Barrett's treatment
Posted , 6 users are following.
For those who visit this forum fearful of Barrett's, I thought I'd share my story. I had silent reflux and it was found accidentally after I started bleeding from a large hiatal hernia. My hemoglobin was down to 6.1. After two blood transfusions and an iron infusion, I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy. The diagnosis was Barrett's with high grade dysplasia. In fact, they found a few pre-cancerous cells.
I was referred to a GI specialist at a nearby teaching hospital and when he did an endoscopy, he removed the dysplasia. Three months later I had a Nissen fundoplication and hernia surgery. The recovery from that has been relatively easy.
In another three months, I had a cryoablation. The GI doctor thought he might have to do two procedures but luckily the first one removed all the Barrett's.
I've had two endoscopies with biopsies at three month intervals since then and both have shown no Barrett's and no cancer.
I'm now scheduled for followups every six months.
I know how easy it is to feel overwhelmed after a diagnosis of Barrett's but please know that with a good GI doctor, this conditon is manageable.
0 likes, 10 replies
tata40402 elaine97716
Posted
Thank you for sharing. I too have silent reflux. I'm trying to eat right, but have to stay on track. I drift off sometimes. I'm glad there is hope and you have a good doctor. Good news is always great to hear
elaine97716 tata40402
Posted
Surprisingly enough, I asked my GI doctor if I should modify my diet and he said to continue to eat and drink whatever I want. I have been happy to follow his advice! Since I can't tell when I have reflux, I don't have any of the normal symptoms.
claire58731 elaine97716
Posted
Can I ask what age group you are? Also how did you know you were bleeding from the hernia. I too have Barrett’s and a large hiatus hernia.
Claire
elaine97716 claire58731
Posted
I'm in my 70's. I had been very tired and when I saw my family doctor, she ordered my annual blood work. That's when it was discovered that my hemoglobin was extremely low. The hernia was 9 cm which I understand is large.
vickiflorida elaine97716
Posted
Elaine, our stories are kind of simuliar. I was diagnosed with Silent Reflux 2 1/2 years ago. I went to a GI for a constant ache on my right lower side. He did a lower and upper GI and found High Dysplasia Garrett's. I had it removed. 3 months later, low dysplasia was found and removed as well. Since then all jas been clear is face the last three scopes indicated no Garrett's. I am curious to know if you had any symptoms before discovering that you now realize were signs. I have had excess phlegm. Fyi, I no longer take the PPI's. Doctors aren't happy about that. Ive changed my diet. So glad your outcome and the surgery was successful for you.
vickiflorida
Posted
tata40402 vickiflorida
Posted
I have silent reflux. I recently had excessive phlegm. When you say excessive phlegm, was you spitting out phlegm, was it always lodged in your throat. I did a scope some months ago. There was no Barrett's. But I've been suffering for so long with this
elaine97716 vickiflorida
Posted
I have had no symptoms before or after treatment. I'm still on the PPI and probably will have to take them the rest of my life. Given the choice between PPI's and cancer, I'll go with the PPI's but that's just my opinion. If you're comfortable not being on them, then you've made the right decision for you.
vickiflorida elaine97716
Posted
My father died from Chronic Kidney Disease and my Mom had Dimentia. Extrnsive blood work indicates that I carry both genes for Alzheimers. I am mostly Vegan and Dairy Free for the past 14 months. I do eat fish. No onions, tomatoes, citrus, spicy foods, fried, etc. My scopes have been good. I do wonder if I'm doing the right thing. I have a second doctor that specializes in Holistic practice. So far, so good. I'm 56.
edward_80796 elaine97716
Posted
I too have Barrett's esophagus. So glad you are doing well. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Best wishes and good luck.