Submitted and filter questions

OK.
I had my first visit with the GI Doc's here at UNC.  Now, they will submit my information to BCBS for approval.  After approval, I'll get a pre-op appointment, and then Surgery will be about 2-3 weeks after that.  WHOOO WEEE.  I thought it would take longer.  
I really wasn't expecting to have surgery until December!   The Doc said that after approval, I can pick my date.
After speaking to my hubby, and planning on what all needs to be done prior, (pay bills up/get daycare issues settled) 
  I may wait until the week after Thanksgiving.  I've made plans for the Black Friday shop a thon, and I would be nice to have that as my pre op celebration.    
Also, with a co-worker being out, I may not be able to get approval from the boss' at wor****il then.

NOW...the only thing that has scared me so far is when the Dr spoke about a filter that they will place in my main artery, to help catch any blood clots that may form.  

I am a wuss.  A BIG WUSS.   I cannot stand anyone working on me while I'm awake, and the Dr said that the procedure was done under local only.
Did anyone have one of these filters placed?  Did it hurt?   Did they give you something to calm you down?

TELL ME PRETTY THINGS SO I WON'T BE SCARED.     

     I did not have a filter but I can tell you that if they told me I had to have my surgery without anesthesia or pain meds I would have still gone through with it. I am 9 months out and 106 lbs. lighter. How did I ever function before?  How did I perform simple daily tasks toting an amount of weight I cannot even lift? I am different in mind, body and spirit.  Focus.
     I hope someone can answer your questions but I just wanted you to know that whatever you need to go through- it will be worth it!

I didn't have to do that but I suspect it isn't any worse than dental procedures and we do that awake for the most part. Maybe you could ask for twilight sleep. You won't really be asleep but you won't remember any of it either.

(((((((((((Hope)))))))))))))))))))
I had a filter put in as per Dr. Farrels orders.
It saved my life!!!
I did have a clot come up . the filter did its job.
The people in the lab who placed it in I think were wonderful!!!!
I was given something for pain and to relax me.
A month after surgery they looked at my filter only to find a clot the size of my thumb.
I was put on Lovenox injections and cumidan but it saved my life.
You will be in good hands Hope.
Put your faith in your doctor and your higher power.
                                                  Annie

Hi Hope,

I did not have a vena cava filter, but if your Dr. feels that you need, you need to have it done. This filter is put in place for people who are at risk of developing a blood clot. I have a friend who also had her surgery at UNC and her filter caught a huge clot that certainly would have been life threatening. Theses filters are not done for all patients, but if and when your Dr. thinks that it's necessary, it needs to be done. It's often done with a 'sedative' and many that I've talked to, do not remember the actual procedure.

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery.

Wising you all the best,

Thank you for all the replies.  I didn't have a chance to sit at the computer until now, and it's so wonderful to read the encouraging messages.

Yep Annie, I have full faith in Dr. Farrell.  

But yet,,,I'm still a wuss.    I'm praying that they will give me extra 'twilight' sleeping meds.

Thanks again.

Hope