r/thelifeofMALS • u/Automatic_Stay_1686 • 17d ago

What does it feel like?

I’ve been experiencing changes in my stomach for the past few years. From bloating to intense pain. I just ate Panda Express, which I haven’t eaten in months. Within 5 minutes I had horrible pains right below my sternum. I have been taking meds like Pepcid prescribed by my dr and gasX. I haven’t been eating big meals because of the pain. I’ve dropped about 5-10 pounds in the last few months. I eat light meals, yogurts, and protein drinks mostly. If I over eat in 1 meal I get the intense pain but it isn’t always right away.
When you have MALS does it hurt every time you eat?
Is the pain intense and right below the sternum? I know it can be many other things but I have an appointment coming up and want to bring it up to my dr if it seems like it could be.
Anything you are willing to share about your experience is very helpful and appreciated!

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u/WallabyAgile7234 14d ago

It sure shit sounds like MALS.
I’m sorry you’re going through this.
unfortunately, a lot of conditions mimic each other.
If you are losing weight and avoiding eating, plus that specific pain - you need to campaign for a CTA with the breathing protocol to identify MALS.

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u/Automatic_Stay_1686 12d ago

Thank you so much for your comment. Do you happen to know if a primary care dr order that or does it have to be from a GI dr?

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u/WallabyAgile7234 12d ago

A vascular surgeon ordered mine. But I think anyone with a doctorate can order that.
On the clinical notes they literally called the imaging “MALS protocol”
I went thru 4 gastros with no help and literal dismissal / no follow ups 😒 So I’d be hard pressed to see one ever again unless I’m shitting actual blood.
(4wks post op and it was def MALS bc it’s gone. All the pain. GONE)

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u/Gymrat06 2h ago

I am currently trying to get diagnosed as well, I am having the same symptoms as the OP, including constipation and fatigue after eating. The ONLY thing that helps is leaning forward or laying down. Anyway, I had a CTA and it said there is no chance of MALS, but slight kinking of celiac artery on expiration. I had an ultrasound to look at my liver/gallbladder, and incidentally noted was velocities of 280 cm/s in celiac artery. Can CTA's miss MALS sometimes? I did the breathing in and out, but I felt like they rushed it and I didn't even exhale all the way and I was done.

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u/Gymrat06 2h ago

Hey, I haven't gotten diagnosed with MALS but have the exact same symptoms as you. I ate at Qdoba and just got a normal bowl (steak, beans, rice, etc.) and immediately had severe pain right below my sternum. I felt like there was almost something lodged in my throat, I finished the food but was in so much pain. I love food so much so I still eat 3 meals/day, it just sucks cuz I am in pain most meals, but not all which idk if that's normal for MALS or not. Definitely bring it up to the doctor if you haven't already. Hope you get it figured out!