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Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)
Digestive Health | Last Active: 16 hours ago | Replies (1153)Comment receiving replies
I have a few questions about symptoms & surgery,My primary doctor ordered a CT scan because I had a chronic cough they couldn’t figure it out.Radiology found the crossed ligament by accident.Primary sent me to a vascular surgeon and he sent me to a surgeon to be evaluated.During that appointment,the Dr asked me several questions about symptoms.He asked me about tummy trouble,I told him sometimes I get constipated for several days then get nervous and take laxatives to help.When I do eat,my stomach kinda bloats & I get a sharp pain under my diaphragm that last a few hours(but I’m not doubling over screaming in pain).Because I’ve lost weight,about 10 pounds this year) He asked about me eating. I told him that I eat very little &sometimes avoid it cuz I know my stomach‘s going to get bloated. Based on my symptoms & the CT he thought I had MALS but wanted to do more tests.He ordered an US Abdomen Limited & a VL visceral/ mesenteric test.He called 2 days ago to tell me the results.It reflected the blood flow percentage in that area was lower so they suspect compression is altering it.He wants me to come back in to discuss options and surgery.I’m devastated & scared when they mention surgery. Especially when I hear of the long recovery time.My questions; what if my symptoms are caused by something else?I have chronic migraines so maybe I am losing weight because it’s difficult to eat when I have them.What if I’m getting constipated because of the migraine medication,what if my stomachs gets bloated because I’m having a big meal or it’s fatty.Could I have MALS with the only symptom is a lower blood flow in that area? Are you born with MALS or is it developed over time?Help!
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I do not blame you for wanting to avoid the surgery. That would be my priority. From my own experience, Before the surgery I was eating enough most days to maintain my weight (that was not always the case as I mentioned in earlier posts). I could live with the smaller meals and not gaining the weight back but I decided on the surgery because I could not live with the other symptoms.
I took my time and sought several opinions which sounds like what you are doing. That was very helpful when I finally made the decision for surgery. The pain was very distracting at work and in life. Constantly thinking about what I could eat and how much to avoid any symptoms. Avoiding activity because what if the pain was bad or I would need to run to the restroom. I would have good days where I thought okay, maybe I can do this. Plus I read about people in worse shape than me. But my good days were few. I realized I really had no control. I always felt the best when my stomach and colon were completely empty. (Laxatives) 😊. But that’s not realistic long term. Looking back, most days I was just getting by.
I had no other problems like you do (migraines) so it was more cut and dry for me. Sounds like you are on the right track. Explore all your options and do not rush into anything. Glad they found it early for you.