Question:
shunt to prevent blood clots

No one told me NOT to get my Depo birth control shot and I got one two weeks ago. My surgery is scheduled for June 22nd and I am being told that I need to have a Vascular Surgeon place a shunt to prevent a blood clot to my lungs. The shunt stays in for 30 days. Then I need to come in as an outpatient and have it removed. I want to know if anyone else had to have this process done. If I decided NOT to have this procedure, then I have to post pone my surgery for 4 months. I have been waiting 3+ years to get this surgery and don't want to postpone but I am scared and need some advice Please e-mail me: [email protected]    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on May 15, 2007)

May 15, 2007
Tracey, you are having the WLS to be healthier, correct? I mean, all of us want to look great, but it comes down to feeling great too and being a little more healthy. When I decided to have my WLS back in 2000, it was because I was a new mother and I wanted to be a better mother, a healthier mother. I could barely play with my daughter. But I was scared to "go under the knife" because there are always risks. I didn't want to leave my daughter motherless. If you are scared to have this other procedure and it is not required if you wait another four months, then wait four months and don't have this other procedure. Go with your gut. It's best advice out there. Jennifer D.
   — JGDugar

May 15, 2007
That seems odd. I've been on the depo shot for years! I told my surgeon the day of our first consult and he didn't bat an eye. ??? I am 3 months out today with no issues, no complications and/or nothing relating to my depo shot. In fact I had one 5 days out of the hospital and had another last week. Individual surgeons differ. Good luck....but that was my experience.
   — jammerz

May 15, 2007
Do you mean a Greenfield filter/vena cava filter? If that is what you mean, I had one put in before my surgery, they went up my groin to my chest. It is a simple procedure, that could save your life. My filter was put in and left in, you don't even know it is there. It is basicly a "screen mesh" that stops clots from going straight to your heart or lungs.
   — Jolly

May 15, 2007
Tracy, I really doubt that the depo birth control is the only reason they want to place the shunt. I've been on the depo shot for years and they didn't even suggest the shunt. I guess it could just be your doctor but you should ask if that is the only reason they want to place the shunt or if you have other risk factors that make them want to give you the protection from. Annette
   — Akc Crazy

May 21, 2007
Birth control increases the risk of blood clots. I suspect this is why you are having the procedure. Different people have different risk factors.... and there is a lot of variability of how each procedures are done. I suggest asking your doctor for an explanation as s/he is likely the person to know exactly why.
   — mrsidknee

May 22, 2007
Tracy ,don't put off your surgery. I had a history of blood clots before my surgery. My doctor put in a greenfield filter and I never felt it though I was awake and scared. I still have it 5 years later. It is permanent for me. It is no big thing. Do it. You'll will never regret it.
   — carolhamp1936