Terry's Story

I have a vena cava filter. I am 28 years old and that is pretty rare, I have heard. I don't know anyone my age with this problem. When I was 23, I developed clots in my legs. When I was 24, it happened again, but this time they traveled to my lungs. I was lucky to get good care from vascular specialists. There was no obvious cause as I weigh 120 pounds, had no trauma or pregnancy, and had not been on bed rest. Doctors tested my blood to see if there were abnormal clotting components and found I indeed had a clotting disorder and would need to take some measures to prevent more clots. I was planning to get pregnant soon and start a family. Coumadin¨ cannot be taken when you are pregnant. Another option was to have heparin shots, but I did not want to take heparin shots during my whole pregnancy and besides, the clots had happened without warning. My doctors told me all of the risks with vena cava filters and with taking Coumadin my entire life. After much discussion, I decided the filter was the best plan for me, especially since I plan to have several children. I visit my doctor regularly and I have had no problems with the filter.

Terry is a nurse who does not want her last name published. She realizes that her situation is unusual, but wants people to know there are many reasons why a doctor or patient may elect to insert a filter.