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Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)
Digestive Health | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (1146)Comment receiving replies
Hi 103196, this is a tough diagnosis. I feel for you. Mine was found by accident as well. After running all the usual test for stomach problems, they did a CT w/contrast. That’s when they found the compressed artery as well as a pulmonary embolism. Both unexpected for the symptoms. Also had the Doppler test. Then I spent months researching the condition, options for treatment and finally a surgeon. Debated if I could live with it because I had read about people who were in much worse shape than I was. I was sad and discouraged that I had it. Finally I just could not continue to live that way.
I had the lapriscopic as well. I did not find research regarding how we get it, just that they find this condition postmortem and there were never any symptoms. I did have one general surgeon tell me, my symptoms could go away but I never read anything about that in the articles I found. I waited and waited until I felt like I had had enough and just could not continue to live like that. I am in Dallas and found a vascular surgeon familiar with it and actually he and the hospital have a relationship with the Cleveland Clinic. He pretty much performed the procedure I saw on the CC website. He released the ligament and took care of the nerves as well.
Found lots of good info and encouragement on this website as you can see from the post by sclindajanssen. Someone on this blog also reminded me to not get too discouraged at what you read. Everyone is different and some have other conditions that complicate things. Fortunately I did not have any other vascular problems. I am now 4 weeks post op. I can eat without pain. Now hopefully it is just recovering from a major surgery. Getting my strength back and my digestive system back in sync. Don’t let “lapriscopic” fool you. I had hoped to be back at work by now but I think it will be at least one more week. Hang in there. You will read stories of people who have struggled just to get the right diagnosis so at least you have that done. Take your time if you can, do your reasearch and you will know when the time is right. Will say a prayer for you too.
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Hi @annief
Great post and very encouraging. I've read a good majority of this post and no one has ever mentioned Mental Health. I have been suffering 10 years with the first 3 years barely leaving my home. I will be upfront and say after 5 years of horrendous pain my mental state was very poor. Even with wonderful family and friends it stripped me bare. Not being able to work was the worst for me, missing family weddings and other celebrations just added to the depressive state. It was the fact that I couldn't travel especially in a car which grounded me. People never saw me as depressed because my character is totally different; I can honestly say I was on the edge. I am a natural problem solver and could see where I was heading so endeavored to solve the problem, so I started writing. I've written 3 novels so far and not looked back since. I'm not published in any way, but the research, planning and writing keeps my mind busy and my closest friend loves them. I actually love writing when I am not suffering from brain fog. Back then I was afraid to talk about my mental health with anyone, but it is something that needs to be open. Posting on here has helped tremendously, It was suggested I sign up with MALs PALs on Facebook which I have. But in all honesty I'm probably one of the very few people who doesn't use Facebook, it's a privacy issue! For all those who are suffering in silence, don't be afraid to get involved on either website. I can categorically say they are a good bunch here on the Mayo website.
Thank you all.