1. < Digestive Health

Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

Posted by Kari Ulrich, Alumna Mentor @kariulrich, Dec 26, 2016

I am looking for other patients that have been diagnosed with Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome. Although it is caused by compression of the celiac artery many people experience abdominal pain after eating, diarrhea, food avoidance. Usually the first doctors they see are GI doctors. It is a diagnosis that is made after everything else is ruled out. I am curious if anyone else has had surgery?

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bfort | @bfort | Jun 9, 2024
In reply to @josiemals "I do have MALS 😕 but the nerve block didn't work so I don't know what..." + (show)
@josiemals

I do have MALS 😕 but the nerve block didn't work so I don't know what is next for me.

Jump to this post

After having a robotic lap surgery to release the Median Arcuate Ligament and nerves, I had reached out to Dr Hsu, a very well known surgeon in Connecticut. He wanted a CPB. I had 2 that failed and he would see me or consider surgery.
I reached out to Dr Park from University Hospital in Ohio. He also wanted another Block but wanted it done another way, and by someone he knew at Cleveland Clinic. I saw Dr Abrahams and it worked.. Don't give up. You need to find the right qualified doctors and sometimes that may mean you need to travel to get help. I traveled from Florida. Reach out to the MALS Foundation and MALS Pals on Facebook. You won't find a better place for resources. Good Luck and Stay Positive.

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1 reply
jshukert66 | @jshukert66 | Jun 8, 2024
In reply to @josiemals "Hi ladies, I've been reading your post. I recently also have been diagnosed with MALS after..." + (show)
@josiemals

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 😭

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I will make a recommendation because you asked. Most people will not listen to me.
I would suggest some breathing exercises. The 4-7-8 technique works wonders for pain. Breath in for four counts, hold for seven counts, breathe out for eight counts. Repeat until you feel better. I hope this helps and you get some relief soon. Blessings!

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josiemals | @josiemals | Jun 8, 2024
In reply to @329751 "Dr. Bowers did my surgery. I pray you don't have mals." + (show)
@329751

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

Jump to this post

I do have MALS 😕 but the nerve block didn't work so I don't know what is next for me.

REPLY
1 reply
josiemals | @josiemals | Jun 7, 2024
In reply to @hollyreeves "I’m glad you are recovering! Which type of Doctor at Mayo diagnosed you? Did you then..." + (show)
@hollyreeves

I’m glad you are recovering! Which type of Doctor at Mayo diagnosed you? Did you then see a surgeon ? I’m at Mayo now trying to get answers but the GI Department is booked through August.

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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 ❤️

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329751 | @329751 | Jun 7, 2024
In reply to @lasirvent "I had open mals surgery which took away the horrific knife stabbing pain, but it wasn’t..." + (show)
@lasirvent

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.

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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.

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329751 | @329751 | Jun 7, 2024

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

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1 reply
329751 | @329751 | Jun 7, 2024
In reply to @hollyreeves "I’m glad you are recovering! Which type of Doctor at Mayo diagnosed you? Did you then..." + (show)
@hollyreeves

I’m glad you are recovering! Which type of Doctor at Mayo diagnosed you? Did you then see a surgeon ? I’m at Mayo now trying to get answers but the GI Department is booked through August.

Jump to this post

I saw the gi doctor first

REPLY
lasirvent | @lasirvent | Jun 7, 2024
In reply to @josiemals "Hi ladies, I've been reading your post. I recently also have been diagnosed with MALS after..." + (show)
@josiemals

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 😭

Jump to this post

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.

REPLY
1 reply
josiemals | @josiemals | Jun 6, 2024

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 😭

REPLY
3 replies
graceym1 | @graceym1 | May 31, 2024

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

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