Surgery postponed -- need an IVC filter

Hi all, my surgery was supposed to be March 22 but now my surgeon has recommended an ivc filter for me (I'm on coumadin). So I need to wait another 8 days. Fortunately they were able to schedule the ivc filter procedure for 3/23 and reschedule my VSG for 3/31. So the liquid diet continues. Has anyone else out there had experience with getting an ivc filter? much thanks! Janice

I don't know what that is, either, but hang in there.

 I have to see a specialist about having an IVC filter put in.
Basically, it will help catch any blood clots that might form before they go to your heart or lungs.
From what I understand, they recommend them for people who are severely overweight.
I'm glad Dr Mo is already having me see a specialist about having one, so it won't interfere with our planned surgery date at the last minute.
I'm shooting for a July surgery if all goes according to plan :)

Good luck, and keep us posted!

As someone who has dealt with blood clots in my legs, please let me say - if your doc. thinks it's a good idea, embrace the notion of it.  Blood clots are serious business, extremely painful, and even when you live through them, they greatly damage your circulation.  I had 'em in my young 20's (result of birth contorl), and my right leg is several inches larger in diameter than my left.  The vericose veins and swelling are so gross.  And nothing has compared to how painful it was (even giving birth to my 9 1/2 lb daughter without drugs). 

I'm glad your doc. is caring so much about your wellbeing and is being cautious with this issue.  My doc didn't recommend it, and I questioned that decision throughout the process given my history with them.  I probably should have spoke up more.  Safety should always be priority. 

I hope all goes well on Tuesday, and congrats on your surgery date coming up!! 

I had an ivc filter put in.  My surgeon requires it for anyone with a BMI over 50.  It was same day surgery and really was no big deal.  I had it done on January 18th then my surgery on January 20th.  So relax and don't worry it is actually a good thing.

I, too, have a history of blood clots, but did not have a filter put in for my open RNY... it was put in before my panniculectomy!

It's a simple procedure (as long as they don;t hit the artery instead... which then requires an arterial plug and some extra precautions at home afterward).  They will give you some kind of sedation and then also use a local anesthetic.  Mine didn;t hurt at all.  Be sure to ask whether the one they are giving you will be removed or if it will stay in place permanently.

Lora

I had an IVC filter inserted the day prior to surgery.  It was done in radiology through the right groin with local anesthesia and was not painful at all.  However, I did have some strange shooting pains in the groin area later in the day, which were gone by the next day.  My surgeon said most likely, he hit a nerve on the way in, because what I experienced was unusual.  My vote?  Hands down, have it inserted and welcome it.  It could mean the diffence between life and death for you if you're prone to clots.  Good luck!  connie

I have a history of blood clots also the surgeon put it in when he had me under for the rny. So it can be done at the same time as your surgery. I am suprised they didn't do that way. I still have mine in and he said it will stay in as well. So protected for the rest of my life.

Thanks everyone for your informative and supportive answers. I had the procedure yesterday -- was done under a local and went very smoothly (except for the administrative mixups prior to ).  Now I've only got 6 more days before my surgery provided there are no new hurdles to cross.

I have had problems with blood clots for 14 yrs.  My body never correctly processed Coumadin so for the last 3 years I have been giving myself 4 Lovenox injections a day. 

I am having bypass surgery done April 20th and will have a temporary filter placed at that time as well. I have developed clots in my arms in the past so for me the filter may be a moot point but anything that helps me build a healthy body I will cheerfully embrace.

They will be threading the filter in through my neck (which I think sounds creepy) and it will stay in for up to 18 months while I get to a weight that I can have my hip replaced and then will be removed after that operation. 

I had to wait an additional 7 weeks for a surgery date because the vascular surgeon had scheduling issues.  I had I good long cry when I was told of the delay but I am ready for the final tool to create my new life.  I have been doing the liquid diet since December 7th, 2009 (with a few bad food days here and there) and have lost 90 pounds so far.  I am shooting to break the 100 pound mark before I even get to the hospital.

I will be hoping that your surgery, as well as mine, will be smooth and the filter will do everything it is supposed to!  Best of luck to you!