Hello lasirvent! I can't believe what you said about MALS--I do believe I have this too, with all my birth defects on top of Tietzen and costrochronditis. I can barely eat, and can't gain a bit of weight, among other things. Endless pain in my upper stomach and center of my lower rib cage. I am soon going to have cataract surgery, another epidural in my spine, plus more medical co--pay. I will check out a new gastroenterologist ASAP. Thank you so much for the post! Regards, Peggy