Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS): What can I eat?

Posted by imarino @imarino, Oct 3, 2020

I have been suffering with stomach pains and flareups for the past three years. Every time I went to the hospital the doctors looked at me as if I was crazy and sent me home. Recently, I was in the hospital and they admitted me for 6 days since the pain was so intense (The worst it has ever been). They have diagnosed me with MALS. I am very lost and still processing everything. Does anyone have any tips on what kinds of foods I can eat? Ways to reduce the pain if there are any? And anything else that may be helpful. I chose not to get the surgery, I am 21 yrs old and feel I am a bit young and scared to go through that, especially bc of the risk of the many blood vessels surrounding where they would have to cut inside me. thank you

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

lasirvent | @lasirvent | Dec 2, 2023

Look on Facebook for the Mals Awareness group. There’s tons of information and lots of help with questions. So sorry you’re going through this.

cowtownusa | @cowtownusa | Dec 3, 2023

In reply to @astaingegerdm "@cowtownusa I’m glad to hear that a referral is sent. You seem to have a good..." + (show)

Did you have any complications after your MALs surgery. If so how were the handled? I understand about having other health issues as well. I also deal with Hashimotos Autoimmune disorder where my thyroid fluctuates between hypo- and hyper. Then throw multiple sclerosis in the mix and when flareups occur I get hit with a health tornado. What's really bad is when the MALs and MS flare at same time. So tired of emergency room visits. Hopefully you have found homeostasis with your health issues.

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Dec 3, 2023

@cowtownusa
The surgery went well. The surgeon told me he could not guarantee success- that’s how this condition is. They also removed nerves that still could cause pain. After 6 months symptoms returned- the celiac artery still had indentation from having the ligament put pressure on it. I got a stent and it worked well until last year-8 years later. I got a new stent- all well. The vascular surgeon said he can keep putting new stents if needed. I’ll have it checked with ultrasound once a year.
Some people still have pain and may need removal of the celiac plexus nerve center.
You have some difficult other medical issues! MS and Hashimoto’s.
This past year I needed a new aortic valve- all better now. I was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer and received radiation- should cure it. I also have autoimmune GI illness that comes and goes. Also had Covid in the middle of everything.
This week I’ll have first cataract surgery…
It does get overwhelming.
I’m happy that my primary has helped find great specialists for all these conditions. Within one hour travel distance.
Try to learn as much as possible about MALS- such as the Fb group mentioned by the other member.