1. Community
  2. Gut, bowel and stomach
  3. Barrett's Oesophagus

Barretts recently diagnosed or maybe not/ tips and advice

Posted , 4 users are following.

mattengl
mattengl

Hi, I'm 40 and had a scope two weeks ago after years of reflux and GERD. The doctor told me I had (short) barretts 1cm and the stomach hernia. On biopsy however the result was negative. How can this be? The doctor who carried out the scope told me again he thinks I have it. and should return in a year.

I've read about the cancer risks being around 0.5%-1% a year. Are these accumulative? Thus, it's a higher risk every year, 10% in 10 years or does it really stay at 0.5-1.% risk every single year? Is it a question of waiting until it becomes firstly pre and then cancerous or is this too simplistic? If so what time scale would this be if this is at all possible to say?

Can the hatial hernia be treated so the esophogus is not constantly being covered in acid?

I've read that barretts is irreversible , is this the case? Will additional GERD make the barretts worse?

I'm taking 80mg pantaprozole daily (last 6 weeks) and so far the reflux seem to be if anything worse

I'm new to this illness, I'd be happy if anyone could give me some dietary tips or anything else which may be of assistance

Best of luck to my fellow sufferers 

1 like, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • clare71892
    clare71892 mattengl

    Posted

    Hi, I can't be any help but similar circumstances, I get the results of my biopsy next week. He said mine was short too. I've also got the hernia but esophragitus too. Im 43 years old. Mine is silent reflux. Worse still I have also got family history of esophageal cancer, both my mom and nan.My mom has got a huge operation next week removing esophagus and some of her stomach, so I am very worried for her and scared for me also. As per your post,I hope its not accumulative, I hadn't even thought about that. I will be watching this discussion closely.

    Clare x

  • jeanette91263
    jeanette91263 mattengl

    Posted

    Sorry you seem to be really worried. Could I suggest that you make an appointment with your doctor as you have a lot of questions. I suffer from Barretts oesophagus and the doctor has given me a new medicine. I am sure there must be support groups for Barretts oesophagus but I am new to patient.info so I am just finding my feet. I have asked two questions in the forum and both were answered so I hope you get many replies but I think really seeing the doctor especially if he is a caring person would be able to advise and answer all your questions. Sorry I can't be more helpful
  • larraine24877
    larraine24877 mattengl

    Posted

    Hi matteng & other respondents

    Dont despair too much, I like you was diagnosed through scope and then Consultant said he wasnt sure that I had barretts, however, i did pursue as I was getting lots of discomfort, but not as I thought related to acid reflux, as I had no signs of this only difficulty in digesting and stomach pain  and I knew my symptons were getting worse very quickly.  Having had a further 3 scopes and various other tests (by the way I had to be very persistent with the Consultant to get him to progress further tests.  Unfortunately I think as the NHS is cutting back they are reluctant to do lots more tests and would prefer to give medication and wait further scheduled scope tests to see if anything has progressed, which is fine for them, but not the likes of us who are suffering, concerned and trying to delay the potential onslaught of anything more sinister.

    I would keep following up with your GP, mine was very supportive and organised lots more tests for me, but as others will tell you anxiety exaserbates the problem, so the more you can take it in your stride the better, follow a good diet, and really stick with it, as you will find increasingly the wrong foodstuffs and drinks will cause more problems.

    I have found the forum brilliant and discovered lots of helpful remedies and supportive information so keep in touch through this link.

    Best wishes 

    L

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.