Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

Hi ladies, I've been reading your post. I recently also have been diagnosed with MALS after seeing the fourth gastro doctor at the Mayo clinic. I've lost over 50 lb. My symptoms are not the classic ones though. I have pain most all of the time. Eating food or not eating food doesn't seem to affect the way I feel. I was just at the Mayo clinic this week to see the vascular surgeon for additional testing which was mesenteric artery angiogram and a plexus nerve block. It did not go well for me. I didn't think the communication with the surgeon was good. During the angiogram I had a moment of intense pain when he said he was injecting the contrast. I said something about feeling hot, but he said you have to differentiate between temperature and pain then he walked away. He didn't give me the opportunity to explain. It felt like a burn. Sometimes my pain feels like a burn, sometimes like a knife or twisting. The next day I had the nerve block which I had some side effects from. My BP was super low so they kept me for an extra four hours. I was laying down or reclined the entire time. I find when I'm in this position, I feel better. I thought my pain was gone. I just felt some pressure in my stomach area. When I was finally released and we were starting our trip back home, the pain came flooding back!! I cried. I sent a message right away to the vascular surgeon but was told I would have to discuss it at my post op appointment next week. This pain is intense and I don't know what to do... I need help now. I'm hoping someone can recommend something or has had symptoms like me. I never been given any kind of meds for pain. It just keeps getting worse 😭

I’m glad you are recovering! Which type of Doctor at Mayo diagnosed you? Did you then see a surgeon ? I’m at Mayo now trying to get answers but the GI Department is booked through August.

I had open mals surgery which took away the horrific knife stabbing pain, but it wasn’t at Mayo. There’s a Facebook site for Mals (several) which can give lots of information and support. It’s an awfully painful problem. Hope you can find answers.

I’m glad you are recovering! Which type of Doctor at Mayo diagnosed you? Did you then see a surgeon ? I’m at Mayo now trying to get answers but the GI Department is booked through August.

Dr. Bowers did my surgery. I pray you don't have mals.

Hi ladies, I've been reading your post. I recently also have been diagnosed with MALS after seeing the fourth gastro doctor at the Mayo clinic. I've lost over 50 lb. My symptoms are not the classic ones though. I have pain most all of the time. Eating food or not eating food doesn't seem to affect the way I feel. I was just at the Mayo clinic this week to see the vascular surgeon for additional testing which was mesenteric artery angiogram and a plexus nerve block. It did not go well for me. I didn't think the communication with the surgeon was good. During the angiogram I had a moment of intense pain when he said he was injecting the contrast. I said something about feeling hot, but he said you have to differentiate between temperature and pain then he walked away. He didn't give me the opportunity to explain. It felt like a burn. Sometimes my pain feels like a burn, sometimes like a knife or twisting. The next day I had the nerve block which I had some side effects from. My BP was super low so they kept me for an extra four hours. I was laying down or reclined the entire time. I find when I'm in this position, I feel better. I thought my pain was gone. I just felt some pressure in my stomach area. When I was finally released and we were starting our trip back home, the pain came flooding back!! I cried. I sent a message right away to the vascular surgeon but was told I would have to discuss it at my post op appointment next week. This pain is intense and I don't know what to do... I need help now. I'm hoping someone can recommend something or has had symptoms like me. I never been given any kind of meds for pain. It just keeps getting worse 😭

I do have MALS 😕 but the nerve block didn't work so I don't know what is next for me.

Hi ladies, I've been reading your post. I recently also have been diagnosed with MALS after seeing the fourth gastro doctor at the Mayo clinic. I've lost over 50 lb. My symptoms are not the classic ones though. I have pain most all of the time. Eating food or not eating food doesn't seem to affect the way I feel. I was just at the Mayo clinic this week to see the vascular surgeon for additional testing which was mesenteric artery angiogram and a plexus nerve block. It did not go well for me. I didn't think the communication with the surgeon was good. During the angiogram I had a moment of intense pain when he said he was injecting the contrast. I said something about feeling hot, but he said you have to differentiate between temperature and pain then he walked away. He didn't give me the opportunity to explain. It felt like a burn. Sometimes my pain feels like a burn, sometimes like a knife or twisting. The next day I had the nerve block which I had some side effects from. My BP was super low so they kept me for an extra four hours. I was laying down or reclined the entire time. I find when I'm in this position, I feel better. I thought my pain was gone. I just felt some pressure in my stomach area. When I was finally released and we were starting our trip back home, the pain came flooding back!! I cried. I sent a message right away to the vascular surgeon but was told I would have to discuss it at my post op appointment next week. This pain is intense and I don't know what to do... I need help now. I'm hoping someone can recommend something or has had symptoms like me. I never been given any kind of meds for pain. It just keeps getting worse 😭

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. What a horrible experience for you! I too have Mals and had celiac plexus block Didn’t relieve any pain at all. I didn’t have angiogram though. I always have chest pain with or without food. Worsens after food. Feels like burning. Have had dysautonomia as well. Surgeon told me the too usually go hand in hand. Right now I don’t qualify for surgery because plexus block didn’t help me. She now feels a lot of my symptoms are my esophagus and has sent me an urgent referral to gastroenterologist. Have you had endoscopy? Or other testing? For Mals or gi issues? When I’m in intense pain I always get checked out at er!!! I hope you feel better. And I think your Dr was very insensitive to you! Reach out with any questions at any time. I know what you’re going through with this Mals. But you may also have something else.