Hi I am new to this fourm and find it so interesting and helpful.. I am just starting my journey( no date yet) I am so excited to finally be taking the first step. One thing I haven't seen addressed is the filter for clots. Has anyone had this? I it a difficult procedure? My Dr is deciding if I need this.

An IVC filter is a pretty straightforward procedure with a low complication rate. It is definitely a patient-by-patient choice to place a filter or not. Most of us rarely use them routinely but if we do, we place a removable filter so we can take it out 4-6 weeks after surgery. Permanent filters used to be all we had but, long-term, there are some of these which can clot completely off which isn't a good thing.

Definitely something to talk to your doctor about including the plan of removable vs. permanent, what time period to remove it, etc.