Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

Hi, I am wondering if anyone that has MALS also has body aches, and bad hip pain? Thanks

I do have forearm and abdominal swelling, but not as noticeable as my ankle/foot swelling. My doctors also have said heart/circulation issues. I have never had ankle/foot swelling prior to 2015. I have trying to get diagnosed since January 2015 for my abdominal pain. I have an appt with my 4th GI doctor this week and am requesting testing for MALS.

Thank you for your symptom list. I have many that are on your list. It is a wonder why more doctors don't consider MALS during your first visit.

Hi, roisemaire -- at the bottom of any email you receive notifying you of a post in this discussion, you will see "Unsubscribe from this group." If you click there, you can unsubscribe and stop any further notifications.

Hi. I don't have a diagnosis let along surgery. I am just beginning my search. There is something seriously wrong with my stomach this past year and doctors have been unhelpful so far. I have to be extremely careful eating or else i suffer severe pain, feeling overfull, nausea and vomiting. As long as i don't eat "too much" or the wrong thing (pasta liquids are my enemies) i manage to get by without symptoms. Instead of an everyday thing now they come on as attacks when i make a mistake. I have had a lot of abdominal surgeries and a lot of other pain not related to eating. Once i even had a doctor tell me i'd had an omental infarction. But so far none of them have brought up MALS. I want to ask, but its tough sometimes, i don't want to get that look...you know the patronizing one that says they think you should not be looking up your symptoms on google. I would like to see a single one of them suffer even half of what i have suffered and not open up google.

Anyway, if there is a good place for me to find a supportive group of people who may share simlar symptoms, even if not a diagnosis, i would love to hear.

I would really like to look at a plate of food without feeling afraid, but in the mean time it would be nice to know some people who understand.

How do I ask a question on this site?

Hi @jmmb, I have MALS and body aches and horrible hip pain. I also have chronic fatigue syndrome so I figure it's probably that. The pain is getting worse, and at times the hip pain is so bad it is difficult to walk or stand.

Hi @jmmb I do not believe that MALS contributes to body aches and hip pain, however what I have found interesting is that many MALS patients also have FMD, EDS, POTS. I have noticed that on several online support groups. I know this was brought up to the vascular department at Cleveland Clinic but they did not believe there was a correlation. I do hope we see more research in the area of MALS in the future.

@mandyjunebug WELCOME! I am so happy you found our community and I understand completely what you are going through. It sounds like you need a good vascular work up, especially since you have had an omental infarction. There are several diseases that can mimic mals, but no matter what the disease or diagnosis, we all here have the same symptoms and we are always here for you. Food aversion is difficult for people to understand unless they have been through it. I get fear going to the grocery store, when a friend calls me up to go for lunch it is instant anxiety. The holidays are brutal and family and friends have a hard time understanding. Food is so social so that adds to the adversion. I have had two Mals surgeries, I also have a vascular disease that can cause symptoms. I know it is difficult to be your own advocate, but their are physicians out there that are patient centered and want to hear your opinions and thoughts. It is your body, you know it better than anyone. Don't give up until you find a physician who is willing to work on your team. We need their expertise to guide our care, however they need our expertise so they can guide us properly. You have a complicated history, and with your experience you will probably know more than most providers about MALS. I recommend reading what you can from quality sources, such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic also you can use google scholar to find updated, peer reviewed papers. Feel free to post articles here , ask questions. This is a small group right now, but it is growing slowly and we all have been in your shoes! Again welcome!

Hi @susanf you posted properly, so ask away! Would love to know more about you. My name is Kari, I am a MALS patient. Have had two surgeries a celiac bypass and a revision. Several celiac blocks. I also have an underlying vascular disease and connective tissue disease. I will do the best I can to help answer any questions I have or try to refer you to someone who may be able to help! Welcome to the group!