Barrett's Esophagus at 37 :(

Omperazole is available over the counter. I take 40 mg 1/2 before breakfast.

Food makes all the difference! I have had cancer twice and multiple infections, weakening my immune system. Please buy, read and use BEATING CANCER WITH NUTRITION by Patrick Quillin. It is available on Amaxon. It will be the game changer. I followed this book religiously with all the meds and recommendations from my doctors. It saved my life 28 years ago. God speed.

I was diagnosed with BE about 7 years ago at age 65. I’d not had any sort of acid reflux or GERD, but my dad had BE and had trouble swallowing as he got older. My doctor prescribed pantoprazole but I also have chronic SIBO so don’t want to suppress stomach acid for any length of time. I did some research and found some interesting studies on melatonin and esophageal health, so started taking 10 mg every night. I also take a spoonful of Reflux Gourmet when needed. Long story short: I no longer take the pantoprazole and the BE is gone.

@shifa47 and all... Hello, from one lady who has reflux for a couple of decades, undiagosed naturally until in my 60s and started Prilosec with excellent results... ADDED to a serious change in my food lifestyle. Actually, I suppose I began changing my food intake and choices long before the diagnosis, in order to stop the symptoms if possible. It was kind of... I learned quickly what was good for me to eat, what to avoid. My first serious episode of reflux was after salad with dressing. I wasn't able to swallow, breath, thought I was going to vomit, did throw up in my throat, and it burned. I stood over the sink for an hour unable to do anything... couldn't get help, was alone, scared, huge amounts of saliva poured out of my mouth. eyes watering, throat burning, choking... get the horrid picture. I was then diagnosed and began a different lifestyle. Manageable but do have to be watchful. No 'just this once' ...

I was diagnosed with Barrett' s Esophagus a couple years ago during an endoscopy with biopsy. Also have had a couple of balloon stretches the last few years to ease the swallowing issue and improve reflux symptoms. The doctors took out the nasty cells during the biopsy, and I've done quite well since.

No fear here. Yes, I'm not 79 and have many other health issues to take my attention from this. It's manageable. It's not cancer. It's pre-cancer... an alert to the coming event if you ignore the symptoms. Solution: don't ignore the symptoms. Deal with what is happening every day as your wise instincts show you and move forward.

You are strong and will handle this just fine ... you have young children, so you can handle anything!

For me, NO Vinegar or dressings or other goodies with it. It will cause a serious flare for me and I'm at ER. Basically, avoid heavy spices. In any way. I add small amount of black pepper for flavor, no salt but was off salt when pregnant 60 years ago and never went back to it. No strong spices. Chili without the red pepper and limited beans, limited tomatoes. I can eat fresh tomatoes, but don't for other reasons, but never cooked tomatoes. Simplify your life, your eating, your food. Definitly eat several small, small as in only salad plate use from now on - serving of whatever. Steamed, cooked veggies, that have little acid. You can figure that out.

Green tea is great in lots of ways health-wise. I drink 1-2 cups of good coffee every morning, but never after noon. It's best to limit caffeine, in tea and coffee. Interestingly, often hot teas cause me problems. No Mexican, Latin, Italian as Mediterranean only - I can't eat cooked tomatoes, basically eat a simplified, non-preservative, not anything added food diet and you will be a happy mom.. Not bad in lots of ways for the kids as well...

I know you will do well. Focus that mind, your energy and yourself on those children and your family, putting yourself first when needed to give you the health and energy to do for them. It's not a hard future if you begin at this age and hopefully avoid the additional things I now deal with... Have a happy, long, positive life with your body appreciating your good changes.
Blessings, elizabeth

@ess77 Thank you so much for such a detailed message and advice. Actually, few months back I had the same episode you just mentioned. We usually go to one gluten free thai place for years and went as my son wanted to go there for his birthday, I came home and My stomach was hurting so bad. I almost collapsed on bathroom floor and I was stuck where I couldn’t throw up and the feeling of it, so I finally had 1-2 sips of 7up and the sink was full, my hair, my face and the pain in my throat due to burning. Finally I felt relief after throwing up. I got so mad that they might didn’t make the food gluten free today. But we didn’t go back after that. So maybe that was also this. I’m just so scared. I used to drink alot of soda and spicy food too. Right now I’m getting strict with my diet and nothing at all no caffine, no soda, nothing from outside, but its so hatd and it breaks me too to see ppl young my age enjoy all food and M being celiac for 10 years and now this. I will for sure try my best to stay safe and live for kids till they are grown up adults.

@bapetersen that is amazing to hear. I just started Prilosec on my own as of right now till my dr prescribes me something

@riflemanz64 i also started 2 days ago, 1 in morning before breakfast

@shifa47 wow, some tough times ! For different reasons, some changes had to be made in my diet…i had some trial and error but gradually found a way to eat that works and that I can enjoy : simple foods, simply fixed, small amounts. Hydrate properly. Wish you and other posters here all the best.