Anyone have an IVC filter

[Sandy123 7]

Hi, I am due for me sleeve on Nov 1. Due to a pulmonary embolism 5 years ago my dr is having one of his colleagues put an IVC filter in right before he works his magic. Does anyone out there have one?? I was wondering if you can feel it or have any discomfort from it. Thanks to all you fabulous people out. I can't tell you what a great source of support you've been these past few months

[Rootman 1,101]

If anyone else was wondering what the heck an IVC filter was : https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Inferior_vena_cava_filter

No, I don't have one.

[Sandy123 7]

Thanks for adding the link.

[Lissa 2,631]

I had an IVC filter put in before surgery. Since I was also on Coumadin, I had to give myself Lovenox shots before the filter installation, through surgery date. I had the filter installed on Friday, then surgery on the next Tuesday. I was conscious for the filter installation, which worried me beforehand.

My experience was that I went into the outpatient surgical center, had an IV line installed in my arm, went into the surgery room on a gurney. They shaved some hair from the groin area, then moved me to a really uncomfortable bed. I received oxygen during the procedure, along with some Versed and a pain medication. The Versed wasn't enough to make me forget the surgery, but it made me really relaxed about the whole thing. It took maybe 15 minutes to actually install the filter, then I had to lay flat for several hours, maybe 5?

I also had my filter removed after my VSG was done. I love LOVE the Versed, because I was really scared going back into the OR. The doc had to use ultrasound guidance to ensure she was in the vein to remove the filter and this time I felt a little pressure. When I mentioned it to the doc, she gave me a bit more pain medication, then removed the filter. I asked to see the filter and it's somewhat acorn shaped, but made of fine filaments of wire that collapse very flat for the installation and removal procedures. Mine did catch two clots, but they didn't show me that part. I did ask if I could have the filter for a souvenier, but that wasn't allowed. My "lay flat" time after the removal was 3 hours.

I "think" I felt the filter one night after surgery, but it could have been menstrual cramps instead. TMI, but I hadn't experienced those in about a year, and I did start having monthlies again after surgery. In my imagination, I thought I could tell where the filter was, but the nurse showed me the general location after the removal and it didn't match where I had felt something before.

If you are fairly young, you may want to talk to the vein doctor about using a removable filter instead of a permanent one. My doc explained the risks of leaving a filter in long term to me (I'm 45) and I opted for the removable one.

If you have more questions, feel free to ask. And, even with having two minor surgical procedures for the filter install/removal, I'd STILL have my VSG all over again.

[Sandy123 7]

I'm 48 and luckily they are putting the filter in at the same te as the surgery. One dr will put it in then my VSG surgeon will work his magic. It is supposed to be a temporary filter and will be removed 6 or so weeks later. If by chance it is slanted and they can't catch the hook to remove it then he will leave it in. I don't think I am nervous about it just because I won't be conscious but I am worried about another hospital stay for the removal. But thanks for the imput, it is nice to know I am not the only one who has these issues.