Just been diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus and I'm scared

Hi,

You read your report correctly. It appears you have 1 cm of Barrett's (but it does need confirmation from pathology) . It will probably show o dysplasia.

I understand your concern.

About 1 person in 70 has Barrett's but only 1 in 100 know.

Barrett's is a permanent change of cells to protect our bodies from frequent acid attack. For most of us it will not cause a problem (I have had my 3 cm for at east 22 yeasrs) . However, for a very small number of people, it has the ability to mutate to cancer. The advice is to take PPI mdication (eg omeprazole) daly for life. It has been shown it probably has a chemo-protective effect with a 71% lower risk of cancerous progression.

At the same time it is important you receive regular surveillance scoping every few years. (The attached graphic shows the BSG recommended guidance. ) This is particulalrly important for you as there has been shown to be a genetic element to possible progression. It is criminal your father didn't receive more frequent scoping or he wouldn't be in the situation he now finds himself. I hope his condition is being managed as wel as they can.

If you are scoped regularly, pre-cancerous changes (dysplasia) should be seen early enough to treat to prevent it becoming cancerous.

Dear PJ,

I hear your stress...slow your breathing.

Yes, 37 cm is above 38 cm.

First, wait for the biopsy results. No one can take further action without the results. Taking your daughter out and perhaps teaching her to skip or hop scotch will help divert your thinking.

I am so sorry to hear of your dad's ordeal...I will hold him up in my prayer.

Universities are great places to go for medical because they are up to date on cutting edge research. If you must travel, ask if they have any lodging agreements with the community. This can save you some dollars.

My first impression is that the endoscopic exam followed guidlines by noting measurements and taking biopsies.

If the biopsies show a return of H Pylori, antibiotic is in order.

Whether or not you would require a deeper endoscope depends on the biopsy results.

I hear how very difficult this is. You can do this. Just breath. The waiting is the most difficult part. I will watch for your postings.

Kind regards,

judith

Hi, I was diagnosed with this last week, after years of telling my GP that it wasn't normal that I was having severe heartburn, reflux & vomiting. I'm really annoyed because it took so long for them to refer me to a gastro clinic. When I had a endoscopy they initially said I had IBS, but after the specimens/biopsy taken it was Barretts and gall stones. But they didn't even tell me. After they gave me the medication, it had written on the top 'Barretts disease: Long Term.' I knew what it was as I had researched it previously when my GP said it wasn't that. The gastro doctor only explained when I asked him to do.

The experience left me terrified. I rang up the Macmillian Cancer Support helpline & they were able to put my mind at rest that Barretts rarely becomes cancerous with regular endscopies & checks with your gastro clinic.

I think the best thing you can do is try to eat foods that are less likey to cause heartburn. Lose a bit of weight if you are slightly overweight, follow  an exercise programme or a excercise/relaxation programme such as yoga. I find this helps, although I kind of know what foods cause my heartburn. You need to cut out stuff through trial & error. If you smoke, try to give up & if you drink alcohol, cut back.

Also try not to worry if you get a severe heartburn moment occasionally. I had one the other day (the first time in ages) and was so nervous that it was a sign it had got worse. I was back on the phone to Macmillans & they said it is rare that one or two occasional bouts of severe heartburn despite taking medication would make things worse. 

I hope you start to feel a bit better about it all. I'm trying to think of Baretts as a way to get a bit fitter and I'm hoping it will all help. Good luck 

Hello, I to have just been diagnosed with Barrett's.  I'm 58 and I survived prostate cancer 10 years ago.  Now I have this to worry about.  For years I've had heart burn and acid reflux.  There were times that the first bite of any meal was hard to swallow.  I told my general practioner and he gave me a prescription for a PPI and it helped.  well recently I was having some lower GI problems and he recommended I have a colonoscopy and just to be sure an upper GI.  Well to make a long story short the upper GI revealed Barrett's Esophagus and a Hiatal hernia which caused the acid reflux.  The funny thing was that the colonoscopy came up negative.  I've had nothing on mind since.  Having been a cancer survivor before I can only think that I'm prone to this and I'm scared out of my mind that the pathology will reveal cancer cells.  I know the odds are low but I've already beat the odds by developing Barrett's

I understand your worry! I was diagnosed six years ago at age 54. One year later on re-exam another physician did not notice any Barrett's so scheduled next endo at five years. Well it's almost time for re-exam and if I hear of a celebrity who died of esphop cancer (as I did last night) I start dwelling on the 'what ifs' and obsessively spend too much time looking on the Internet! And I was very diligent about diet that first year but not so much since. I worry perhaps that extra 10 pounds will be the cause of bad test results! Or the fact for one year I raised the head of my bed but since only sleep on a special GERD wedge pillow without raised bed. So you see, there are others that totally understand the worry part of Barrett's. If there is anyone who can share reassuring words, it would be appreciated!

I was diagnosed with Barret's 2 years ago and read a report that strawberries can help. I started eating strawberries plus freeze dried strawberry powder every day. I also take half a teaspoon of turmeric and black pepper every day. Last week my endoscopy showed that I am now free from Barret's . It has gone. It worked for me.