Man suffers months of severe pain when eating and weight loss due to rare bowel disease: 'I didn't think I would survive'

Retiree Ed Langevin, 70 , went through a difficult period in his health in 2024 when he was diagnosed with chronic mesenteric ischemia , a rare disease that affects blood flow to the intestine.

For months, he suffered intense pain after every meal, accompanied by constant nausea and a weight loss of 20 kilos in just three months. "I didn't think I was going to survive. I spent most of my time lying down, unable to eat," he said in an interview with CBS News, describing the deterioration he suffered before receiving a precise diagnosis.

In search of answers, he consulted various specialists until, in May 2024, imaging studies identified the cause of his discomfort: a blockage in one of the arteries supplying the intestine.

The accumulation of fatty plaques in the blood vessels had reduced blood flow, causing chronic mesenteric ischemia .

According to specialists, this condition can lead to serious complications such as malnutrition, progressive intestinal damage, and even organ failure if not treated promptly.

Vascular surgeon Gabriel Wallace of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute performed Langevin's surgery in June 2024. Using a minimally invasive procedure that took less than an hour, a stent was placed in the blocked artery to restore blood flow.

"These patients arrive in extreme condition. They can't eat, they lose weight, and they also suffer a great psychological impact," explained the specialist, who highlighted the effectiveness of the technique used to reverse the clinical condition. After surgery, the patient was able to eat again without pain and began to regain strength.

However, in 2025, a new complication arose when the scarring caused another arterial blockage. This required a second operation, which was also successful and allowed him to fully resume his daily life.

He has now regained the weight he lost, enjoys meals with his family again, and is preparing a trip to Rome with his wife, scheduled for November, as part of a pilgrimage organized by the local church.

"I feel great, normal again," he said after overcoming the illness. He also wanted to send a message to those going through a similar situation: "Don't give up. If a doctor abandons you, find another one, but don't give up."

*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from O Globo, and reviewed by a journalist and an editor.