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Advise of what questions to ask please...

Posted , 4 users are following.

vickiflorida
vickiflorida

Hello there.  I had an endoscopy last week due to spasms in what we though was my bowel, (Also had a colonoscopy).  Doctor said while doing the lower, let's do the upper too.   He took 4 biopsis from the upper and called me two days ago telling me I had Barretts with High Displasia.  (This is what the patholiogy indicated.)  I have no symptoms of heartburn or anythign else that I can relate to what others have shared with their symptoms.  I'm not overweight, eat well, exercise, run, etc.  He is sending me to another Gatro who does more advanced procedures.... Ultrasound, etc.  I meet with him tomorrow.  What do I ask?  For those of you that have been dealing with this, what do I need to know?  I have researched and realize that having the High Displasia is not good.  Help please. Thank you

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • vickiflorida
    vickiflorida

    Posted

    FYI.... I am 54 year old female
  • Barretts
    Barretts vickiflorida

    Posted

    Hi.

    Lucky they've found this at the treatable stage.

    High Grade Dysplasia has a 6% p.a. chance of progressing to cancer but it can be eradicated. I'm guessing by your soubriquet, your one of our US visitors?

    You'll need to ask about treatment plans (which I'm sure your insurance company will approve). In UK under NHS, you would receive EMR & RFA:

    EMR is Endoscopic Mucosal Resection. It's much like having an ordinary endoscopy, though perhaps more heavily sedated as it lasts longer, when the endoscopist will remove any lumps and bumps. After a few weeks letting any scarring heal, RFA (Radio Frequency Ablation, sometimes called "HALO") can be started. This uses a special endoscope and burns away the Barrett's cells. Typically you'll require perhaps 3 treatments over a few months. At the end of the course, your oesophagus will grow a new healthy squamous lining.

    The www BarrettsWessex org uk website has videos of EMR and RFA within the "Journey" which you may follow by clicking on the tab.

    If you visit the TreatBarretts com webiste, you will be able to find local physicians who offer RFA treatment.

    There are other therapies you could be offered which you can find described in the Treatments section of the free book / website www DownWithAcid org uk

    All the best,

    Chris

    • vickiflorida
      vickiflorida Barretts

      Posted

      Thank you. I have an appt tomorrow with a specialist but I don't believe he does halo. I have another appt next Friday at a cancer center here that does Halo. Need to sit down with Dr. Tomorrow to understand everything. Does the location of the disease or size of it make a difference for treatment? I am in Florida. Thanks for advice.
  • shellj
    shellj vickiflorida

    Posted

    I was going to suggest asking advice from Barretts Wessex but I see they have contacted you...they are a very informed group . Good luck x
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