Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

Thanks Kari. I am close to UCLA but not convenient. As if that matters when it comes to the surgery. After many years of unresolved pain and CT after CT I have a diagnosis from a CT Angio. Really, I wonder if it's a crazy fluke or some really great technician catching it.

I want my first visit to a vascular surgeon to be someone I am comfortable with and I want to be prepared with all my questions before I go. UCSD has some great doctors and I'll call tomorrow and see if their department can help me find the right doctor.

If this is the actual problem then I will feel great relief that I am not a hypochondriac! I have a pretty good health history. About 18 years ago I had a tubal pregnancy and when they did the laparoscopy to removed it they nicked my bowel and had to open me all the way up. Periodically since then I have diverticulitis attacks that come and go. Maybe every couple of years. When I complain about this pain they say it's GERD. My only other health condition is chronic migraines and it makes any medication or change in diet very difficult. I do have Hashimotos Thyroiditis which is autoimmune. Really, what I'm trying to say is that I don't suffer from other vascular or gastro problems. My first attack with this pain was 7 years ago in the middle of the night and we thought it was a heart attack. There was no diagnosis from that 3 day hospital stay. In the past few years the pain has been pretty constant, sometimes better than others.

I love first thing in the morning when I wake up and am lying there, for just a few minutes, when there is no pain. It is the nicest thing. Then the pain washes through me.

I copied and pasted the link below, also here is what is listed for California (Thank you MalsPals for keeping this list updated!) California
Los Angeles
UCLA
Dr. Deugarte

Los Angeles
UCLA
Dr. Jimenez

Santa Monica

Dr. Anton Bilchik

Santa Monica

Dr. Quinones-Baldrich

https://lookaside.fbsbx.com/file/MALS%20DOCTOR%20LIST.docx

Welcome @cornishrex! When you see your vascular specialist ask them how may surgeries they do a year, what surgical approach they use and why? I sometimes go through the list of doctors at a medical center, many have bios and search what their area or interest is. Another way is go to google scholar and see who has published in the area of Celiac Artery Compression Syndrome. Always ask questions, it is ok to get second and third opinions. You will know when you find the doctor that best suits you.

Hello @cornishrex,

Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry to learn about your diagnosis, and glad that you've joined us here.

I’m confident that @kariulrich will reply to you soon. It helps so much to hear from others who have experience with the same condition. I'm also tagging @artistgma @evileye00 @lmtuska @evrose23 @jamorris9 @sarah1317 @coffeelatte @azbluebird who have all posted and shared their experiences in this discussion.

@cornoshrex, how are you managing your symptoms currently?

This web support page? malssupport.com I couldn't find anything regarding physicians here.

I have been diaignosed w Mals recently. I am having surgery in Aug...There is a website MalsPals, you can join therm..Theres very good info on thst website.

I was just diagnosed with Celiac Artery Compression Syndrome following a CT Angio. I am being referred to a vascular surgeon but would like to be sure to talk to one that is familiar with the syndrome. I live in San Diego and have access to the doctors at UCSD. How do I find one that will best be able to help me.

@azbluebird did you hear back from MalsPals? How are you doing??? I have been thinking about you.

Hi @carolina58! Welcome to Mayo connect, I have been diagnosed with MALS over a decade now and have had 2 surgeries. For me the pain has returned for a third time and I am in the process of ruling out other possibilities. Thank you for mentioning Mals Pals on facebook, my friend Robin is a moderator for that site and I find it to be helpful also. I was so happy when Mayo Connect came on with patient support, as I believe there is room for several online support groups. 3.5 years to be diagnosed! It amazes me how long patients have to endure pain to get relief. How are you doing since your surgery? Have you had any pain return?