Question:
has any one had to have a filter place in for bloodclogs?if so how painful is it?

and does affect you in anyway?    — viettav (posted on April 6, 2007)

April 6, 2007
Hi ~ I had a filter put in right before they did the gastric bypass surgery.. you don't even feel it. In fact when I was in the hospital they came to check my incisions and I had forgotten all about the filter being put in. Best of Luck to you.
   — Pogolover111

April 6, 2007
My father has one , I have a friend with one as well. You actually should get a medic alert bracelet with this as you cannot tell it is there.
   — Donna O.

April 6, 2007
Vietta, thanks for writing. A filter for blood clots? It would probably be because you are at a greater risk for them? I don't know how they are done or what their implications are, but please please be sure to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon and get some education on this. Blood clots are a major issue in surgery. If you check the memorial pages on this site, many of those who do not make it through this surgery have died from blood clot issues. If it is a high risk for you, please be sure you are fully educated on the risks and precautions that will be taken on your behalf. www.webmd.com may also have some insight for filters for you, and google the words "blood clot filter" and see what comes up. This is really an important issue for you to consider before having surgery. The only thing I had to do was have a heprin shot every day while I was in the hospital into the abdomin. This kept me from clotting and I had no issues. It sounds bad, but the needed was so very tiny I honestly never felt the shot in any way (and I am a needle wimp). But if you are at a higher risk, please be sure you have plenty of precautions in place to help you out. They an deal with them if you get one, but just be aware of the symptoms and tell someone right away. If you are at a higher risk, I would also be sure you stay in the hospital for several days as you begin to recover to help prevent them. You can help that by walking asap, the heprin shots, and I perhaps they have other suggestions. I am not a doctor or nurse, but I can't stress enough to be sure you know everything you need to about this issue before surgery, especially if you are at a higher risk for them. Take care, Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

April 8, 2007
Hi Vietta, I had a greenfield filter put in within 4 days after my gastric bypass. I had developed a dvt in my leg the day after surgery and by the time they got me down to check my legs (they did a cat scan), it had broken off and I had bilateral pulmonary embolisms. We had been prepared in case this happened because I had had a dvt before. they put me on a heparin drip after surgery, but I developed a clot anyway. They can put the filter in through your groin or through your neck. They put mine in through my neck, it wasn't bad, they use a local. You can find out more info on www.greenfieldfilter.com. You can also read my story. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to write me. Sorry for the long winded answer. Lisa H. lap/rny 10-23-03 340+/179/??? -170lbs approx. lol
   — Lisa H.

April 16, 2007
I had one put in Friday - Greenfield stainless steel IVC through the groin. It wasn't too bad and you don't feel it inside you at all. A medic alert bracelet is a good idea - they give you a card to carry arount for the rest of your life also.
   — [Deactivated Member]