Hi All, I've had Barrett's for yrs and have had HALO 5 times, so far

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Barrett's runs in my family. My Great Grandfather, mother, me and my sister have it...and now my nephew and my son are suffering from Barrett's symptoms.

I've got a fantastic Gastrointestinal surgeon and have had the H.A.L.O. procedure 5 times. I sleep sitting up and do everything I can to fight Barrett's. I was diagnosed over 25 yrs ago. I still stuffer flare ups while sleeping I slide down or lean over....and I Hate it! I'd love to hear from others and how they deal with this monster.

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5 Replies

  • Posted

    The symptoms are acid refluxing which caused your Barrett's.

    The "HALO" radio frequency ablation will remove the Barrett's but not the cause and the acid refluxing may cause Barrett's to reform.

    Barrett's is a change of cells from squamous, like dominoes lying down, to columnar, like dominoes standing on end. These cells present a smaller surface area (the end of the domino) for acid attack and move the pain centres further away from the acid so you actually perceive less pain with Barrett's.

    These Barrett's cells are actually protecting you from the acid but are an untrustworthy friend as they have the ability to mutate (topple) via dysplasia to cancer - which is why regular surveillance every few years is essential.

    You need to reduce the acid and the reflux. I assume you are taking PPIs to reduce the acid and some lifestyle changes to reduce the reflux.

    If you are unable to control the reflux by the nmormal lifestyle measures, you may wish to consider reflux reduction surgery (Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication).

  • Posted

    Do you take PPIs, like omeprazol?
    • Posted

      Hi, I take 40mg of Zegerid twice a day and 300mg of Zantac twice a day. I've had Barrett's for 10 yrs now and have had 4 Halo procedures. I have an upcoming esophagus biopsy soon. Barrett's runs in my mother's family. I'm thankful I have a great specialist!
  • Posted

    Hi Roxie

    Just out of interest how old are your nephew and son?  It seems like barrett's runs in my family.  My brother and I have it  but now my son who is only 26 has been diagnosed with Barrett's.  i am very worried about him.  he is not taking it seriously but even if he did what are his chances if he has been diagnosed with it at the age of 26???

    • Posted

      Hi! My son is 40 now and nephew is 32. My son started having symptoms at 30ish. He didn't take it seriously either back then

      He was overweight and ate what he wanted. Then one night he woke up in the night not being able to breath and throwing up acid. Since then he lost 90 pounds, walks and is careful what he eats. Also he sleeps up on pillows. He's not one to see a dr but I'm working on that. He's taking 2 over the counter acid meds 24/7.

      My husband and I got a twin-king Tempur-pedic adjustable bed because I can't sleep laying flat.

      I hope the best for your son. My nephew is working on losing weight...but not real successful so far.

      I think anyone with symptoms needs to follow drs orders with Barrett's. It's nothing to fool around with. I think with young people they have to hit bottom before they take it seriously. Goodluck...Rox

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