The Background

After years of trying to figure out what was going on with my health, I was finally diagnosed with Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome—a condition where a ligament compresses a major artery connected to the aorta. This compressed artery supplies blood to organs like my liver, pancreas, and stomach (and many more). In my case, that artery is 90-99% compressed, which explains symptoms I’ve been dealing with for years.

Getting here wasn’t simple. I’ve gone through extensive testing—CT and MRI angiography, endoscopy’s & colonoscopies (3), gastric emptying studies, nuclear medicine studies, ultrasounds—and saw multiple specialists (Gastroenterology, Vascular, Hematology/Oncology, Pain Management, Cardiology, Physical Therapy, ER visits, and more). Ironically, this was ultimately caught by a ER radiologist on accident because I wasn’t listening to the directions during an abdominal CT- go figure!

This surgery is expected to relieve the severe pain—often compared to end-stage pancreatic cancer—and reduce my risk of further ischemia (inadequate blood supply to organs or muscles) and aneurysm (enlargement of an artery due to the weakening of its surrounding wall).

The Surgery

I will be undergoing major surgery to release the compression and because of the severity of my case, the full scope won’t be known until surgery begins. In addition to releasing the artery, my surgeon plans to also:

1. Remove the surrounding nerve bundle
2. Remove nearby lymph nodes
3. Address any damage to surrounding organs caused by prolonged compression

This is a complex procedure—not a quick fix.

Why Cleveland

This surgery must be performed in Cleveland by a highly specialized surgeon who focuses on this condition in adults.

That means additional costs beyond medical bills:

1. Travel (2+ hours each way)
2. Hotel stay before & after surgery
3. Hospital stay (minimum overnight, possibly longer)
4. Recovery logistics away from home

The Recovery

Recovery will be extensive and includes but is not limited to the following:

1. 24/7 care for the first 2-4 weeks
2. Part-time help the following 3-6 months
3. Physical and Occupational Therapy

Financial Reality

I currently have around $6,000 in medical bills from the diagnostic process alone.

On top of that, there are additional expenses related to surgery and recovery, including:

1. Travel and lodging in Cleveland
2. Medical/recovery equipment (including a lift chair)
3. Pet care during surgery and early recovery
4. In-home assistance during recovery
5. Post-op therapy and support

The Why Behind My Ask

This isn’t easy for me to do—but I know many of you have asked how you can support. I’m doing everything I can to prepare responsibly—but this is one of those situations where the costs extend far beyond the operating room.

If you feel led to contribute, I’m incredibly grateful. If not, please know that watching, sharing, and being part of this community still means a lot.

Thank you for being here and supporting me through this.

—Lacey