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Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)
Digestive Health | Last Active: 2 hours ago | Replies (1229)Comment receiving replies
Hi Sarah, Welcome to Mayo Connect! I have had MALS surgery twice, the last time was a little over a year ago. I would be happy to try and answer your questions or help point you in the right direction. One comment I have is I highly recommend if you do need surgery have it done by a doctor and staff that is very familiar with MALS. It is a very specific surgery and takes the skill of vascular surgeon that is familiar with the disease. I have had pain between my shoulder blade with MALS, but I also have a vascular disease. MALS pain is a pain that needs to be ruled out, so what that means if you are experiencing pain especially in the area you described it is important to have a thorough cardiac and GI work up. As far your doctor not going to bat for you to get you the best care... get a new doctor, one that understands that an experienced vascular surgeon is needed. May I ask what state you are in?
Replies to "Hi Sarah, Welcome to Mayo Connect! I have had MALS surgery twice, the last time was..."
@jamorris9 Did your daughter Sarah have a Cath CT Angio? I am so sorry to hear about her constant nausea and pain. My initial diagnosis was on catheter angiography which showed severe celiac stenosis. I can only speak from my experience, I had MRI/MRA a Functional "Stress" MRI/MRA they all came back normal. (This was prior to my second mals surgery). I know cath based angiogram is more invasive however it may be a route to considering given her past medical history.
I have been diagnosed with MALS for over. 7 years and just recently gastroparsesis. I am having so much pain between my shoulder blades I just can’t take it. This past weekend I took extra strength Tylenol like it was candy. No one can help me. I live in South Dakota. I have an appointment with my gastro doctor on Wednesday. I was dismissed by my vascular dr saying nothing has changed. I get sent away with nothing. I really need help. Who will listen or understand?
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Thanks so much for touching base. My daughter, Sarah, had her CT angiogram last week to rule out MALS and it came back negative which is a bit disheartening. She has had constant nausea for almost 3 years now. She has been scoped and all is clear and has been tested for food sensitivies. They are now thinking it is like a phantom limb pain where she has GI pain from a previous trauma of partial fecal impaction. Anyine have other ideas? I grew up in Rochester and trained at Mayo but we live in Canada. I am trying to think whether it is worth bringing her for further tests.