Barrett’s esophagus
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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What is the diet? I must’ve missed.
The short answer is avoid acidic foods. But also avoid any foods that you know cause you to have reflux. And take your medicine that prevents reflux.
I have to get a covid test done and then I get a EGD on Nov-19. I hope the results are good.
I hope you get good results too! I hope you don’t ever develop low grade dysplasia in your esophagus. I was supposed to get in 3 radio frequency ablations this year — but so far I haven’t had one. The first one scheduled for March was postponed until June — then postponed until august — then until October 1st — and now it’s scheduled for December! But with Covid cases rising in arkansas at an alarming rate, I don’t think I’ll be having the RFA in December. Oh well — there’s always 2021!
Good luck to you on November 19th! 🙏🤞
I developed BE after I went from the occasional cup of coffee to several every morning when I was serving it at the VA. I had it for nearly 3 years. It took sleeping slightly upright, and avoiding anything containing acid from coffee, or citrus, to tomato’s. Also no eating anything after 7 pm. I have other GI issues that require endoscopes, and ERCP’s on a regular basis so my esophagus is looked at a lot. I’m on my second year of not having any signs of BE. I was also put on PPI’s when I was first diagnosed, but that brought on being more susceptible to C-Diff, a super bug that you don’t want to get. You should read up on the chronic use of PPI’ and it’s relationship to contracting C-Diff, and it’s reoccurrence. You don’t want to trade one serious condition for another. A bland diet is boring but it doesn’t hurt as much.
@riflemanz64 Do you have Barrett's Esophagus, or what is the EGD for? I have had Barrett's but it is in remission now.
@dvdhoover I have had Barrett's for a number of years now, I think it was diagnosed in 2013. I was on a PPI, omeprazole, but never had a problem with it. I recently changed though because there is some thought that omeprazole can increase the risk of Alzheimer's so I asked my gastroenterologist if I could use something else and he put me on famotidine. I also have no signs of BE but my doctor wants me to continue with the medication to make sure it does not recur. Are you on anything now? I am thinking that maybe I don't really need to be and if I can drop a medication that is always a plus I think.
Also, I have to admit, I did not adhere at all to the recommended diet for Barrett's. I drink a few cups of coffee a day, have tomatoes, citrus, and other things that are supposed to be avoided. I guess I was just lucky to have it go away, but I've gone through many changes so who knows what might have helped my BE improve.
JK
Wow! I have never heard of Barrett’s esophagus going away or going into remission! How fortunate for both of you!
pdilly @pdilly I too am in remission from Barrett's, praying that the next scope in April is clear of Barrett's so that I need scoping once a year.
Wow! That’s amazing! Once there has been a cell change, it’s very rare for a cell to go back to normal — so whatever you’re doing, keep it up! I hope next April’s scope is clear!🙏🤞
My EGD is for BE. I hope mine has no changes.