Intestinal metaplacia at gastrojunction

The difficulty with diagnosing Barrett's is there's no definitive concensus as to its definition with different countries defining it in different ways. Generally speaking, though, Intestinal Metaplasia is considered to be Barrett's. There can be confusion, however, as to whether the biopsies originated above or below the z-line (Oesophago-Gastro Junction). Metaplastic cells on the stomach side of the junction don't count; the cells need to be from the oesophagus.

About 40% of patients with Barrett's report never having experienced heartburn. However, it is reflux of acid and bile that causes the cellular changes.

The normal management is to use PPIs (eg lansoprazole) at the lowest requisite dose for the shortest necessary time. For those with Barrett's, that can be for life.

The drugs reduce acid so any reflux is less dangerous. They may not help reduce the reflux and it sounds as if you are adapting lifestyle to do that.

It's also very probable that the PPI drugs reduce risks of Barrett's becoming cancer. (Chances of that are very low anyway - but that's why you're offered regular surveillance every few years. )

30mg omeprazole is the low, maintenance, dose. Many people need to take 60mg (or even more). If you are experiencing burning in the throat, it indicates acid is reaching it. You could try doubling up your medication for  couple of weeks to see if that solves it and then dropping back to the manitenance dose.

Fundoplication would reduce the reflux. It won't remove the metaplastic cells but it is something you may want to discuss with your doctor. I had the operation 8 years ago and my quality of life changed dramtically - nd I no longer need medication.

I still get scoped every few years but my 3cm of Barrett's has remained unchanged for at least 22 years.

Hey dhimi29434 please don't worry, there is a soloution, I was diagnosed with Barretts 20 years ago after numerous test and biopsies, terrible stomache pains I was put on Lanzoprosole, and was soon given a fundoplication, the best thing medically I have ever had 100% successful, after the operation the recovery was more uncomfortable than painful, I was up and about one week later, I would recomend this to anyone suffering with GORD, or Barretts, didn't need the lasoprozle 6 months after this! never had it since, I went back a year later and the Barretts had completely dissappeared! never had any problems with relux ever since, the only problem is it's very diffcult to vomit.....if thats a problem then so be it.

If you can have this operation, I would say unresevedly go for it, so worth it, you lose weight too as you can only swallow small amounts of food for a while afterwards, go for it, you won't look back. All the best, take and please don't worry.

P.S. I still get very, very occassionaly flare up of Gastrisis, nothing a pain killer can't sort out, but it's very, very rare maybe once a year for 10 minutes.