Cycle of symptoms between gastroparesis and dysphagia?

[nland]

Has anyone experienced anything that cycles between gastroparesis symptoms and trouble swallowing?

i.e., for a few weeks, I'll get full quickly, feel bloated, some nausea, lasts for a long time - can throw up nearly whole meals after 8 hours.

Then that'll mostly go away, and I start feeling severe discomfort like food is getting stuck in my esophagus (much more immediate discomfort but also lasts for hours and hours), can smell what I ate for hours much more distinctly, can feel cold liquid sitting there, food and liquid backing back up into my throat, etc.

Then back to the previous set of symptoms.

I've seen multiple GI docs (along with 5 medical diagnostic tests and counting) and none of them have any idea what's going on, other than them being stuck on the idea of gastroparesis until more recently.

Have tried everything under the sun regarding gastroparesis, including various medication, digestive enzymes, Rx probiotics, many other supplements, diet changes (with the help of a nutritionist), none of them seem to do an ounce of good. But honestly it's the swallowing issues that cause me by far the most distress.

I also have a persistent rash on the back of my hands that has preceded my digestive issues. My dermatologist never got a good look at it (takes way too long to get an appointment) but called it eczema.  My other doctors are mostly ignoring it assuming it's not related. I have no idea.

[Dannydoo]

I suffered for years from gastroparesis not knowing nobody knew what was wrong with me and when I was finally diagnosed I was giving Reglan metoclopramide and it changed my life it gave me my life back but the swallowing issue I was told is from the vagus nerve which is part of the gastroparesis things get stuck I choke all the time so I try to avoid the things that I choke on like corn peanuts little bitty things and I drink a lot when I eat makes me swallow better

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

The symptoms described could be due to gastroparesis alone or could indicate an additional pathology such as GI infections/ inflammations, growths/ masses, systemic issues etc. Unfortunately without a detailed clinical evaluation, it would be difficult to determine the precise cause or suggest a management plan. If previous visits to GI doctor have not been helpful, you may consider seeking a gastroenterologist at a university/ teaching hospital for a detailed evaluation. If a specific cause is identified, management plan can be drafted accordingly.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!