IVC Filter

Hey out there.  Does anyone have any wisdom or advice about this filter.  It is scaring the life out of me.

Hi;

I had one put in about a week before my surgury:  you can have it removed after surgury
but I have chosen to leave mine in:  my sister has had bloodclots twice so I leave
mine in as a precaution.  I know I have plastics in my future so this will prevent
having to have one installed then.

Congrats and goodluck with your upcoming surgury.

Darla

I had one put in a couple of days before surgery as well. It is removable up to 3 months post installation. I have chosen to leave mine in as well. Although I worried about having this done beforehand, it turned out to be a non-event for me. I was completely comfortable during the installation and had no pain issues afterwards. I liked the fact that this was being done to be on the safe side. This and my RNY were my first surgeries ever and I was quite nervous. My apprehensions were quite worse than the actual experiences for me. Have faith! Take it one day at a time. Best wishes! Debbie

I had an IVC filter put in the Thursday before my Monday surgery over 4 years ago.   Having it removed was never offered as an option to me, though if it had I would have most likely elected to leave it in anyway.  My surgeon required the IVC filter for ALL patients not just those deemed 'possible at risk' patients, so it was filter or no surgery.   I definitely felt more at ease knowing it was there. 

The whole procedure was a total 'non-event' to me.   Virtually painless ... I had a local so I was alert and talking to the doctor and staff while the whole procedure was going on.   The toughest part for me (and I have heard this from others as well) was having to remain absolutely still for several hours after the procedure.

An important thing to remember is to be sure you are very well hydrated prior to the procedure so your veins are 'pumped' up (similar to being well hydrated prior to a blood draw .. makes it sooo much easier).

I know a lot of WLS folks who were more freaked about the filter than the WLS itself.   Take a deep breath, it's NO biggie.  If your surgeon feels it is necessary for you, then go for it.

Best wishes as your WLS journey continues.

Hugs, Mo

I'll echo what everyone has said, I had one inserted about a month prior to my surgery three years ago.  NOT a big deal!!!  The ONLY discomfort I had was some cramping in the groin muscle - didn't feel the needle or anything.  You're awake, but not aware of any pain, etc.

Hope this helps, but if it still has you freaked out, just consider it a means to an end.  WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET WLS AND GET HEALTHY!!!

Hang in there!

Tia

Ditto exactly what the others said.  Mine was implanted about 10 days before surgery and it was my first surgery ever.  I was very nervous going in, but it seemed that the benefits far outweighed the minor risks, IMHO.  I also elected to leave it in, as it can be much more helpful than harmful and like Darla, I plan on having some plastics done eventually. 

Same here. I was scared and it was not a big deal.Had it put in a couple weeks before surgery but it was not offered to have it removed. From the start they said it was permanent but would save my life if I ever had a clot .  I was going to die without thwe RNY I had no probblem getting it. With my situation my Dr wouldn't operate without it. That is not true iin all cases it was my risk factors but I have had no problems.Plus I am beyond grateful for this surgery. It has given me a life.
Have a great day.
Loving life
Love Laurie