bypass risk

[karen23]

My mother is 75 years old and has one previous MI at age 52.  Admitted to hosp. one week ago with unstable angina.  Takes maximum medication for heart (nitropatch, atenolol, cardizem, zocor, prednisone (for arthritic condition), avapro, furosemide and others that I can

[TigerTom]

I am 54 and today is my 2 year anniversary for quadruple bypass and doing generally well.  But have a couple of questions for anyone that would care to comment. The arteries used for my grafts were all taken from my mammary glands and one from my lower right arm (no veins from my legs). Is the use of these arteries any better or in any way significant versus veins from the legs? Any evidence to suggest one would last longer than the other? I seem to even now be sensitive and even sore to the touch in my chest area to the right and left of center.  And when I work out at the rehab center, for some day or two thereafter I feel some pain in those areas (feels more like a sore muscle pain) not angina. I even notice the sensation after a walk of a couple of miles.  Is this something more noticeable when the mammary artery is used?  Thanks in Advance - TigerTom

[karen23]

Thanks for the replies and good wishes.
My mom is now being considered for bypass, and if she is a candidate, they will do it next week.  I am very torn, but will support her fully no matter what.  

[Cleveland Clinic]

karen,

sorry to hear of everthing going on.  Im sure its been trying.

1. How can the doctor say she has a 5% chance of not surviving? Wouldn