Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

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

@kariulrich Hello, I'm about to have a CT-A to determine if I have MALS. Do you mind if I ask why you chose the open procedure vs. laparoscopic?

Have you had any tests done on your gallbladder function? That was something else I had checked out prior to MALS diagnosis.

I had this before mals surgery but it was hard to distinguish what actually was mals pain. I had my mals doctor do new ct scan and bc my upper gi said normal he said it wasn’t SMAS. I have this squeezing, tightening all the time. I have discomfort when eating but not pain, nausea or vomiting which would indicate SMAS.

I have this and I thought it was from mals, are you saying the diaphragmatic and rib squeezing is new since surgery? Have you ruled out other compressions?

I had MALS open surgery a year ago. It was based on neurogenic not velocities. The mals pain is gone but I’m having horrible diaphragmatic and lower rib squeezing. No one has any answers-again! My doctor redid a ct scan and upper GI series and the Celia plexus looks ok. I’m at a loss of what to do.

I had MALS open surgery a year ago. It was based on neurogenic not velocities. The mals pain is gone but I’m having horrible diaphragmatic and lower rib squeezing. No one has any answers-again! My doctor redid a ct scan and upper GI series and the Celia plexus looks ok. I’m at a loss of what to do.

I was recently was diagnosed with Median Acute Ligament syndrome . Have had this pain for years , but was manageable. Almost two years ago it hit and has not let its grip . Nausea, diarrhea, pain, gas, belching, back pain, exhaustion. I’m at the end of my rope mentally. Cardiologist found, he referred me back to my general practitioner she referred me to a vascular surgeon. The vascular surgeon although very nice was admittedly in over his head and although he had heard of mals; he had no idea what to do with me. He ended up writing me a referral to ; medical care of my own for a specialist in MALS. My husband of 35 years doesn’t quite seem to understand; I had to let go of my job almost a year ago September I just feel like my whole life is falling apart and I just don’t know what kind of decisions to make I’m just so overwhelmed and confuse. Called a dr in Cleveland metro hospital And dr at u of m. ; These Establishments Have to review my records and then review to see if they can take on my case.??? While I continue to suffer! This is a lot for someone who is in constant pain. To do anything at all I use cannabis and Kratom. I just want out ! I’m slipping in this rabbit hole and I don’t know how to hang on much longer . Seeing a counselor once a week and I know my husband doesn’t want that.either. Any answers

Ugh! So sorry for you situation. Many of us have felt your frustration. The good news is you have a diagnosis. I live in the Dallas area and really had hoped to find a doctor closer than the Cleveland clinic and or the Mayo Clinic (although I would have been open to it if I had no other option). Once I got the diagnosis the search was on for a doctor. It took 3-4 months between diagnosis and surgery. There is a doc in Fort Worth with a lot of experience with MALS. I contacted his office. They told me to fax all my records and then called to tell me he would not take my case. No explanation.

That was very disappointing. After the diagnosis I tried waiting to see if I could live with it. So to be turned down after deciding to move forward made me question everything again. My GP recommended one of the best vascular surgeons she knew. When I saw him he said I know who you need. With no hesitation he recommended another vascular surgeon who would do it robotically. I met with him and had the surgery.

Al that to say, be encouraged. From the stories I have read on here, it is not a quick process. I know that feeling of just wanting to rid yourself of the constant pain and get back to normal. Hang in there. You will make it. The counseling is good. You need to take care of yourself in other ways. Counseling, foot massages, whatever makes you feel good because the constant pain and awareness of your condition can suck the life out if you. Not to mention people like your family And friends who just don’t get it.

Keep hanging on!