Barretts Esophagus -- ADVICE-HELP

[tic-toc]

I have just been diagnosed as having Barretts Esophagus, how, many of the forum members have this , and could offer me some advice or comments to help me come to terms with my situation and what to expect for the future .... MANY THANKS ..

[af]

Originally posted by tic-toc
I have just been diagnosed as having Barretts Esophagus, how, many of the forum members have this , and could offer me some advice or comments to help me come to terms with my situation and what to expect for the future .... MANY THANKS ..

I remember when I was diagnosed. I broke out in a sweat and immediately started having chest pain. It is traumatic when you think of the possibilities, isn't it?

My best advice is RELAX. Have an endoscopy every year or so (whatever your doc recommends, basically), take the medicine they recommend, and get on with your life. This is a common problem, frankly, and we would not be so aware of it, were it not for the frequency of endoscopy. While some progress, it is a very small percentage, and the bulk of those with it experience no progression and no problems.

I am not trying to downplay this, just trying to help you gain a perspective, because from personal experience, I know that when you first receive this diagnosis, it feels like a death sentence. It isn't, IMHO.

[LSAT]

Originally posted by tic-toc
I have just been diagnosed as having Barretts Esophagus, how, many of the forum members have this , and could offer me some advice or comments to help me come to terms with my situation and what to expect for the future .... MANY THANKS ..

Just don't panic over the barretts. Treat it as GERD (that's what has caused it). Change your lifestyle and diet, take your meds, and have another endoscopy in a year to see if the barretts has progressed. You didn't say so, but I hope the barretts was diagnosed by a biopsy and not just visually. There are many false barretts diagnosis given on the basis of a visual observation. The only true diagnosis is by biopsy.

[daw]

Both AF and LSAT are correct. After you get really stresssed out you learn there are many different options available for you depending on just how far advanced your Barrett's is. Some people opt for surgery or Photodynamic Therapy while others just stay on meds. A GERD diet should always be adhered to as well as regularly scheduled endoscopies. Do your research and read all the sites... when you calm down you'll realize it's just another chronic problem that you must deal with. Get familiar with all the types of Barrett's (long segment, short segment, no dysplasia, indeterminate dysplasia, low grade dysplasia and high grade dysplasia). Know what you have and always get copies of your biopsies!