Ed Langevin, a lively retired grandfather, found joy in family gatherings, church activities, and meals from his favorite deli. Life was good—until February 2024, when he began experiencing relentless heartburn that changed everything.

Initially, simple pleasures like a comforting bowl of pasta turned into a daily struggle. Heartburn plagued him after every meal, leaving him feeling overstuffed after only a few bites. The once-engaging experience of enjoying a sandwich became a source of dread, leading to a staggering loss of 20 pounds within three months.

A Desperate Search for Answers

"I didn't think I was going to make it," Langevin shared, revealing the toll the pain took on his life. Days spent lying in his sunroom worried him as he struggled to understand the rapid decline in his health. Doctors conducted numerous tests, but it wasn’t until May 2024 that a scan finally revealed the culprit: mesenteric ischemia, a condition he had never heard of and one that filled him with anxiety shortly after researching it online.

"I made the bad decision of going on Google, and it scared me to death," Langevin admitted.

Understanding Mesenteric Ischemia

Mesenteric ischemia is a serious condition caused by narrowed or blocked arteries that impede blood flow to the small intestine. The Mayo Clinic outlines two types: acute and chronic. Acute cases often arise suddenly from blood clots, while chronic cases develop over time due to fatty deposits.

If ignored, chronic mesenteric ischemia can lead to acute complications, such as severe pain and malnutrition, which can be fatal.

Dr. Gabriel Wallace, the director of vascular surgery at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, explained that Langevin’s case was severe. Patients often suffer greatly by the time they receive a diagnosis, facing both physical distress and psychological challenges from their condition.

Turning the Tide: Treatment and Recovery

Fortunately, treatments for mesenteric ischemia exist. In June 2024, Dr. Wallace performed a minimally invasive procedure on Langevin, inserting a stent in his superior mesenteric artery to restore normal blood flow.

Incredibly, the procedure took less than an hour, and Langevin was home the same day. Just two weeks later, he was able to devour an entire sub sandwich without discomfort—an exhilarating milestone.

However, in March 2025, Langevin returned to the doctor after experiencing bloating and discomfort once more. A follow-up scan revealed scarring from the initial surgery was compressing the stent, leading to a second extension procedure.

Life Back on Track

Fast forward six months after his follow-up surgery, Langevin has returned to his former self, reinstating steak, pasta, and sandwiches in his diet. He has regained most of that lost weight and cherishes time spent with his grandchildren. Excitingly, he and his wife are planning a trip to Rome as part of a church pilgrimage in November.

Langevin’s journey serves as a powerful reminder about self-advocacy in healthcare. "Just don’t give up," he insists—urging anyone feeling dismissed by their doctors to seek other opinions and stay persistent.