Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis! Do you mind me asking where you live?

I am going to try this again! This is from MALS PALS on Facebook

My doctor informed me about a MALS article in the June 13th New York Times. Title What Was Causing a Healthy Older Man to Be Nauseated by Food?

Very interesting article, @jjren; here's a link for members who'd like to read it:
– https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/13/magazine/he-had-no-symptoms-except-he-felt-nauseated-all-the-time.html

Glad to find this! After a couple of months of stomach issues and all the usual test on your stomach and colon, the doctors did a ct scan with contrast. That revealed the compression of my Celiac artery. Also revealed pulmonary emboli in my lower lung. They estimate my artery is only 30% compressed but the blood clot was adding to my problem and causing the typical weight loss, stomach pain, etc. Since I have been on blood thinners I can eat again. I am 70% better so no surgery at this point but I can tell this will most likely be an on going issue the rest of my life. Good to know this resource is available.

I'm so glad to know that you're progressing well, @annief; welcome to Connect. I'm certain @kariulrich @jmmb @pfpurple @tclarkkkk and others in this incredibly informative group will join in with their thoughts as well.

Would you share more about how you are managing your diet? Do you have any restrictions, or are you able to include everything in your diet? Has your doctor suggested any next steps?

Welcome @annief! I am so happy they found the PE in your lung! OH MY!!! Glad you are able to eat again. If the symptoms return and they are concerned about MALS, it would be beneficial to find out the velocities in your celiac artery with a doppler ultrasound. Please know we are here, and will try our best to answer any questions you may have!

Well after I posted, I’ve had a rough couple of days. I’m guessing I ate too much at a meal or the wrong thing. I’ve been feeling just like I did before they found a blood clot, stomach pain nausea. I think I just have to figure out how to eat with this condition and be vigilant. So you asked about my diet, I’m still figuring that out. Any suggestions Are welcome. Also which doctor manages this condition, the gastroenterologist or the vascular doctor? My primary care was the one that admitted me to the hospital and began running all the test. If it were not for her, I think I would still be wondering what’s wrong with me. I am over 50 so no one is rushing to do surgery because it’s not guaranteed it will work. The Doppler ultrasound sounds like it would be beneficial. Maybe I will consult another doctor and see what they say.

Hang in there, @annief. I'd sincerely encourage you to go through the previous posts in this discussion; I'm certain you will find many valuable suggestions and tips from fellow Connect members like @jmmb and Mentor @kariulrich.

Consult another doctor- and a third if needed. I was also told there was no guarantee. I made the decision to go through with the surgery. My pain was bad. It was a university hospital and the surgeon did mostly GI surgery. He admitted to only having done 5 in his very long career. All went well. Needed a stent placed later to keep it open.
I used to have small meals, I still do.