The Beginning of My Journey

My health battle began in January 2025 after I was hospitalized and required a blood transfusion following back-to-back battles with pneumonia. During that hospitalization, both of my IV sites became severely infected, leading to another emergency room visit because the pain was so intense.

At the time, I had no idea this would mark the beginning of an 18-month journey searching for answers.

Over the months that followed, my health rapidly declined.

I began losing weight at an alarming rate and developed constant pain beneath my diaphragm that often radiated to my right side. Every meal became something I feared.

Before this illness, I never imagined hunger itself could be physically painful. Now, every day I face an impossible choice: endure the pain of starvation or endure even greater pain by trying to eat.

Even when I force myself to eat, there is no guarantee my body will tolerate the food. My stomach often can't handle even small amounts, leaving me vomiting everything I've eaten. It's a relentless cycle of hunger, pain, and exhaustion that has stolen one of life's most basic necessities—the ability to nourish my body.

Searching for Answers

As doctors searched for the cause of my symptoms, I made countless trips to the emergency room and underwent test after test.

I had CT scans to rule out gallbladder and pancreatic disease, colonoscopies to investigate digestive issues, five upper endoscopies because my esophagus repeatedly narrowed and food became lodged before reaching my stomach, repeated esophageal dilations, a gastric emptying study, countless blood tests, ultrasounds, and specialized imaging.

Despite everything, no one could explain why I continued getting sicker.

Then, during one emergency room visit, a CT scan technician noticed something everyone else had missed—my celiac artery appeared to be compressed, restricting blood flow. That observation finally led to a referral to a vascular specialist.

Unfortunately, the specialist I needed was on sabbatical. Although I was referred in August 2025, I wasn't able to see him until January 2026.

Finally, a Diagnosis

By the time I met with my specialist, my body had paid a tremendous price.

I had lost more than 80 pounds.

My iron and vitamin D levels had become critically low. Taking vitamin supplements was nearly impossible because swallowing pills caused excruciating pain. 

After another series of specialized tests, I finally received a diagnosis:

Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS).

After nearly a year of searching for answers, I finally knew what was causing my body to fail.

Treatment

My first celiac plexus block was performed in February 2026. The goal was to inject medication on both sides of my spine, but because there wasn't a safe path on one side, only half of the procedure could be completed. Instead of helping, it actually made my pain worse.

In April 2026, we tried a second celiac plexus block using a different approach. This time, the needle was inserted through my liver to reach the nerve bundle. The procedure itself was incredibly painful, followed by nearly 48 hours of severe diarrhea.

But then something incredible happened.

For the first time in over a year, I was able to eat half of a sandwich without unbearable pain.

Unfortunately, that relief lasted only a few days.

Because I experienced some improvement, my specialist determined that I was a good candidate for surgery.

On July 16th, I will undergo MALS release surgery. I am hopeful this surgery will restore blood flow, relieve my pain, and allow me to eat again.

Where Things Stand Today

Today, I weigh only 109 pounds.

I live with constant pain and exhaustion, and I honestly cannot remember the last time I was able to enjoy a normal meal.

This journey has included:

• A hospitalization requiring a blood transfusion
• Severe infections from two IV sites
• Approximately 15 emergency room visits
• Five upper endoscopies with repeated esophageal dilations
• Two colonoscopies
• Exploring feeding tube placement
• Two celiac plexus blocks
• A gastric emptying study
• Numerous CT scans, ultrasounds, and vascular imaging studies
• Countless blood draws and laboratory tests

The repeated IV placements have left many of my veins scarred, making every new IV increasingly painful and difficult.

Why I'm Asking for Help

The emotional and financial toll has been overwhelming.

Despite having health insurance, my out-of-pocket medical expenses continue to grow. This journey has caused $16,000 in medical bills between UW Medicine, Swedish, and Optum/Polyclinic.  I have been able to keep up on most of my medical expenses, but I currently owe part of this balance and I know my surgery and recovery will add even more expenses.  As it stands now, I will owe $2,478.13 for part of the surgery expenses.  I am still waiting on my portion of the bills for the hospital stay, the operating room, and anesthesia.

If you're able to help financially, no matter the amount, it would mean more than I can express. If you're unable to donate, sharing my story or keeping me and my family in your thoughts and prayers would be just as meaningful.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for believing me through this difficult journey, and for helping me fight for something so many people take for granted—the chance to enjoy a meal without pain, regain my strength, and reclaim my life.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Jennifer