Question Title: Leg Pain

My mother has had two multiple bypass surgeries. They removed veins from her legs to use. Now she is in constant pain in both legs. Doctors have said everything from "we didn't realize years ago what the affect was going to be on removing the veins from the legs for bypass surgeries. Nothing can be done." Another said "(phonetically) kelation therapy" which she has spent thousands of dollars with no relief. One doctor said the only relief would be amputation! Any suggestions?

Dear Kathy,

There are many causes of leg pain in patients with CAD similar to your mother. One source of pain is from venous insufficiency that may be caused by leg vein harvesting at the time of surgery. This in general is well tolerated by most patients. More significant is peripheral vascular disease or narrrowing oth the ARTERIES that serve the legs and it is very common for people with coronary artery disease to also have these types of blockages in their legs. It is most common in people who smoke or have diabetes. I would suggest that your mother have a full evaluation by a vascular surgeon or cardiologist to assess this leg pain prior to giving up.

I hope this information has been helpful. I wish you the best of luck. Please feel free to write back with any other questions or concerns that you might have.