Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS).

On Thursday (February 13th) I had a procedure known as a celiac plexus nerve block & it confirmed that I have another compression syndrome. I have something called neurogenic Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS). Basically, one of my arteries is being compressed and is causing an immense amount of pain. It's pretty complex, but all that you really need to know is that MALS has been preventing me from getting better. It is the reason why every SINGLE time I eat, I end up curled up on the floor, stretching, trying to get rid of the bloating, pain, and discomfort that I feel. It's the reason why it takes me over an hour to eat less than a cup of food. It explains my weakness and regression.

On Thursday I had a nerve block procedure where they injected two needles bilaterally into my back, digging through my skin and muscle to find the bundle of nerves that's being affected from the MALS compression. Once they found the bundle, they injected a numbing medicine and a steroid to prolong the effects. I was awake during the whole procedure & it was overwhelmingly painful, but they gave me some silly meds to help calm me down. My mom, my brother Hayden, and my best friend Annelise were all there with me and said that I was saying some goofy things. Apparently my heart rate monitor stopped beeping and I blurted out "Did I just die?" hahahah. Anyways, immediately after they injected the meds I felt this big wave of relief radiate from my lower back all the way around my stomach. It's like it released all of the tension and discomfort that I have been experiencing. They say that the nerve block is only supposed to last 6-8 hrs but the steroids can maybe prolong it for a few more days. But hey, even only ONE hour of no pain is a miracle. 

We left the procedure place and got home around 5ish. I was still pretty weak from the procedure and I fainted a few times after getting home. My brother drove all the way to North Raleigh during 5:00 traffic to get a gluten free/dairy free cinnamon roll for me to try and eat. When he got home, I ate a bite, and for the first time since December 2017, I felt no discomfort, pain, or nausea. I slowly took a few more bites and felt fine. I didn't throw up. I didn't feel nauseous. I simply sat there and enjoyed eating comfortably. The feeling was SO surreal!! I seriously couldn't remember what it felt like to eat something without feeling horrible after. I was even able to drink water without it bouncing up and down my throat. It was such an exciting moment. 

I woke up the following day without feeling bloated -  unlike most mornings. I felt fine for the first time in a while. I was still feeling pretty weak, but I was able to eat some oatmeal and coffee without any of the usual discomfort! I went to school for a few hrs and that's when the pain began to hit. I began having these dull, sharp pains in my stomach and my back was throbbing. I got home and realized that the nerve block had worn off and that I was beginning to feel the pain come back. It was defeating and upsetting. I just wanted the nerve block to last for forever. It was amazing to have been able to eat without any pain or discomfort last night, and I didn't want that feeling to ever go away. BUT, I reminded myself that there will come a day when all of this pain is gone for good. And who knows, maybe those steroids will kick in and help prolong the effects for a little longer.

My procedure Thursday confirmed that I do indeed have a serious condition inhibiting my ability to eat. We are going to be meeting with my surgeon, GI doc, and nerve specialist within the next few weeks to discuss what's next. At this point I have no idea what to expect. Are they going to do a surgery to release the compression? Are they going to give me another nerve block? Right now I'm basically playing the waiting game, and that is okay! 

Thursday night was a miracle in itself. And while it only lasted a little while, I was able to eat some  cinnamon roll without ANY pain. That hasn't been something that I've been able to say in over 26  months. In the next few weeks we could use good vibes and prayers sent our way as we try and navigate our way through this whole ordeal. Part one of this whole journey was healing from and getting rid of my SMAS. Part two will be overcoming and beating MALS. I've still got some fight left in me. Better days are ahead.