Barrett’s esophagus

I am sooo happy to find this forum. I am really sad about my diagnosis two weeks ago. My understanding is that while erosive esophagitis can be reversed — Barrett’s cannot. I am extra fearful because I witnessed my younger brother die of stomach cancer in his mid 30s (non drinker, non smoker, healthy and fit while eating organic and having a six pack abs etc — when he complained of stomach pain docs did not scope because of his age and he was treated with protonix for what they aaaimed was an ulcer. A few months later after liver pain he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and he died 3 1/2 months later).

Sooo … I’ll always have post traumatic stress from my reflux lead me to get scoped (although the docs don’t think this is related to my family history). I was recommended to have another endoscopy in 3-6 months for more extensive biopsies . So far it’s non dysplasia Barrett’s.

I’m scared but have gone full speed revision of my diet , habits, sleep at incline …

I lost my job two weeks ago (but start a new one soon luckily). I’ve been spending the last two weeks scouring the net and YouTube videos and have found a TON of great info. But I love seeing other people that have experience living with Barrett’s.

I am scared

Is “the dysplasia stage” different than “the low-grade dysplasia stage”?

I was diagnosed with gastritis w hyperplasia, reflux acid and bile, and Barrett’s 5 months ago. I had the esophagus scope after an emergency Dr recommended the scope. I was looking for answers for my burning mouth, tongue, and tooth and finally after almost 4 years found the answer to my hot burning….reflux! My reflux was silent. I did not know I was having reflux. After diagnosis I was prescribed 40 mg ppi twice daily, sucralfate 10ml before meals and at bedtime and baclofen 5 mg 4 times daily. Have tried 3 different pppi’s , first pantapazole ( ankles and lower leg swelling and pain) , Prilosec started a nuisance cough and nasal drainage for 6 weeks so took steroid dose pack to relief cough. It was like I replaced burning mouth for a nuisance cough! Now I take Nexium OTC two 20mg twice daily. It took about 30 days of treatment for my mouth burning to start improving which was not fast! My biopsy showed small squamocolumnar mucosa with small focus of intestinal metaplasia. I told the specialist something like I realize it’s a small area. He told me it was serious, it was precancer! I too am doing everything that is recommended for reflux regarding elevation of upper body, eating as recommended as to what I eat, size of meals, and when I eat. I only drink bottled water. I also take vitamin D3 and Premier Research Labs Phyto methylate which contains activated B vitamins, folate(5-MTHF) and choline which is suppose to help with Barrett’s improvement. The baclofen I take is suppose to help with the spinster to have fewer reflux events. The pppi’s don’t do anything to help with bile reflux. Pppi’s help acid reflux by stopping the acid pumps in the stomach . The sucralfate liquid coats my stomach and esophagus to protect against bile acid damage to esophagus and stomach. I read everything I can find. I recently reread my esophagus and stomach biopsy report which described the stomach and Barrett’s and listed bile reflux as a cause of gastritis and the Barrett’s so just learning about the bile reflux after 4 months of treatment for acid reflux but thankfully was taking the sucralfate which does protect my stomach and esophagus against bile damage. My family Dr told me Barrett’s can’t be cured but can be improved so I am trying. My specialist retired in Dec. I have an appointment with new specialist In a week. Seems the actual specialist in my area stay busy doing procedures and have their PA deal with patients. I would rather be talking to the doctor specialist about treatments. I will be asking about the new treatments for Barrett’s. I did read where the esophagus scope should be performed 6 months after treatment started to actually see the stomach and Barrett’s tissues to see if improving with treatment. Prayers for all!

I have Barrett’s with high dysplasia, diagnosed in August 2024 via endoscopy. I since have had two endoscopies with ablation, a third next week. It looks like I will be on a three month program for the foreseeable future. Your level of dysplasia should determine how often you are monitored/treated. Once a year seems like the standard for low dysplasia. Three month treatments/monitoring for high dysplasia.

I am sooo happy to find this forum. I am really sad about my diagnosis two weeks ago. My understanding is that while erosive esophagitis can be reversed — Barrett’s cannot. I am extra fearful because I witnessed my younger brother die of stomach cancer in his mid 30s (non drinker, non smoker, healthy and fit while eating organic and having a six pack abs etc — when he complained of stomach pain docs did not scope because of his age and he was treated with protonix for what they aaaimed was an ulcer. A few months later after liver pain he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and he died 3 1/2 months later).

Sooo … I’ll always have post traumatic stress from my reflux lead me to get scoped (although the docs don’t think this is related to my family history). I was recommended to have another endoscopy in 3-6 months for more extensive biopsies . So far it’s non dysplasia Barrett’s.

I’m scared but have gone full speed revision of my diet , habits, sleep at incline …

I lost my job two weeks ago (but start a new one soon luckily). I’ve been spending the last two weeks scouring the net and YouTube videos and have found a TON of great info. But I love seeing other people that have experience living with Barrett’s.

I am scared

I was diagnosed with Barrett's as well...so i understand the scary part. I wasnt expecting that I guess? Ive had horrible reflux/gerd for years and been on many mediations for it..They work for a time than they dont. Does anyone else throw up with this? That has been happening the last several years for me but couldnt figure out what was going on. Came to my gastro here at home and she diagnosed barretts. we changed meds and hopefully that will help. good luck with yours and I hope that you feel better soon...Kim

I have Barrett’s with high dysplasia, diagnosed in August 2024 via endoscopy. I since have had two endoscopies with ablation, a third next week. It looks like I will be on a three month program for the foreseeable future. Your level of dysplasia should determine how often you are monitored/treated. Once a year seems like the standard for low dysplasia. Three month treatments/monitoring for high dysplasia.

That’s wonderful @marsha357 — did you have just one RFA? I’m scheduled for 7 to 9 total and I’ve had 4 so far.
I was also told by my doc that I would stay on prevacid forever so the Barrett’s won’t come back. The RFA gets rid of the Barrett’s segments but it doesn’t stop reflux.

@maxsproudmom I’m sorry you have Barrett’s. Question: what is EC?

Yes,I can tell when I miss a dose.