Question:
CAN A PERSON REQUEST TO HAVE A VEENA CAVA FILTER PUT IN BEFORE SURGERY?

I WAS JUST CURIOUS ABOUT THIS. THIS FILTER PREVENTS BLOOD CLOTS, SO WOULDN'T IT BE GOOD TO HAVE THIS TO PREVENT LULMONARY EMBOLISMS, THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AFTER WLS? PLEASE ANYONE WHO KNOWS, YOU CAN EMAIL ME ABOUT.    — Gale G. (posted on March 25, 2002)

March 25, 2002
Your doctor can request one, ask him if he would. Mine did, as a profilactic measure, and it saved my life! Litterally! I had 3 different doctors tell me that. It does not stop blood clots, it just prevents them from reaching your heart, brain, or lungs. I developed two long contiguous ones, one behind each knee that went all the way up into my groin area. I had to be hospitalized for 3 weeks flat on my back. Then I had to go to rehab to learn how to walk again. PAINFUL!! But, I am alive, I truly beleive I would not be here if I had not the filter. I have two children ages 12 and 9......that would be motherless. I urge you, if you think you are at risk, ask your docotor to place one in before surgery. After, mayb be to late....... to learn more about the filter, visit this page. www.greenfieldfilter.com
   — Phiddy B.

March 25, 2002
This isn't really an answer to your question but thank you for asking that questions! I was wondering the same thing. I am fairly young & have really no risk that I know of. There is about every problem/disease known to man that runs in my family though. I am SOOO worried about blood clots also. I'm not sure if my surgeon will go along with it though but I will ask! Best of luck to everyone!
   — Allison T.