Question:
History of Pulmonary Embolism -- will I be candidate for surgery

I had a PE in 2/2000 at the age of 38. Believed to have been caused by inactivity (weight and severe depression caused that) and birth control pills. Will I have difficulty finding surgeon to perform surgery? Had knee surgery in 6/1997 with no problems whatsoever. Otherwise pretty good health --- no high blood pressure, no diabetes, no heart arrythmias, no asthma, etc. Only health problems: weight and high cholestrol.    — Donna M. (posted on November 9, 2001)

November 9, 2001
I know each doc is different but my doc uses a filter (greenfield I think) on patients that have either had or are prone to Blood Clots. Yes you can still be a canidate for surgery I think.
   — Melody F.

November 9, 2001
I have a history of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis. My vascular surgeon wants me to have a greenfield filter put in before surgery. My surgery will be in January. I have to have a echo cardigram to be completely cleared for surgery. My wls dr. has no problem operating on my with my history. I am also going to have to take heprin before surgery and while I am in the hospital. I will be giving myself shots of heprin for about a month after I come home. There is a greenfilter web site you can get more imformation about this procedure.
   — pattyw

November 9, 2001
I too have a history of pe's and dvt's. The surgeon generally wants his patients off of blood thinners 30 days before surgery but my PCP says I can't go that long. I will take my coumadin up until 7 days before surgery because it only takes your body 5-7 days to rid itself of coumadin. And then I will take heparin injections every day up until the surgery because Heparin isn't a long acting blood thinner like Lovenox and Fragmin. I'm not sure of what the plan is post op. I will say that my PCP is against the surgery because of my clotting history but he says it can be done. It's just not a chance he would take if it was him. Well, he's skinny as can be and I'm sure he's never had a weight problem. I've tried everything and I know this is the right thing for me. Just gotta keep the faith! After you wake up in your room at the hospital just remember to do those ankle pumping exercises to keep the blood flowing and WALK as soon and as much as you can. I just had reconstructive knee surgery last week which put me at a bigger risk for clots than the RNY will and I'm doing great. Good luck to you!!
   — Tiffany A.