Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

Posted by Kari Ulrich, Alumna Mentor @kariulrich, Dec 26, 2016

I am looking for other patients that have been diagnosed with Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome. Although it is caused by compression of the celiac artery many people experience abdominal pain after eating, diarrhea, food avoidance. Usually the first doctors they see are GI doctors. It is a diagnosis that is made after everything else is ruled out. I am curious if anyone else has had surgery?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

Kari Ulrich, Alumna Mentor | @kariulrich | Mar 19, 2019

In reply to @jpol "I have one strange difference from most people with Mals. I have not lost weight. And..." + (show)

Hi @jpol catching up on posts... not everyone with MALS loses weight, however, I do wonder if it has to with the degree of stenosis and stress on other arteries that contributes to weight loss. You may also want to consult with a vascular doctor.

lasirvent | @lasirvent | Mar 19, 2019

In reply to @kariulrich "Hi @jpol catching up on posts... not everyone with MALS loses weight, however, I do wonder..." + (show)

Not all vascular doctors are familiar with mals. On Facebook there’s a mals group with lots of info.

tutorgrl | @tutorgrl | Apr 4, 2019

In reply to @kariulrich "@applegrl Welcome to the MALS discussion! Do you or a family member have similar symptoms?" + (show)

I have been diagnosed with MALS.
Has anyone found that a sitting position and abdominal pressure from belts or tight pants exacerbate the pain of MALS?

chicken | @chicken | Apr 4, 2019

YES!!!! I could only eat standing up, or sitting with my knees folded up, like on a chair across from me, and can not wear anything at all tight, or I'd be in extreme agony!

Kari Ulrich, Alumna Mentor | @kariulrich | Apr 4, 2019

In reply to @tutorgrl "I have been diagnosed with MALS. Has anyone found that a sitting position and abdominal pressure..." + (show)

@tutogrl Yes!! I cannot wear belts, I eat laying down sometimes... I often when sitting have my knees up to my chest. I wear low rise pants because I cannot handle anything on my tummy!

Dave | @dave06351 | Apr 4, 2019

Long time no see... Dr. Hsu refused to do my surgery because of the injury that caused the issue. I've tried everything but the log story is I need this surgery in order to restore functionality of my muscles in my back. Being unable to bend or twist without aggravating the nerve center is causing a lot of other problems.

I need a surgeon list and the types of decompression they do. Does anyone have that info? I've requested access to mals pals but no response yet.

marideth401 | @marideth401 | Apr 5, 2019

Yes. I also have a hard time eating in a seated position. My job is sedentary and often I don’t eat until the afternoon. When I go home I lay down which helps tremendously. The down side is I have no life.

chicken | @chicken | Apr 5, 2019

In reply to @marideth401 "Yes. I also have a hard time eating in a seated position. My job is sedentary..." + (show)

Have you considered surgery?

Kari Ulrich, Alumna Mentor | @kariulrich | Apr 5, 2019

In reply to @dave06351 "Long time no see... Dr. Hsu refused to do my surgery because of the injury that..." + (show)

@dave06351 there is a peer-recommended list. You can find the updated list on mals pals under files. https://lookaside.fbsbx.com/file/UPDATED%20MALS%20FRIENDLY%20SURGEON%20LIST%204.8.18.pdf?token=AWyptRidNd0VuqcLxpdW14BhozN8m0Ha0HHgt7-hp-RP2OL3p5Fli7rmT6xGv7CyF6vhZWFqXshc3nexnpvarvperKTxuTGoFT__O5QQiWUZB1btXs6xOP6q9wYwJWtZqQnrdBsIq3Q8bjJARdinofV1

Dave | @dave06351 | Apr 5, 2019

In reply to @kariulrich "@dave06351 there is a peer-recommended list. You can find the updated list on mals pals under..." + (show)

That link doesn't work for me. Maybe because I'm using a smartphone for access.

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