Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

I had MALS open surgery a year ago. It was based on neurogenic not velocities. The mals pain is gone but I’m having horrible diaphragmatic and lower rib squeezing. No one has any answers-again! My doctor redid a ct scan and upper GI series and the Celia plexus looks ok. I’m at a loss of what to do.

Keep searching for answers. Sometimes allopathic doctors can be a little dismissive when they don't know what's wrong.

One of the problems I had after my first surgery was scar tissue causing tightness and soreness around my ribs and radiating around to my mid back. I have been to physical therapy twice, and the last guy I saw was incredibly helpful -- I felt great for many months after those sessions. I also take several anti-inflammatory supplements (turmeric, ginger and magnesium glycinate) that help keep me functional.

I have this and I thought it was from mals, are you saying the diaphragmatic and rib squeezing is new since surgery? Have you ruled out other compressions?

I had this before mals surgery but it was hard to distinguish what actually was mals pain. I had my mals doctor do new ct scan and bc my upper gi said normal he said it wasn’t SMAS. I have this squeezing, tightening all the time. I have discomfort when eating but not pain, nausea or vomiting which would indicate SMAS.

Have you had any tests done on your gallbladder function? That was something else I had checked out prior to MALS diagnosis.

It took 16 years to find a diagnosis-on year 2, they thought it was my gallbladder even though hida scan wasn’t that bad, so they took it out.

Hi, I am getting ready to have the CT scan this week for MALS. I already had the ultrasound and my cardiologist who treats me for Dysautonomia says I do have MALS. Is the surgery really as scary as it sounds?

I have been stressing about it but really cannot live with the pain and nausea I have. I have a bunch of other syndromes with one being Fibromyalgia. The MALS symptoms seem to be triggering my other pain from Fibromyalgia. I just need relief and now I feel that I cannot eat or workout. I am glad I found this group for support.

Tonya

Yes, mals will amplify all other syndromes, etc. there’s a very informative and supportive MALS group on Facebook. They have been a lifeline for me. It’s called Mals Awareness. I couldn’t have made my way through all the road blocks and detours without them. This syndrome is a bear and it only gets worse with time. You also have to have the nerves addressed not only the ligament. Hope you can join the group.

@tonlop628 - The CT will confirm the diagnosis. As surgeries go, the MALS surgery was not scary. It was so great to get rid of the pain.
I had another GI condition that probably delayed my MALS diagnosis. In general they don’t look for 2 rare coexisting conditions.
Good luck!!

Thanks. I do too. I have Gastroparesis and SIBO. I am glad to know the surgery wasn’t scary. I can relate to you on getting rid of the pain as I am having a rough day today. Thanks for that, it made me feel a little better. 🙂