For retired grandfather Ed Langevin, life was filled with joy and simple pleasures. He cherished spending quality time with his grandkids, attended church regularly, and enjoyed the delights of a good meal, whether it was a bowl of pasta or a sub from his favorite deli. However, everything changed dramatically in February 2024 when Langevin began experiencing severe health issues. Every meal left him with debilitating heartburn, and he found himself struggling to eat even small portions. Where he once relished a whole sub, now just a quarter of a sandwich would leave him feeling overly full, sometimes for days. Coupled with frequent nausea, he grew increasingly fearful of eating due to the pain it caused. Over the span of three months, he lost an alarming 20 pounds.
"I didn't think I was going to make it, to be honest," Langevin recalled in an interview with CBS News. "I just wasn't feeling good at all." He spent most of his days lying on the couch in the sunroom, grappling with his deteriorating health. Determined to find answers, he consulted with his general doctor, who ordered a series of tests, including examinations of his liver and pancreas. It wasn't until May 2024 that a stomach scan revealed a rare condition known as mesenteric ischemia. His doctor mentioned having seen this condition only once before, leaving Langevin feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
Mesenteric ischemia is a serious condition that occurs when narrowed or blocked arteries limit blood flow to the small intestine. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are two main forms of this condition: acute and chronic. Acute mesenteric ischemia arises suddenly and is often the result of a blood clot, while chronic mesenteric ischemia develops gradually, typically due to fatty deposits building up in the arteries. If left untreated, chronic cases can turn acute, leading to severe complications such as pain, malnutrition, intestinal damage, and even organ failure.
Langevin was diagnosed with the chronic form of mesenteric ischemia, which Dr. Gabriel Wallace, the director of vascular surgery at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, categorized as quite severe. "Patients like Langevin tend to be miserable by the time they are diagnosed," Dr. Wallace explained, noting the significant psychological impact of living with such a debilitating condition. "The fear of eating, the pain, and the disruption of normal life can completely wreck people."
Despite the dangers associated with mesenteric ischemia, treatment is often effective. In June 2024, Dr. Wallace performed a minimally invasive procedure on Langevin, placing a stent in the superior mesenteric artery. This stent serves to keep the artery open, allowing for normal blood flow. Remarkably, the procedure took less than an hour, and Langevin was discharged home on the same day, also receiving antiplatelet medication as part of his treatment plan.
At his two-week follow-up appointment, Langevin joyfully reported that he could eat an entire sub sandwich without experiencing any discomfort for the first time in months. For nearly a year, he enjoyed a symptom-free life. However, in March 2025, he began to experience bloating and discomfort once again, prompting him to return to Dr. Wallace. A scan revealed that scarring from the initial surgery was compressing the stent. This complication, though not uncommon, required a second procedure to extend the stent. Langevin will continue to receive regular follow-up care to monitor and manage his condition.
Now, six months after his follow-up surgery, Ed Langevin is back to living life to the fullest. He has reintroduced steaks, pasta, and sandwiches into his diet, has regained most of the weight he lost, and is spending quality time with his grandchildren once again. Excitingly, he and his wife are planning a trip to Rome in November as part of a pilgrimage with their local church. "I'm doing really good. I'm feeling normal," Langevin shared.
Through his journey, Langevin emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. "Just don't give up," he advises others facing similar challenges. "If you find a doctor that's given up on you, find another one, but just don't give up." His story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the necessity of seeking the right medical care.
