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Barrett's esophagus: What to expect?

Posted by jobycat @jobycat, Oct 23, 2023

I was diagnosed by borland groover a few years ago. The first biopsy was clean, but now I am having a sore throat and pain swallowing sometimes. I dont want to go back to the Doc. The PA just tells me not to eat spicy food. Not helping my homelife

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aheid | @aheid | Oct 24, 2023

Barrett's esophagus is an area where cancer cells can form. You'd better have it checked on a regular basis. My husband had it and about twelve years ago and had an ablation to remove it. Eventually it came back and this June he had an esophagectomy—cancer in the cardia area (where the esophagus enters the stomach). Be wise and stay on top of it—spicy food or not.

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riflemanz64 | @riflemanz64 | Oct 24, 2023

I was diagnosed with BE in 2018, I then went on a strict low acid diet which is not fun but it’s better than getting cancer. No soda booze or carbonated drinks. No Mexican, Italian or Spicy foods. No fast fried foods or citrus. Cut out all spices. Drink alkaline water, unsweetened almond milk. You can buy low acid coffee on Amazon but don’t drink too much. Eat chicken breast fresh veggies. Limit processed foods. You should be on a ppi to lower acid production. My last 2 scopes the BE was gone! So get on board with your new diet and your family will lose weight and feel better.

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1 reply
mrgvw | @mrgvw | Oct 24, 2023

Ok... sounds like you've had an official Barrett's diagnosis. Not great, but definitely NOT yet cancer. So you definitely stay monitored. Should future endoscopies and/or biopsies show a progression towards low or high grade dysplasia... then esophageal cancer is just around the corner. It's been awhile since I've looked up the stats for who develops EC... but I was thinking maybe less than half for those who have Barrett's... but maybe near 70%(?) for those with high grade dysplasia. So... you keep an eye on things!!

In the meantime, if your tummy is giving you problems... yes, take certain meds (omeprazole, and maybe some gaviscon before bedtime)... and sleep a tad elevated to help you avoid night time reflux. And make a few diet changes as necessary. Just the fact that you are feeling what you are is a good thing... most can not tell things are going on inside.

Remember... maybe EC is never coming for you, which would be wonderful. But... if it does come, you can progress to stage 4 rather quickly.... and that is no Bueno!!

Be well,

Gary

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jobycat | @jobycat | Oct 24, 2023

Thanks, I am scared of the EC. I will make a new appt. I blew off borland groover last week. I just hate going expecting bad news.

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Lori57216 | @lori57216 | Oct 25, 2023

Some excellent advice above!!!! Good luck & God bless!!!!

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seapen | @seapen | Oct 26, 2023
In reply to @riflemanz64 "I was diagnosed with BE in 2018, I then went on a strict low acid diet..." + (show)
@riflemanz64

I was diagnosed with BE in 2018, I then went on a strict low acid diet which is not fun but it’s better than getting cancer. No soda booze or carbonated drinks. No Mexican, Italian or Spicy foods. No fast fried foods or citrus. Cut out all spices. Drink alkaline water, unsweetened almond milk. You can buy low acid coffee on Amazon but don’t drink too much. Eat chicken breast fresh veggies. Limit processed foods. You should be on a ppi to lower acid production. My last 2 scopes the BE was gone! So get on board with your new diet and your family will lose weight and feel better.

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So true. The changes are hard, but it is worth it.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 31, 2023

@jobycat, did you get the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus confirmed? Did you have an endoscopy?

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