Hi Kari, my son and daughter can't do the nettie pot either. They say they 'choke' on it. I am like, "Just do it!!" haha. IT is kind of weird but after a few times it is a breeze....So do you think the Cymbalta is helping you? I tried to wean off my Cymbalta and switch to Savallea but I am not sure if it was the switch or my ear, but wasn't feeling well, really lightheaded (more than usual) but I woke up and had a huge red circle on my cheek to under my eye and that was all puffy. My dr. said could be allergic reaction so stop Savella. I couldn't go to her because I am so far since I moved, almost 2 hours, but she is so awesome. She understands me and knows all my history. That is hard to give up when we are as complicated as we are.
I was feeling discouraged again lately. I saw my vascular surgeon who I love. Had an ultra sound and says all looks good. There is sufficient blood flow. Celiac is good and that is the one that had balloon. My SMA though is still narrowing but numbers compared to what I have had is fine. I told him I still have pain, and about the ganglion nerves. He suggested the block, but both my primary and he said I should see a cardiologist for POTS and I wanted to do that before the block. I can't get in until the end of April and that is with my dr. calling. I am going next week to do the anal manometry which I am dreading. I canceled the 2nd test, the xray of me trying to move my bowels. Just can't do it. I emailed GI dr. to let her know. I also mentioned about the ganglion nerves and how that can probably be causing pain and about the block. She shot me down. She said she has never heard of that , they just release the compression and she said there was nothing in some American medicine research data base on that. I have some of the research saved for my own research. They are from respected publications. I wanted to send back to her but politely some how, so she could learn, but I don't think it is a good idea. I feel I need another GI. I feel she fights me, not works with me. Plus I need someone who understands MALS. My surgeon also said he doesn't have much knowledge of MALS because there are not a lot of patients at that Mayo. I really like him but he has never preformed a MALS surgery, so I wouldn't want to be the first. So I am kind of lost right now. Not sure what to do. I think I mentioned to you about a Dr. Hsu in Conn. that people on MALS awareness are really happy with. There have been quite a few that have had the surgery awhile ago, some recently, and some just now. It is just I want someone near me. I can't keep going there for follow up. I think even if I got the nerve issue resolved, I still have the chronic stenosis which is different...who knows anymore...
Oh Well again this is a long reply, I'm sorry..you need to eat that chicken noodle soup and drink liquids....I don't even think I drank a bottle of water today so who am I to talk....haha Well I hope you get to feeling better soon. My ear is better and my big red circle and puffy eye are getting better so that is good. Try to be positive... : )

Hi Jill! I am not familiar with Savallea but I am going to read more about it. It is so difficult when we cannot see a physician that gets us! The loss of a team member can be devastating and difficult to navigate. Regarding sending the recent publication to your physician... never hesitate to educate them! Please continue to advocate for yourself, you know your body best and with MALS the pain is complex, I don't believe it is from a single source. I think it as the perfect storm within our bodies several elements must be present to create thunder, lightning and rain... it is not just a compressed artery. That analogy sounds silly but that is how I think about my pain. I am feeling a bit better with this cold... the chicken noodle soup tasted wonderful... with POTS you cannot get enough salt! At least for me!! I just got a book in the mail... it has some good points. I was thinking of purchasing a couple copies to give out to my healthcare providers. I am not familiar with the author and do not know his credentials so keep that in mind ....https://www.amazon.com/Median-Arcuate-Ligament-Syndrome-Pathophysiology/dp/1483474747/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519403165&sr=1-1&keywords=median+arcuate+ligament+syndrome

Hi Kari, Thanks for that info on the book. I will look into that. I definitely believe it is not from a single source. There is no way. It seems like that should be common sense. These arteries are connected and bringing blood supply to our major organs in the stomach.....hello I think if the blood supply was limited after awhile there has to be some kind of damage....hence pain or something....but what do I know....haha.. Well I am glad to here you are feeling better. Maybe I can get the Eucalyptus tablets and book at the same time and not pay for shipping........anywhere I can get a deal.....be well and keep in touch. You always make me feel better once I talk to you. Thanks for that.