Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

I've dealt with SIBO as well. It predated MALS and was most likely caused by a GI doc putting me on prilosec permanently. Before that I could eat anything. SIBO-C can be treated with 4 weeks of herbs and a strict diet, but it can also come back. I've found Naturopathic doctors far more helpful with SIBO treatment.

I have an appointment for a celiac plexus block next week. It's a diagnostic block, I think. This is to confirm that my pain/nausea recurrence really is MALS and whether a 2nd surgery will benefit me. I'm actually kind of looking forward to this. I've never had a nerve block before, and the idea of not having any pain for a few days is exciting.

I had MALS open surgery a year ago. I have had problems with chronic constipation. My GI said “just live with it” and my MALS surgeon said “ it could put me back in the hospital”. I tried Miralax (2x daily), sennacot, fiber gummies, magnesium, Linzess, benefiber and had no relief. I saw someone was using a prescription called lactulose. It’s a syrup and since I have been using it, I have been normal which is a miracle. I still have tightening around my lower ribs and can’t eat certain foods like tomatoes, onions, garlic. My MALS doctor rechecked a new ct scan and everything looks good so I went to a pain doctor. He did an radio frequency ablation on the splenic nerves bc my MALS doctor thinks I have scarring and inflammation still. Hopefully that works.

@chicken - I have had motility problems for years before surgery. I did not notice an increase. I have SIBO too - goes along with decreased motility. I tried Linzess, but it did not work for me. All I do is rotate laxatives, not taking daily though. I forgot how it is to be normal!

Hi!
Has anyone experienced decreased motility after Mals surgery?
I had my surgery almost two years ago and it was Thank G-D very successful, I no longer have that pain after eating and all the other symptoms.

I am still really struggling with motility thought and it surprisingly got worse after my surgery. Has anyone experienced this? If so what do you do about it?
I’ve been on just about every medication for it and the only thing that has worked is Linzess in a very high dosage, but is now stopping to work. My doctor is recommending that I now try Motegrity, have any of you taken this? What is your experience with it?
Thank you in advance

I did not find the surgery to be scary. Mine was in 2015 and laproscopic. Basically all I remember about that day is being on a gurney at 5 a.m. and having the surgeon greet me. When I woke up, the rest of that day was a fog of IV pain medication. I remember trying to watch football and having no idea what was going on. The 2nd day they switched me to oral pain meds and I was allowed to get up and walk around, but because I developed a slight fever they kept me another night. After that I was home and back to work the next week.

Only bummer is I'm looking at a 2nd surgery now because the first surgeon didn't do enough, or remove the celiac ganglion. I had a milder version of the first round (pain/nausea in the mornings and when I work out). Hopefully they can take care of yours adequately the first time.

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. 🙂

@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!!

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.

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

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.