Hi, I have a permanent filter; got it in 2007 and haven't had any issues with it. I forget I have it, actually.

Thanks for your response. I know it's just my post-PE anxiety, but crazy thoughts go through my head: what if the filter dislodges while I'm walking, exercising, etc, what if a clot travels to it that is so big that it dislodges it (not logical since I'm on warfarin). I used to be a rational person, then I spent time in the ICU. :) They want to remove it in six months, so hopefully I won't be so nervous all six months.

Yeah, I get that. I think as time goes on you won't really think about it that much. I know there's all kinds of debate on whether the filters are that helpful and issues with the retrievable kind etc, but I think you just have to assume the benefits for you specifically outweigh any risk. I was in the ICU too and my PEs were massive, both lungs, plus the DVT. It's a weird transition getting back to your regular life after something like that, but you will. Takes time.

My husband had one put in mid May and he is doing great. Doctor gave us worse case scenario ( filter can dislodge, clot can still dislodge and block IVC, etc. Aside from getting back pain occasionally at site of clot, he is great. I read that in about two weeks after developing clot, the clot actually starts to attach to vessel was and becomes more stable and there is less danger of it dislodging. Doctor confirmed.

So glad you posted this. I had a IVC filter put in june 22. My doc said it could remain for life. The Radiologist said it could come back out in 18 months or 2 years if I dont have more clots I spent 9 days in the hospital with DVT's in both legs and multiple PE's in my right lung. this has really been a learning experience. whats normal.. whats not.. Take the filter out.. leave it in.. no one seems to agree.

I agree with Moonmarked that there doesn't seem to be a consensus on leaving it in or taking it out. Although I do have some anxiety about it being in there, I am trying to focus on the filter protecting my lungs from further clots. I did speak with my PCP about my fears of the filter dislodging. She said that would be extremely unlikely, particularly with the new types of filters they are using today. She said my mind was running with every possible scenario of doom and that was normal given my recent experience. So, I've been trying to think of the filter as my personal security guard, ready to catch any trouble that comes up.

There are filters made that are intended to stay in permanently, and those that are made to be removed. I'd not leave a temporary filter in permanently because I don't think they're made for that purpose. Sometimes if a temporary one is left in too long, I've read they can have a hard time getting it out. I would ask a lot of questions about this.

I agree wholeheartedly with what rmb just said. You should find out what type of filter was put in. Permanent filters are meant to be just that, and you don't get them out. Temporary filters should come out, as they weren't meant to stay in there for long periods of time, and you could be opening yourself up to complications by leaving it there.

I have a permanent filter, and I too forget that it's even there. I have also clotted multiple times, though, and as we can't identify any thrombophilia or other medical reason for my propensity to clot, some doctors have considered the filter to be at least a contributing factor. There is a study which shows a correlation between filters and repeated incidence of clotting, but they weren't sure if the reason was just because people with filters were already more likely to clot again, or if the filter could be culpable in some way. In the past couple of years I have seen a change in doctors' attitudes where they seem to be favoring the idea that the filter is somehow responsible, at least some of the time, for repeated clotting in patients who have them.

I have a Denali. the literature that came with it said it could remain permanently or be removed. A friend of mine who is a EMT bugged me to make sure I got a medic alert because of it. Apparently Denali filters and MRI are a bad thing unless done at low power. And the first thing they do to a unconscious person in a car wreck.. a MRI. So now I have a bracelet with warfarin, DVT, PE, Denali IVC Filter.. and some contact numbers.. I am in love with RoadID.com and their great bracelet.

I, too, have a Denali. The hospital gave me a lot of literature on it, which I appreciated. Depending on how my recovery goes, all of my docs want me to have it removed in six months.