A Grandfather's Sudden Eating Struggles Signaled an Uncommon Disorder

Life was enjoyable for Ed Langevin, a retired grandparent. His days were filled with time spent alongside his grandchildren, attending church, and cherishing life's simple pleasures, such as a plate of pasta or a sandwich from his preferred deli.

However, February 2024 marked a turning point when Langevin began experiencing heartburn post every meal. His capacity to consume food dwindled considerably, leaving him filled after only a few bites. The once fulfilling ritual of savoring an entire sandwich turned daunting, as merely a quarter would render him satiated for days. Fear of the resulting pain made eating a daunting task, causing him to lose 20 pounds in just three months.

"Honestly, I was worried about my chances of recovery," Langevin expressed to CBS News. "I felt constantly unwell, spending most of my time languishing on the sunroom sofa."

Seeking answers, Langevin underwent numerous tests, as recommended by his primary physician. Numerous evaluations of his liver and pancreas were conducted. It wasn't until May 2024 that a stomach scan identified his issue: a condition so rare that the doctor had seen it only once before. Langevin hadn't encountered this ailment before, and researching it online intensified his fears.

“I foolishly searched for information online, and the grim prognosis in those articles left me terrified,” he admitted.

The specialist he was referred to calmed his fears.

"They advised me to avoid online information, reassuring me of impending recovery," Langevin recounted.

Understanding Mesenteric Ischemia

Mesenteric ischemia, an ailment where blood flow to the small intestine is impeded by blocked or narrowed arteries, comes in two variants: acute and chronic. The acute form appears suddenly, often due to a clot, as per the Mayo Clinic. The chronic type emerges gradually due to fatty deposits clogging the arteries.

The Mayo Clinic warns that chronic cases can escalate into acute symptoms if neglected, leading potentially to severe pain, malnutrition, and fatal outcomes, such as organ failure.

In Langevin’s case, the condition was severe as per Dr. Gabriel Wallace, the vascular surgery director at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. Langevin was very uncomfortable by the time he was diagnosed, Dr. Wallace noted.

"Patients often suffer dire weight loss and become malnourished," Wallace explained. "The psychological and emotional stress of fearing food, enduring pain, and having lifestyle disruptions can devastate individuals."

Approach to Treating Mesenteric Ischemia

Despite its unpleasant nature, treating mesenteric ischemia is straightforward, according to Dr. Wallace. In June 2024, he performed a minimally invasive surgery on Langevin, inserting a stent in the affected artery to restore proper blood flow.

The procedure was completed within an hour, and Langevin was discharged the same day. In addition to surgery, he was prescribed antiplatelet medication. When he returned for a follow-up two weeks later, he was pleasantly surprised to enjoy an entire sub without discomfort for the first time.

Everything was smooth sailing for about a year. However, by March 2025, Langevin began experiencing bloating and discomfort again. A follow-up scan found surgery-related scarring that was exacerbating the stent's compression. A subsequent procedure addressed this issue, and Langevin continues with routine check-ups to manage his health.

Resuming a Regular Lifestyle

Now, nearly six months past his second procedure, Langevin has returned to enjoying his favorite meals. He has regained much of the weight he lost and relishes spending time with his grandchildren. He and his wife are also planning a church pilgrimage to Rome this November.

"I feel wonderful and back to normal," Langevin happily informed CBS News.

Inspired by his journey, Langevin hopes others prioritize their health advocacy in medical settings.

"Never lose hope," Langevin advises. "If your current doctor isn't supportive, find another, but always keep fighting."