@kariulrich Not sure if I said this before in a post but some things have happened since...Finally getting my MALs diagnosis. I went to my GI because he preformed the last surgery I had. I was in so much pain I could barely talk. He asked me why and I was shocked to know he didnt have all my medical records since he is in the same group as my PCP. I explained to him the pain and the almost five years of tests and bloodwork and procedures and almost 2MM later still getting blood draws every three months. Had to quit my job. Having to sell my house. Cant take care of it anymore. My first symptom that has NEVER gone away is extreme distention of my abdomen.I posted before my photos. I can wake up with a flat belly and within an hour of moving around, look like Im ten mos pregnant with triplets. Its extremely uncomfortable and has cause back issues. This in addition to the 40lb weight loss from the MALs. Which getting back to the GI doctor.... looked at the few records he had and saw some blood tests in 2016 that came back abnormal on my liver and kidney. It seemed like not biggie to me because we did a repeat test and everything came back normal. So I and the Dr dismissed it. But not the GI doctor. So of course, the first thing he wanted to do was bloodwork. I told him the only way he was getting blood was if I could have a doppler ultrasound done also. So he agreed and I had the ultrasound the next day. The morning after the ultrasound, he called me. He said guess what. And i knew. I said.... I WAS RIGHT. he said yes you were. And scheduled me for a CTA. I asked about the bloodwork but he said he didnt have the results back yet. So i figured Id get the bloodwork and CTA results at the same time. A few days went by and no call from the doctor. So I called. Left a voice message. No response. THis went on for several days. I finally called and had my records sent to a vascular surgeon and she called me immediately to schedule a consultation re my surgical options. But the more I have dug and read, the more I see I need a cardio vascular surgeon if I want the surgery to work long term. I also have scar tissue from a tummy tuck that could be an issue and I want my surgeon to know what they are looking at. I want a MALS specialist surgeon and the first vascular surgeon i see tomorrow isnt. So i called Vanderbilt which is the only hospital in Nashville with a MALS specialist cardio vascular surgeon. I have an appointment with him to discuss also. I decided to keep the appt with the regular vascular surgeon just because I think I should at least hear two views. I want to know about the swelling in my belly that is just as debilitating for me as the pain. Im fine not eating to keep the pain at bay. but it doesnt matter if i eat or not, Im swollen ALL the time. Im bent over whenever I actually have the energy to get out of bed. I walk like a 90 year old osteoporidic woman. It's painful and I may as well stay in the bed- so I do.Even trying to walk around........, take a shower (i cant lift my hands over my head so washing my hair is a nightmare and i have to do it in stages. bathe in HOT water..Take a nap. Soap on my head. sit down. Rub soap in. Sit down.. Wash soap out. Sit down. Once Im done, Im exhausted and go right back to bed) ............it doesnt get any better. What little food/drink I have in the house I have delivered. And you're right, white carbs work best for me. water crackers, rice, bread, plain pasta. Anything I cant smell .. cause then Id be nauseous. And that sucks too. Other things that have been disastrous to my life are ... depression, forgetfulness, balance issues which are prob related to not eating. Not eating, Memory loss has been a big deal. THat, constant exhaustion, pain, and swelling. And I just found out I have skin cancer. Which is like a hangnail compared to the MALs nightmare...... Anyway that's a part of my story. Which hopefully is changing course very soon thanks to you guys and MALs Pals on FB. That suggestion has been very helpful too. Thanks for listening.

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