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Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

Digestive Health | Last Active: 6 hours ago | Replies (1229)

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@helenannmarie55

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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Replies to "I have been diagnosed with MALS for over. 7 years and just recently gastroparsesis. I am..."

My esophagus hurt as well, which is between the shoulder blades and under sternum.
What part of SD? Can you travel to Mayo? Dr Costopolis was my vascular doctor and he referred me to Drs DeMartino and Kendrick. Kendrick did the surgery and knew enough about MALs to also remove part of the celiac ganglion in addition to just cutting the ligament. Dr Hsu from Conneticut is the most noted, renowned, loved surgeon in the country for treating MALs. Probably in the world. You can get his information and how to contact him from Facebook MALs Awareness group. Hope this helps. I’m sorry for your pain and dismissal. I experienced that 3 times and it is still very hurtful. Most MALs pts have had that experience.

Hi @helenannmarie55
I am right there with you, the pain between the shoulder blades is truly awful. I've not been on this website 3 weeks because I was suffering so much. I also get chest pain, this time I couldn't even let the duvet rest on my chest!
For such severe pain I can only recommend you ask you doctor to prescribe Buprenorphine Transdermal patch, it's what I use. Have they referred you to a pain specialist? Everyone reacts differently to pain meds, the pain specialist will be able to try different methods of controlling your pain, they also perform celiac plexus blocks.