I.V.C. Filters

Wanted to find out if there was anyone else who had an I.V.C. filter placed prior to having there surgery. If so did you or are you experiencing any pains at the insertion site? I have intermitently had sharp pains in the groin area at my insertion site. I spoke to my Vascular Surgeon about it when I went in for my consult to have the filter removed after my surgery. He didn't really give me the answer that I wanted or an answer at all for that matter.

I had an IVC filter put in about a week before my surgery.  I had a lot of questions about the procedure.  My wife had hers put in about a week before me.  They had trouble going through the groin are and had to end up going through the neck .  However, with me, I had no problem and didn't experience any problems at all.  I had no problems afterwards, and they roughly told us that it was a permanent insertion (my wife is a critical cardiac care nurse so she is very familiar with the filter).  From what I understand, in the long run, it'll help prevent clots that form from going to your heart.  The pain in your groin is probably from the insertion site.  If I remember right, the filter is just above your belly button, so the pain at the insertion site should get better.  If it continues, let your doc know.

My surgeon routinely places a vena-cava filter in his patients Who have a BMI of 50 or higher, One week before surgery. He made an exception with me Because I’m on Coumadin for a previous Heart Valve replacement. Several of the folks in my support group Have theirs still at 5 years+ out. Apparently, there is a type that is “left in.” As for the pain in the groin? I had a heart-cath and an Angioplasty/Stint put in my heart Through the large vein in my right groin. Hurt like hell for about 2 weeks, Then faded into a memory. 2 months+ sounds like a long time to still be having pain to me. I think I’d be calling back with questions Until I got an answer… even if it may be one you don’t want to hear. I know sometimes guys can get a neuroma or trapped nerve In the groin when a hernia is repaired. Usually only when mesh is involved, But some instances can occur if just a stitch Catches a nerve or even scar tissue developing To tightly around nerve.  This shows up more often in people who are overweight. It’s all that comes to mind… Get the doc on the phone and keep at it. Best Wishes- Dx

Hey thanks for that info. I haven't felt any pain like I was a couple of weeks ago, I also did mention it to him prior to getting the filter taken out on the second. I told him that the pain seemed to subside, and he did check the area since I had on that lovely open back gown...lol. My friend works in a cardiac cath unit, and she stated to me that it's a common area pain that can last up to six weeks, to nothing at all. But hey thanks for the info. I've lost just over 50lbs already and love it.