MALS Surgery
Donation protected
My daughter Shawn has been dealing with MALS her whole life with the last 7 years progressively getting worse. She has already had one operation 2 years ago hoping it would remedy her condition. Six months after that operation her symptoms returned with a vengeance.
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) occurs when the diaphragm is too low in the body, causing the median arcuate ligament to compress the celiac artery and a bundle of nerves called the celiac ganglion-and when those nerves get compressed, they get mad. The symptoms include nausea, pain after eating, fatigue, weight loss, and even exercise intolerance! This has also developed into POTS, which throws one's autonomic system out of wack.
We were lucky to meet the right doctor that knew from the symptoms she had what was wrong. Along with having MALS my daughter also has endometriosis, which has it's own set of symptoms. For the past 7 years it has been miserable for her. Repeated visits to the ER because pain is so severe that nothing works until her systems is calmed with intravenous medication.
The doctor that performs this operation is in Connecticut and we live in Salt Lake City, UT. It requires a 2 week stay and a loss in wages for myself. We thought we would have to wait until next year to have the operation, but an opening became available for October 23rd. We need the funds to pay for the plane tickets, rental car and gas, hotel, and food. These funds will also help supplement the wages that I will lose while I take time from work to be with my daughter during this process.
What we need immediately is enough funds to purchase the plane tickets in time for the cheapest fair. This operation hopefully will allow my daughter to live a more normal and enjoyable life without constant pain.
This syndrome has robbed my daughter from pursuing her passion for dance and participating fully in activities. Any donation would be appreciated. We want to thank all in advance that contribute and all of those who have been supportive over the years.
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) occurs when the diaphragm is too low in the body, causing the median arcuate ligament to compress the celiac artery and a bundle of nerves called the celiac ganglion-and when those nerves get compressed, they get mad. The symptoms include nausea, pain after eating, fatigue, weight loss, and even exercise intolerance! This has also developed into POTS, which throws one's autonomic system out of wack.
We were lucky to meet the right doctor that knew from the symptoms she had what was wrong. Along with having MALS my daughter also has endometriosis, which has it's own set of symptoms. For the past 7 years it has been miserable for her. Repeated visits to the ER because pain is so severe that nothing works until her systems is calmed with intravenous medication.
The doctor that performs this operation is in Connecticut and we live in Salt Lake City, UT. It requires a 2 week stay and a loss in wages for myself. We thought we would have to wait until next year to have the operation, but an opening became available for October 23rd. We need the funds to pay for the plane tickets, rental car and gas, hotel, and food. These funds will also help supplement the wages that I will lose while I take time from work to be with my daughter during this process.
What we need immediately is enough funds to purchase the plane tickets in time for the cheapest fair. This operation hopefully will allow my daughter to live a more normal and enjoyable life without constant pain.
This syndrome has robbed my daughter from pursuing her passion for dance and participating fully in activities. Any donation would be appreciated. We want to thank all in advance that contribute and all of those who have been supportive over the years.
Organizer
Teresa Hartman
Organizer
Salt Lake City, UT