Barrett’s esophagus

Yeah, I’ve been thinking the same.
Thank you

Is it reflux or bile you seem to choke on?
I only ask because you didn't mention whether or not you battle with GERD.
I have Achalasia as well as upper esophageal hypertension which is basically esophageal spasms in a much higher level.
My swallowing issue is mainly with liquid or very thin foods. If I don't cut myself off at least 4 hours prior to sleeping then that liquid (sits there due to spasm) will come back up and will cause me to choke and even aspirate into my lungs.
Not sure if any of this relates to you but I thought I'd share.

I have no idea which, I’m asleep. I dream something is chocking me, it wakes me up because I am, then I start coughing like crazy.
I often throw up in my mouth and occasionally it is bile. I don’t have a gallbladder so I don’t know if that is why.

I was told it’s stomach acid when Gerd shows up, which is really strong and that is what burns the lining. Hope this helps? Best of luck.

I have been undergoing endoscopy/ablation for Barrett’s with high-dysplasia for the past year. Yesterday, I had a surveillance check. Everything looked good and my next check was not going to be for six months. However, the notes said they took a biopsy using forceps of irregular shape at the z-line. How worried should I be?

Has anyone had bad effects from the ppi medicine? I’ve been told I need to take indefinitely for severe esophagus inflammation and I must admit , this worries me as it apparently can cause many unwanted effects

@jmedj55 I have been on a ppi, Lansoprazole, for at least twenty years because of GERD, to prevent Barrett’s.

Hi from Tasmania, I’m on Esomeprazole (ppi) at 60mg daily after having an esophagectomy for cancer of the esophagus, where it joins the stomach. My understanding is that chronic esophageal exposure to stomach acid ( reflux / GERD) may lead to precancerous esophageal cell changes (Barrett’s Esophagus) which then puts you at a higher risk of esophageal cancer. While long term use of ppi’s is not ideal, it is preferable to ongoing reflux. I’m trying to find out if the reported problems with long term ppi use are from the drug itself or from nutrient absorption issues due to reduced gastric acidity. My GP says we need to monitor magnesium and vitamin B12 levels but not to get too concerned otherwise. I don’t seem to have any noticeable side effects from this high dose at this stage. When you have an esophagectomy, the lower esophageal sphincter is removed - that normally acts as a barrier to contain stomach acid. Many, probably most esophagectomy patients are on long term ppi’s at high doses.

Barrett’s is serious as it is precancerous. The seriousness depends upon whether dysplasia is present, and whether it is high or low dysplasia. I just went through 15 months of endoscopies with ablation, at three month intervals. I was on 40 mgs of omeprazole, twice a day. After my last endoscopy, everything looks good. I have graduated to six-month surveillance, and my omeprazole has dropped to once a day.

Ask your doctor about dysplasia and segment length. Barrett’s is serious as it is considered precancerous. Do not ignore it.

I basically went through the same thing and you’re absolutely correct ! 40mg of Omeprazole daily for myself. Good information thanks.