[35M] With severe dysphagia, weight loss, and generalized weakness post-knee surgery

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are some possible explanations:

Difficulty Swallowing, Weight Loss, and Weakness

• Esophageal Stricture or Obstruction: This could be causing your difficulty swallowing and subsequent weight loss. It might be due to inflammation, scarring, or even a growth that is obstructing your esophagus. Typical treatments include endoscopic procedures to dilate the esophagus or remove any obstructions.
• Neurological Conditions: Conditions like myasthenia gravis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can cause generalized weakness and difficulty swallowing. These conditions often require specialized neurological evaluation and treatment.
• Severe Malnutrition: Given your significant weight loss and inability to eat or drink, malnutrition could be contributing to your weakness and other symptoms. Nutritional support through a feeding tube is essential in such cases.

Nausea and Vomiting

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) or severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) could cause nausea and vomiting. These conditions often require dietary changes, medications, and sometimes surgical interventions.
• Metabolic Imbalances: Electrolyte imbalances or other metabolic issues could be contributing to your nausea and vomiting. Blood tests can help identify these issues.

Right Shoulder Pain

• Referred Pain: Sometimes, issues in the esophagus or stomach can cause referred pain to the shoulder. This is something that should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
• Musculoskeletal Issues: Given your recent knee surgery, it's possible that changes in your posture or gait could be contributing to shoulder pain. Physical therapy might be beneficial.

What you can do

Difficulty Swallowing and Weight Loss

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity of your symptoms, it's crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may need to perform imaging studies or endoscopic procedures to identify the cause of your swallowing difficulties.
• Nutritional Support: Continue with the feeding tube as recommended by your healthcare provider to ensure you are getting the necessary nutrients.

Weakness

• Rest and Hydration: Ensure you are getting adequate rest and staying hydrated, especially since you are receiving IV fluids.
• Physical Therapy: Once your immediate issues are addressed, physical therapy can help improve your strength and mobility.

Nausea and Vomiting

• Medications: Your healthcare provider may prescribe anti-nausea medications to help manage your symptoms.
• Dietary Changes: Small, frequent meals that are easy to digest may help reduce nausea. Avoiding spicy, fatty, or acidic foods can also be beneficial.

Right Shoulder Pain

• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage shoulder pain. However, consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medications.
• Physical Therapy: Gentle exercises and stretches can help alleviate shoulder pain. A physical therapist can provide specific recommendations.

What you should look out for

Given the severity of your symptoms, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Reasons to seek care even more urgently include:

• Difficulty Breathing: If you experience any shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention.
• Severe Pain: If your pain becomes unbearable or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like fever, seek immediate medical care.
• Worsening Weakness: If your weakness continues to worsen or you experience new neurological symptoms like numbness or tingling, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

Remember, while I can provide some guidance, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. You can also use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your provider.