<br><br><br><br><br>Hello. Acid reflux can occur without any feeling to alert you. Mine burned <br>me badly, at first I thought I must have cancer or something. I complained to <br>drs for years, but none suggested I may have GERD (acid reflux). Even my <br>pulmonologists never thought about it. The Mayo did a cat scan and found that my <br>esophagus was corroding. When that happens, one stands a chance of it turning <br>cancerous. I followed their treatment plan and it has cleared up.  Hope <br>this helps, -Terri.<br> <br><br>

@beatitnow, at about month four of the three drugs it was like a volcano erupted and my reflux got really bad. I personally never had or have any burning but the reflux was coming up to my throat (and the endoscopy also showed I have a sliding hernia, hence the reflux coming up easier) so all I ever did was clear my throat constantly it seemed. And that had never happened before. So that was my issue but I know everyone is so different. Hope that helps. Nan

@windwalker....Hi Terri, would it be possible to post what Mayo's treatment plan was for your acid reflux? Or is it too much?

I had my endoscopy...I am waiting on biopsy results but they took a biopsy to see if a small part of my lining is Barrett's. Did they diagnose you with Barrett's, Terri? Thank you for your help!

<br><br><br><br><br>Hello. My endoscope revealed the onset of Barrett's, and a scan showed some <br>corrosion from the acid. Treatment was Omeprazole 40 mg 30 mins to an hr before <br>eating, no alcohol, no food or drink except water three hrs before bed. (alcohol <br>is really bad for Barrett's) Suggested propping up head of bed 6" so that you <br>are tilted so that uses gravity to keep your stomach acid down in your stomach. <br>I did all except for raising my bed. I sleep on two pillows, but they say that <br>isn't good enough. I am an interior designer so the thought of seeing a tilted <br>bed really bothered me. If I had continued to have issue with the reflux; I <br>would have done it anyway. I have not experienced the intense burning since <br>I went on this regimen. I also avoided acidic food and drink for awhile to allow <br>my esophagus to heal. I have Googled the treatment plan and it is pretty <br>standard. Hope this helped.<br> <br><br>

@windwalker....Thank you Terri. I got my results back today and it was Barretts. 🙁 I never have had any intense burning to make me think I had acid reflux.....I only got tested because so many MAC/MAI patients have acid reflux. So scary if I never got tested!

Did your doctor have any other encouraging words about Barretts....like if you take this PPI you should be fine? Do you need to get an endoscope every 3 years? That is what my brother in law has to do. He has had Barretts for 15 years.

Lastly, did they tell you to follow any certain diet? Or avoid certain foods? Thank you so much!

<br><br><br><br><br>So sorry to hear your diagnosis. I do not have full on Barretts, but I was <br>beginning to have it; therefore, no, I do not need to be retested every three <br>months. Was told to avoid drinking alcohol or drink sparingly, do not eat or <br>drink anything except water three hrs prior to bedtime, and raise the head of my <br>bed 6". Barretts can be very dangerous as it can lead to esophageal cancer. I <br>would learn all that I could about it and be sure to be mindful of caring for <br>it. You can Google a wealth of info about it to find out which foods may <br>aggravate the condition. I avoided acid foods like citrus, tomatoe sauce, coke, <br>things like that; that might irritate my throat further. I had open corrosion <br>going on. It has since healed. Take care of yourself, Terri M.<br> <br><br>

@beatitnow and @windwalker,
We have a number of members talking about Barrett's esophagus in the Digestive group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/digestive-gastrointestinal-problems/).

You may wish to check out these discussions:
- Acid Reflux and its Symptoms http://mayocl.in/2mcv8vh
- Intestional metaplasia and Barrett esophagus http://mayocl.in/2bVTPwm
- Barrett's esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease and acute gastritis http://mayocl.in/2aSjxzJ
- Achalasia of esophagus with reflux http://mayocl.in/2cfhyny

<br><br><br><br><br>Thank you Colleen. Please don't add me to their list, I have all I can <br>attend to right now. That is not a concern of mine right now. Trying to <br>concentrate on keeping my lungs healthy at the moment.<br> <br><br>

Got it, Windwalker. I totally understand. 🙂