Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

I saw a gastro doctor after waiting two months. I was lucky to have had my appointment moved up. Make sure your on a cancellation list. The gastro doctor ordered a CT Angio and U/S which showed the compression at 70%. He then referred me to the vascular surgeon and then I had more tests which took another two months. It's so sad that there are not enough doctors for the demand. Right now I don't know what the next steps are 😕. Good luck to you ❤️

I rarely read these post. I get so upset to know there is someone else like me. I hope you get help for me mayo saved my life. It was just the worst time in my life. I wish I could for get.

Dr. Bowers did my surgery. I pray you don't have mals.

I saw the gi doctor first

I had open mals surgery which took away the horrific knife stabbing pain, but it wasn’t at Mayo. There’s a Facebook site for Mals (several) which can give lots of information and support. It’s an awfully painful problem. Hope you can find answers.

Hi ladies, I've been reading your post. I recently also have been diagnosed with MALS after seeing the fourth gastro doctor at the Mayo clinic. I've lost over 50 lb. My symptoms are not the classic ones though. I have pain most all of the time. Eating food or not eating food doesn't seem to affect the way I feel. I was just at the Mayo clinic this week to see the vascular surgeon for additional testing which was mesenteric artery angiogram and a plexus nerve block. It did not go well for me. I didn't think the communication with the surgeon was good. During the angiogram I had a moment of intense pain when he said he was injecting the contrast. I said something about feeling hot, but he said you have to differentiate between temperature and pain then he walked away. He didn't give me the opportunity to explain. It felt like a burn. Sometimes my pain feels like a burn, sometimes like a knife or twisting. The next day I had the nerve block which I had some side effects from. My BP was super low so they kept me for an extra four hours. I was laying down or reclined the entire time. I find when I'm in this position, I feel better. I thought my pain was gone. I just felt some pressure in my stomach area. When I was finally released and we were starting our trip back home, the pain came flooding back!! I cried. I sent a message right away to the vascular surgeon but was told I would have to discuss it at my post op appointment next week. This pain is intense and I don't know what to do... I need help now. I'm hoping someone can recommend something or has had symptoms like me. I never been given any kind of meds for pain. It just keeps getting worse 😭

I’m so happy for you! That’s excellent news!😊🎈 stay well. Have a great day

I don’t know the percentage, but there was a Knick in the artery that didn’t leave much room for blood flow. They eventually placed a stent because the Knick remained. The pressure on the stent continued and I got a new one 7 years later. All fine now.

Yes I’ve heard that a lot. Do you know how much compression you had on your celiac artery? Mines 60 percent.
Thanks
Grace

I had laparoscopy, but the surgeons warned me that they may have to do open surgery if it was needed.