question

Hi all. I went to see the pulmonologist to go over results from last week. Everything is good, but he asked me if I wanted to have an IVC filter placed a week before my surgery. Has anyone had this placed in? Does it hurt and when do they take it out. I told him I would let them know....ugh...more decisions..lol

LaDetra

I'm going to be no help at all. I HATE MY IVC FILTER!!!!! But I'm glad its there.

It has provided me with an extra sense of security. Mine had a few issues settling in and caused some pain while it did. Now its settled in quite nicely and I haven't thought of it in a few weeks. The actual procedure freaked me out. I won't lie! I started having a panic attack when they started. But that is just me. I get freaky in surgical rooms. I didn't feel the placement at all. My neck was sore for a few days but nothing bad. A crick in your neck hurts worse IMO. They will take it out in a few months once they feel you are beyond the high risk of blood clots.

I have the filter.  The procedure wasn't that bad.  It didn't hurt.  It is my understanding that they prefer to just leave it in.  I have no plans to have mine removed.  I just see it as extra protection.  Its not like I know its there.  I had it done in the morning and went back to work that afternoon.  Dr. G requires the filter if your BMI is 50 or higher.

It is an expensive procedure, so I don't know if I would have had it down if it wasn't required, except it does give you a little bit of a safety net concerning clots.

Sherri

They used to leave it in but now they prefer to take it out. You might ask Dr. G about it next time you see him.

I have never heard of an IVC filter. what is it and what is it for?
Emily

IVC filters are explained HERE and HERE.

Dr. G does like to take them out, but he told me it comes out after you are at your gaol weight.  So, as you can see we have been told many different things, better see the response you get. LOL

I will have to ask when I go back in December.  I know when I had it done, he said he was using one that was made to be left in as opposed to some that are made to be just temporary.

Sherri

Thanks everyone for the answers...it was an optional suggestion. just 8 more days, but I have been thinkin alot about the surgery these last days and feeling a bit nervous.
 
LaDetra

As you may have read on here...a lot of people begin to kinda freak out the closer they get to the surgery date, but on the day of the surgery, they do fine....other than a few, who want to be hijacked away on the way to the hospital....I think that was Amy/Debt Free. LOL  Stick close to here, and the cheerleaders will do their stuff to help you through the jitters!! 8 days is close...it sure beats having to wait until the end of Jan! lol
Sher