DVT's/blood clots and surgery

I am waiting for approval from medicare/caid and then I'll finally have surgery, However at my last appt with the surgeon he informed me I would need a filter inplanted due to previous DVT's & blood clots. Anybody had/have a similar situation? how bout some feed back on the risks? This is not living, almost a prisoner in my home. I was an OTR truck driver, now disabled mainly due to weight. I need the road! I think it will be worth the risk! What do ya'll think?