more informed I am the calmer I can be. Hope all is well. Also let me know if this is your week and if Thursday is your day. Dotsie

Hi Dorothy. I had a ivc filter placed today (4/10/06). My surgeon also insists on it for patients with a BMI over 50. I really didn't mind the procedure. I came out with a couple steri strips over the site on my left upper chest area. They gave me conscious sedation during the procedure, so I didn't know / or didn't care what they were doing. My surgeon's nurse did tell me about people complaining about abdominal pain after this procedure -- I'll tell you , I do have the abdominal pain / cramping. They told me at the SPU departmet to just take tylenol for the discomfort -- We'll see how I feel tomorrow. My surgery is scheduled for Wed. 4/12/06. I do feel a little safer with the filter in place -- it's sort of like a safety net. Good luck with your procedure. Thoughts and prayers are with you. .... Sherri

All the best tomorrow, Sherri. I'll be thinking about you. I have the IVC procedure at 9AM tomorrow and the surgery at 7:30AM Thursday. Today was my last day of work for a few weeks. It is 12:30am and I am so wired I am typing this, playing a video game on my other lap top (from work) and watching TV. I have to get up early tomorrow so I better get to bed. All my prayers are with you. LEt us know how it goes. Dotsie