Connect
← Return to Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)
Discussion
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)
Digestive Health | Last Active: 11 hours ago | Replies (1145)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?
Connect
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.