Barretts: So I went for an endoscopy to... - Oesophageal & Gas...

Oesophageal & Gastric Cancer

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Barretts

Asherleymoco profile image
6 Replies

So I went for an endoscopy to see whether my stomach ulcer and oesophagitis had cleared up and the doctor took a biopsy and said I had Barrett’s. Anyone else been diagnosed with this and can you give me any advice?

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Asherleymoco profile image
Asherleymoco
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6 Replies
Popsic profile image
Popsic

Hi, I am sorry to hear you have Barrett's, I suffered heartburn for 20yrs +, finally when I went docs and had a scope, I was diagnosed with it too, I was put on omeprazole 80mg a day and it helped a lot. I had to have 6 monthly endoscopies at first, then after 3 yrs I was told I could have them yearly, I watched what I ate, gave up drinking alcohol completely, not that I drank much anyway, I've never smoked, but if you do it's good to give it up, if you can. Try stay away from spicy food and too much acidic food. Barrett's can lead to cancer so make sure if you don't feel right, that you get it checked out, I know that's a scary thought but it's not always a death sentence, I am 7.5 yrs post op of an Ivor Lewis, which is removal of the oesophagus and part of my stomach, as are lots of peeps on here. But remember it doesn't always turn, just be aware and take care of yourself,You can get loads of info on the net about Barrett's too, worth looking up.

Hope this helps

June

Notknowmuch profile image
Notknowmuch in reply toPopsic

My sister-in-law was diagnosed with Barrett’s for several years now. She has annual checks with gastroenterologist to monitor the barretts.

I wondered if barretts is genetic as my husband unknowingly had barretts and was only aware after being diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. He had IL op 6 months ago and is recovering well in his new normal ie: eating 6 small size meals a day.

So please watch your diet and the book Acid Diet Watcher is helpful.

Asherleymoco profile image
Asherleymoco

Hi June

I have only just been diagnosed after years of acid! I am only just getting to grips with it and am taking omeprazole 20mg once a day. I was starting to wean off it when I was told that I had Barrett’s and was back on it. I’ve never heard of an Ivor Lewis before thanks

Popsic profile image
Popsic in reply toAsherleymoco

That's good your only on 20mg, I'd have a read up on it all and just get familiar with it, 😊

Seagull1625 profile image
Seagull1625

I was diagnosed with Barretts 3 years ago and I did the usual Dr. Google search and told my GP that I had a 1 in 10 chance of cancer. He said, well that means you have a 9 in 10 chance of not getting cancer. That helped me get it in perspective! I had a 3 cm Barretts and have just had another endoscopy and it has reduced to 1 cm. So I must be doing something right.Try not to worry.

Asherleymoco profile image
Asherleymoco

Hi everyone. Thank you for your replies. So after a month of being careful and worrying about what will happen. My gastroenterologist has written to me to say that I don’t have Barrett’s. I have non specific mild inflammation. So it’s a relief I guess. Just wish they wouldn’t have put me through thinking I had it

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