Who had a greenfield filter installed?

Just curious how many people's doctor required the greenfield filter installed to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism? I am scheduled to have it done on May 26th, and to have the lap Roux-en-Y on June 1st. My insurance has apporved the bypass, but has initially denied the filter as experimental. My doctor is appealling it. Thanks for all input!!! Gwen

hey Gwen Im having the filter put in as well. here is a website that talks about the filter. http://www.greenfieldfilter.com/ Katrina

Thanks Katrina, I have been to that website & several others. I still have some concerns... possibility of migration... rupture of the vein... etc. At least with the gastric bypass, a couple months out of surgery if all is going well, I won't have to fear dying from the procedure. I guess it's the not knowing with the filter. Could be perfectly healthy and then all of a sudden, it migrates and you are dead. I know the chances of that are small, but it's not something you can predict or prevent. If it is what the doctor thinks is in my best interest, I am sure he knows a lot more about it than I do, and I will go with what he says. But, it still worries me. Gwen

hi gwen, i am also haveing the greenfield filter put in. i will have it done on may 27th and surgery on the 8th of june. my dr. is givens. the web site that katrina has on her e-mail is a good one. not all dr. have it done. what i understand it is determined by your bmi and medical history. i had a brother die from a blood clot. hope this helps and good luck. debra

Gwen, Dr. Strickland did my surgery 3-12-04 and I had the filter placed on 3-4. I had no problems whatsoever with it. The procedure was painless...if you can tolerate an IV being inserted (that was the most painful part). I woke up easily and was discharged from the hospital in less than 3hrs. I was given Davocet for pain..but never needed it. I did experience some right groin pain the following week after surgery.. not sure if it was related.. but it too went away..and I've had no problems. I'm glad my dr. did the procedure.. just as an extra precautionary effort. Hope this help Patti