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?

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cdrake | @cdrake | Feb 13, 2020

Hi! I was told 3 years ago after an endoscope that I have Barrett’s disease and would need to have biopsies AFTER I got through some other health issues... when that was discovered we were actually looking for blood loss, my hemoglobin was a 5. Anyway, had a hysterectomy and then a blood clot. Never went back for the biopsies... I don’t understand why he didn’t biopsy at the time. Anyway 3 years later I’m having some trouble swallowing and some other issues that I thought were related to my hashimotos. How concerned should I be?

Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Feb 13, 2020

Hello @cdrake,
I moved your message and combined it with this existing discussion as I thought it would be beneficial for you to meet the many members who are discussing Barrett’s esophagus. Simply click VIEW & REPLY in your email notification to find your post.

I also encourage you to visit the "Gastroenterology & GI Surgery Page” on Connect, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/
where you can browse through newsfeed posts from Mayo Clinic experts, and learn more about Barrett’s esophagus. Here are some videos that might interest you:
– Barrett’s Esophagus – Risk of Recurrence after Endoscopic Therapy https://mayocl.in/2L3bGiU
– Breath Test for Esophagogastric Cancer https://mayocl.in/2SG8Owq
– Esophageal Self Dilation Therapy: An Effective Alternative https://mayocl.in/39IgHbJ

riflemanz64 | @riflemanz64 | Feb 13, 2020

In reply to @cdrake "Hi! I was told 3 years ago after an endoscope that I have Barrett’s disease and..." + (show)

That's really scary when your hemoglobin hit 5 i bet! When mine hit 7, my heart started to pound out of my chest and i thought i was having a heart attack. I had a bleeding ulcer that needed to be cauterized to stop the blood loss and that's when they found my Barrett's.
Like what was said to you, get another upper endoscope with biopsies. Make sure you tell your GI Dr. to do that. Swallowing problems need to be looked at. Good Luck and let us know the results!

cdrake | @cdrake | Feb 13, 2020

Thank you! Are you being treated for Barrett’s or what did they do?

riflemanz64 | @riflemanz64 | Feb 13, 2020

In reply to @cdrake "Thank you! Are you being treated for Barrett’s or what did they do?" + (show)

I’m on a low acid diet and am very strict with it. I have zero issues with gerd or Barrett’s. My next endoscopy is in Oct 2020 and hopefully it’s stable.

riflemanz64 | @riflemanz64 | Feb 13, 2020

Cdrake, did your GI doc put you on a low acid diet?

cdrake | @cdrake | Feb 13, 2020

No. But I have really changed my diet on my own....

riflemanz64 | @riflemanz64 | Feb 14, 2020

I would ask him or her why no mention of a low acid diet?

candrgonzalez | @candrgonzalez | Feb 14, 2020

Hi. I am going through the same thing as you and have the same questions. I do have an appt this coming week and hopefully my GI will give me some answers. I will let you know about my visit.