Can anyone help?????

Hi everybody!! I have a question if anyone can give me some feedback I sure would appreciate it. My surgeon said if I get approved she would recommend I have a filter put in to prevent pulmonary embolism. I had one years ago after a c- section. Can anybody who's had this tell me more information on it? Do you go in the hospital for this? How is it done? Are you put to sleep? Thanks, if you can help answer some of my concerns, Jane

Hi Jane, I didn't have a filter put in, but (after reading the memorials section of this website) I did discuss it with my surgeon prior to surgery. There are some risks associated with the filter itself (which your doctor should share with you), so they usually only suggest a filter if you're at high risk for blood clots. Blood clots are the greatest morbidity risk of the surgery (the memorial section provides some grim examples). I can't give you the specifics of how they insert it (and later remove it), but hope this information helps too. Good luck!

Hi Jane, I had the greenfield filter put in me last summer when I had blood clots in both legs and lungs. (clots were not related to surgery). I was in the hospital a week due to the clots and getting shots for them. The "filter" surgery itself was no big deal. They went through the vein in my neck and I don't remember having any pain from having it done. And yes they put you out while they do it. I have since had the lapband put in me this past June and am doing fine ! My filter is still in me, and will stay there. Hope this helps you. Cindy