Question:
I was just wondering how it feels to have the filter put in to block blood clots
I have to have the filter put in because my bloodwork came back that I have a blood clotting factor which increases my chances for blood clots by at least 8%. Does the filter stay in forever? How long before surgery is it put in? Does this prevent blood clots from going to the brain, heart and lungs all the way? — Hilkerrt (posted on January 3, 2010)
January 3, 2010
Most filters are temporary,some are permanent. In most cases the filter
comes out when your risk of blood clots is diminished. Meaning that when
you are up and about walking, moving around. Clots tend to form in the
legs when we are just laying around doing nothing, but clots can form
anywhere.So walking post/op is crucial. The filter can be put in a couple
of weeks or a couple of days before your surgery. Your surgeon will make
the arrangements. The filter placement is usually done as an outpatient.
Filters break down larger clots so our body can manage them, it helps
prevent clots from going to the lungs, heart and brain. The filter is
placed in the inferior vena cava below the renal veins. (In english under
your belly button and a little to the right). I suggest you look the
procedure up online at WebMD. The Dr. who places the filter should sit
down and explain it to you. Filter placement is a procedure I'm involved in
almost everyday. Please ask questions of the Dr. placing your filter,
every Dr. is different. I hope this helps.
— Nurseducky
January 3, 2010
Dawn, I didn't answer your question on how it feels to have a filter
placed. I don't know where or who is placing your filter. I can tell you
what we do. Our patients have an IV started and are given light sedation.
Numbing medicine is used at the procedure site. The site can be right or
left groin (where your leg meets you hip) or the right jugular. (neck vein)
97% of the time we go thru the groin. Most people sleep thru the 20 to 30
min procedure and go home several hours later. You will not feel the
filter once it is placed. Again I hope this helps but be sure to ask the
Dr. who will be placing it. Remember there are NO dumb questions when it
comes to your health.
— Nurseducky
January 3, 2010
It really isn't a big deal. A few pinches from the numbing medicine and
they put something to relax you in the IV. There was no pain other than
that, and there was almost nothing to it for the healing. My filter is
designed to be kept in place permanently - though it would be nice to have
it removed someday. Then again, it would be even nicer to get off of
coumadin someday. Having had blood clots in my leg and in my lungs - the
filter is DEFINITELY better than clots! You'll be fine, it's no big deal.
Good luck!
— Diane324
January 4, 2010
I had one done before my RNY. It wasn't a big deal. More scary before, but
it wasn't anything that I should have been concerned about. Just a little
pinching around the injection site. I did find out I was allergic to the
dye, but some Benadryl helped that out.
— Mike T.
January 4, 2010
I had an IVC filter put in 2 weeks before surgery, I didn't have any pain,
and was awake during the procedure. The worst part was having to remain
absolutely still for several hours following surgery. The filter I have is
good for 25 years. I do have to carry a card with me, as I was told that it
might set off alarms when I go through security at the airport.
— KathieV
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