1. < Digestive Health

Celiac artery compression

Posted by smithjdjc @smithjdjc, May 9, 2021

I was dx with CAC in oct of 2020 and had unsuccessful surgery due to the severity of the compression at a different hospital in November of 2020. I am now hoping to get a second opinion at Mayo Clinic. I have all the symptoms of severe pain after eating, diarrhea and pretty much a liquid diet to avoid solid digestion. My question is a little embarrassing. Everyone I speak to regarding CAC or MALS has severe weight loss due to not eating because of the pain. My problem is that I have had weight gain in the past 4 months. Approx 8-10 pounds even though I am not eating. It’s a little scary cause I’m wondering if it’s possibly an aneurysm in my abdomen? I am so uncomfortable with the weight gain and literally starving because I don’t eat. I really didn’t want to post this question because so many people are suffering from trying to gain weight. If anyone has any possible insights I would really appreciate it. Thank you so much!

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Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | May 10, 2021

Hello @smithjdjc and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. In Connect we’re not medical professionals so we can’t diagnose health problems. However, we can share our own personal experiences and valuable insights to answer questions and offer encouragement.

I’m so sorry to hear you have Celiac Artery Compression (CAC). It can be a very serious condition if left untreated. A close friend of mine suffered for quite some with it before finally getting a diagnosis and help. Her symptoms were so similar to yours, so you have my deepest empathy. Her GI specialist, after diagnosing the condition referred her to a cardiovascular surgeon who handled her case from there. It’s discouraging your first surgery wasn’t effective, so seeking a second opinion at Mayo seems like a good course of action.

But first, let’s address your weight gain with CAC. You’re right in that weight loss is typical and can be severe with this condition because of the extreme pain associated with eating. But you’re gaining weight instead so I can understand your alarm.
You wondered if it could be an aneurysm. From my understanding it would be really uncommon to have a weight gain from an aneurysm.

Do you feel that you’re retaining water anywhere in your legs or ankles? Any puffiness in your fingers, that type of thing? Difficulty breathing?
Have you talked to your doctor about this change in your health?

For your peace of mind, it would really benefit you to be seen by your physician or the gastroenterologist/cardiologist? to help shed a light on what could be causing the weight gain. And also to obtain records and have your physician send a referral off to Mayo Clinic. Which Clinic did you have in mind?

Here is a link to the physicians referral page on Mayo Clinic’s website.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/provider-relations/refer-patient?
_ga=2.207790103.408516767.1619350478-1072316699.1619350478

You can also self-refer but it is sometimes beneficial if your doctor provides the referral with medical records.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointment

REPLY
1 reply
smithjdjc | @smithjdjc | May 11, 2021
In reply to @loribmt "Hello @smithjdjc and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. In Connect we’re not medical professionals so we..." + (show)
@loribmt

Hello @smithjdjc and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. In Connect we’re not medical professionals so we can’t diagnose health problems. However, we can share our own personal experiences and valuable insights to answer questions and offer encouragement.

I’m so sorry to hear you have Celiac Artery Compression (CAC). It can be a very serious condition if left untreated. A close friend of mine suffered for quite some with it before finally getting a diagnosis and help. Her symptoms were so similar to yours, so you have my deepest empathy. Her GI specialist, after diagnosing the condition referred her to a cardiovascular surgeon who handled her case from there. It’s discouraging your first surgery wasn’t effective, so seeking a second opinion at Mayo seems like a good course of action.

But first, let’s address your weight gain with CAC. You’re right in that weight loss is typical and can be severe with this condition because of the extreme pain associated with eating. But you’re gaining weight instead so I can understand your alarm.
You wondered if it could be an aneurysm. From my understanding it would be really uncommon to have a weight gain from an aneurysm.

Do you feel that you’re retaining water anywhere in your legs or ankles? Any puffiness in your fingers, that type of thing? Difficulty breathing?
Have you talked to your doctor about this change in your health?

For your peace of mind, it would really benefit you to be seen by your physician or the gastroenterologist/cardiologist? to help shed a light on what could be causing the weight gain. And also to obtain records and have your physician send a referral off to Mayo Clinic. Which Clinic did you have in mind?

Here is a link to the physicians referral page on Mayo Clinic’s website.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/provider-relations/refer-patient?
_ga=2.207790103.408516767.1619350478-1072316699.1619350478

You can also self-refer but it is sometimes beneficial if your doctor provides the referral with medical records.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointment

Jump to this post

Thank you so much. Yes I had all my records and images sent to the vascular Dept at Mayo Clinic, now just waiting for their review and to inform me if they can help.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | May 11, 2021
In reply to @smithjdjc "Thank you so much. Yes I had all my records and images sent to the vascular..." + (show)
@smithjdjc

Thank you so much. Yes I had all my records and images sent to the vascular Dept at Mayo Clinic, now just waiting for their review and to inform me if they can help.

Jump to this post

@smithjdjc Excellent! Which Mayo Clinic campus?
When you hear back from then will you let us know, please?

At that point you’ll have lots of questions from a New Patient standpoint;
What to have at your first visit, navigating the campus, lodging, restaurants, etc.. We become family on Connect and you’ll have lots of members and myself eager to walk you through the next phase.

Wishing you all the best, Lori

REPLY
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