Barrett’s esophagus

Posted by jvanstratten @jvanstratten, Mar 22, 2018

Looking for info and help with Barret’s esophagus. I can’t figure out just how serious this is. I have read way too much online! I don’t really know how strict my diet really has to be. It is really stressful-. Does anyone here have it? And exactly how serious is it?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Esophageal Cancer Support Group.

As mentioned bf by @riflemanz64 , reading the book, Acid Watcher Diet, has proven to be a life changer for anyone suffering with BE, and not wanting to be on meds. Since everyone is different, though, it would at least be worth looking into. It's only $13-something on Amazon and it is and has already been changing three people's lives that I know, and they haven't even finished the book yet!

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@graceandpeace

As mentioned bf by @riflemanz64 , reading the book, Acid Watcher Diet, has proven to be a life changer for anyone suffering with BE, and not wanting to be on meds. Since everyone is different, though, it would at least be worth looking into. It's only $13-something on Amazon and it is and has already been changing three people's lives that I know, and they haven't even finished the book yet!

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You’re going to find out info about foods that your Dr. doesn’t even mention. So much good info!

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@riflemanz64

You’re going to find out info about foods that your Dr. doesn’t even mention. So much good info!

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Please describe the author or agency who is the author of the "Acid Watchers....." Thank you

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Jonathan Aviv MD FACS surgeon
Clinical professor of otolaryngology Icahn school of medicine Mount Sinai NY
Info at acidwatcher.com

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@syl1

<p>BE and intestinal metaplasia the same thing. I got a letter saying I have precancerous cell changes. When I went to my GI he said basically I have intestinal metsplasia where my cells resembles the cells in my intestines and that hes not too worried. My PCP said what they are trying to do is prevent BE. When I read online its saying they are both the same thing. I'm confused.</p>

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I was diagnosed with intestinal metaplasia in June 2018. I had a follow up in February and I'm scheduled for a follow up in 3 years. Can someone help me on how to manage this, I was put on dexilant. My regurgitation flares up sometimes but for most times I'm just bloated.

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@syl1

<p>BE and intestinal metaplasia the same thing. I got a letter saying I have precancerous cell changes. When I went to my GI he said basically I have intestinal metsplasia where my cells resembles the cells in my intestines and that hes not too worried. My PCP said what they are trying to do is prevent BE. When I read online its saying they are both the same thing. I'm confused.</p>

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@syl1 understanding the terms in a pathology report can be confusing. I found this article by the American Cancer Society that explains the differences when a report of Barrett’s esophagus mentions dysplasia.

- Understanding Your Pathology Report: Barrett’s Esophagus (With or Without Dysplasia) https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/tests/understanding-your-pathology-report/esophagus-pathology/barrets-esophagus.html

Here's an excerpt:
What if my report mentions Barrett’s esophagus and dysplasia?
Sometimes the cells of Barrett’s esophagus become more abnormal. This is called dysplasia. Dysplasia is a pre-cancer. Although the cells are abnormal, they do not have the ability to spread to other sites. This condition can be treated.

I encourage to read the full article. There's a load of information in it and will help you know what questions to ask at you next appointment.

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<p>BE and intestinal metaplasia the same thing. I got a letter saying I have precancerous cell changes. When I went to my GI he said basically I have intestinal metsplasia where my cells resembles the cells in my intestines and that hes not too worried. My PCP said what they are trying to do is prevent BE. When I read online its saying they are both the same thing. I'm confused.</p>

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@syl1

<p>BE and intestinal metaplasia the same thing. I got a letter saying I have precancerous cell changes. When I went to my GI he said basically I have intestinal metsplasia where my cells resembles the cells in my intestines and that hes not too worried. My PCP said what they are trying to do is prevent BE. When I read online its saying they are both the same thing. I'm confused.</p>

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@syl1, I moved your questions about Barrett’s esophagus and intestinal metaplasia to this existing discussion about BE. Click VIEW & REPLY to read through the past posts that I think you will find informative.

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@graceandpeace

As mentioned bf by @riflemanz64 , reading the book, Acid Watcher Diet, has proven to be a life changer for anyone suffering with BE, and not wanting to be on meds. Since everyone is different, though, it would at least be worth looking into. It's only $13-something on Amazon and it is and has already been changing three people's lives that I know, and they haven't even finished the book yet!

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Friday is my 30th day on the healing diet from the book. I'm down to 175#
I donated a pint of blood and my BP was 117/69.
I feel really healthy with 0 acid reflux issues. I see my GI doc on Wednesday for a check up. I'm looking forward to a cup of low acid coffee! This book has given me a lot of great info and recipes.

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It is serious business. I was diagnosed with 8cm of Barrett's at the age of 32 and told I was 30 yrs ahead of the game. What ensued is 26yrs of yearly trips to Endoscopy for biopsies because Barrett's can be pre-cancerous. I had terrible reflux even after a Nissan at the age of 34. I was also told no acid can touch my esophagus so I was high dose PPIs like prevacid. The progression is Barrett's, low grade dysplasia, high grade dysplasia then cancer. My brother's neighbor developed esophageal cancer because he ignored his Drs. Now it has metastasized.
5 yrs ago mine began to change to low grade dysplasia. I've since had 5 esophageal ablations or what I like to call burn and scrapes. I've got 2cm of Barrett's left. Normal esophageal tissue grows back In Jan 2019 I had another hiatal hernia repair, a reversal of the Nissan from 24 yrs ago b/c the wrap slipped and a LYNX band placed around the lower esophageal sphyncter. And voila I am reflux free for the 1st time. I go back for ablation number 6 at the end of October.
In hindsight if I had known about the ability to burn away the Barrett's I would have done it much sooner before the Barrett's started to change but my GI at the time didn't do them and he never mentioned the procedure. I later also learned to take high dose B12 like methylcobalime b/c your body won't absorb it from your food when on PPIs. Long term use of PPIs can cause a host of issues down the road.

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