Barrett esophagus

[execz1]

I like to share experiences with individuals with Barrett esophagus. I am newly diagnosed man in his early eighties and currently suffer no particular symptoms. I am concerned for this condition could become esophagus cancer in 5% to 10% of patients diagnosed with such condition. I am seeking to learn from those that have the condition and either progressed to cancer or remained unchanged and time frame for either case since diagnosis.

[Threecats]

Hello execz1

I’m sorry to hear of your diagnosis but this is a forum for people suffering from heart arrhythmias, so you are unlikely to get many responses here.

I’ve had a quick search on Health unlocked and see there is a forum for folk suffering from oesophageal problems. I’m sorry, I don’t know how to link to another forum but I’ve included a link to a post on that forum, so if you click on the link it’ll take you there and you’ll be able to join them and re-post your query.

healthunlocked.com/oesophag...

All the best to you.

[Ppiman]

My daughter-in-law's friend, now well into his 80s, has this and has been well for very many years taking PPI medicines.

Steve

[Catlady56]

You have come through to the wrong forum for your condition, this is a heart forum, as stated by another responder, however coincidentally my husband has had barretts which was treated with radio frequency ablation. He was told it was very unlikely to progress to oesophageal cancer, but after three years it did just that. He was then treated with chemo and radiotherapy as the Ivor Lewis operation didn't appeal to him at all. Year on he is still in remission. He was in early sixties when first diagnosed with barretts, but had been both a tobacco smoker, cannabis smoker and excessive drinker. Good luck.

[Hdev]

after an endoscopy 20 years ago I was diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus,,,began taking omeprazole and adjusting my diet to avoid GERD as much as possible,,,no spicy food,limited caffeine,not much citrus etc,,,I have had repeat endoscopies to keep track every 2-3 years since,,,I am now 75 and have developed polyps in my stomach lining,,,have some out for biopsy with every endoscopy,,,a few pre cancer,,,all I can do is be mindful and have the doctors keep track of me,,,the worst thing I ever did was skip the endoscopy due during the pandemic,,,held off an extra 18 months,,but got back on track last summer,,,IF cancer were to be a problem at some point,,at least it will be caught early,,,you do what you can,,,And trust you’re ok,,,can’t spend your life on the “what if’s” cause they certainly may never happen,,,my afib and my pacemaker and my arthritis are there too,,,,after all,, I got Old! Rest easy,,,,you’re one of us!

[Desanthony]

I have a small area of barretts but it is and has never caused me any problems - yet. This was found back in 2018 and not had any follow up as I suppose it is not necessary. Now we are almost back to normal with Doctor's appointments etc I may think about a follow up check. It was found when being investigated for a different matter. Now you know you have it and your GP knows you have it you can have treatment and it should mean you will get seen sooner if you complain of more or worsening symptoms before it becomes - that is, if it ever becomes cancerous.