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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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vlf | @vlf | Nov 17, 2025

I was diagnosed with hiatal hernia and Barrett last year. Hiatal was only 1 CM and Barrett was without Phasia. I have taken three different type of prescription GERD meds. Nothing works. I try my best to figure out diet. There are obvious foot that is a no no for me: tomato sauce, spicy foods, green peppers and chocolate and eating before bedtime. Those foods will upset me for days I find a banana which I don’t like works tremendously. Especially if I have a flare up. I smart the point to stop meds? Why continue to take them when I obviously don’t think they are working. I think the Gaviscon liquid works pretty good on flare ups. The dr says he will do another Endoscopy next year. I think I may ask for it to be done asap.
My question how soon was your endoscopy repeated after being diagnosed with Barrett non phasia?
Thank you and I wish everyone good health.

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bapetersen | @bapetersen | Nov 17, 2025
In reply to @vlf "@bapetersen what dosage for melatonin? Thank you" + (show)
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@bapetersen what dosage for melatonin? Thank you

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@vlf
I take 10 mg each night. It’s important to find a high-quality brand - I use Natrol Fast Dissolve.

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marjoriem | @marjoriem | Nov 17, 2025
In reply to @khowe2000 "@riccid in a similar relationship with the GI who performed my recent upper and lower scopes...." + (show)
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@riccid in a similar relationship with the GI who performed my recent upper and lower scopes. I won't call her my DR. for multiple reasons. Diagnoses were: GERD, 2 cm hiatal hernia, and Barrett's Espohagus Stage C0-M2. I was already on 40mg omeprazole, so only recommendation is follow up endoscopy in 5 years. What caused me to push back is I have a first degree relative who died from esophageal cancer; diagnosed and died within 2 months, granted, he did not go to the DR. We know it is a brutal disease. WHY in the world would I wait 5 years to get another scope?? WHY can we not do something proactive? If this were YOU, dear DR, would you not request a different path? Not to mention, this does not address the abdominal pain that I have nearly daily, that prompted my primary to send me for the scopes. I will be changing primaries beginning of next year, and trying to find an Internalist who cares enough to view my WHOLE health picture - I also have MGUS diagnosis and have full bloodwork screening every 6 months so that is helpful at least. Our system is so broken. I hope you can get someone who be more proactive for you.

*edit -- after 10-15 minutes or so of research, I find this A Toupet or “Partial” Fundoplication could be helpful for me, repairing my hiatal hernia and reducing acid reflux, and oh, btw, maybe while in there do something about that small segment of BE -- or maybe then we won't need to worry about that in the future. I'm not a DR, I don't know, but WHY WAS THERE NOTHING MENTIONED about possible surgeries or other remedies that could help improve my health for the future? Insanity, that's what our health care system is right now.
I will be seeing a new GI DR in the new year. Would love to hear from any one else with a Barrett's diagnoses with a first-degree relative with esophageal cancer history as well, and treatment or monitoring plan.

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@khowe2000 Find another GI doctor asap. I had GERD, and hiatal hernia, and was on 40mg of omeprazole. the strong strength of the omeprazole caused severe constipation so I had to get off of it. My acid reflux was horrible and it got to the point that I could hardly eat anything that didn't cause the acid reflux. Long story short, I had Hiatal hernia repair and esophageal valve repair surgery this past March. It is called the TIF procedure with hiatal hernia repair. I had two surgeons do the surgery. The worst part of the surgery is post surgery because of the liquid diet/soft food diet for 6-8 weeks but it was well worth it! I am back to my normal diet and I am off of all acid reflux meds and no longer have any acid reflux. Good luck to you!

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