More worry

[gillsky8]

😟

Report from recent endoscopy appeared to be all good, however there was a "possible" Barretts Tongue seen and so biopsy has been taken to rule Barretts out.

All blood tests and tumour markers came back as normal, but I cannot help but worry about if it is Barretts and whether again it could be cancer.

Although the report said at the end Evidence of cancer - none

The diagnosis on the paperwork said Hiatus Hernia and Mild Gastritis, so trying to think positive, it's hard though.

If it is Barretts oesophagus , i am terrified it could become esophageal cancer.

Just the waiting game now, my mind is all over the place. !!!

[ParkSchool5]

Hi, I also have Hiatus hernia and Gastritis, diagnosed at my last endoscopy in 2019. My symptoms got alot worse directly after the endoscopy, which I believe did some extra damage as ever since I have had burning acid reflux all the time despite being on PPI's, Gaviscon etc. I think I now have Barrett's also as my throat looks different and I feel sore all the way through my sternum into my throat but after my last experience I am too scared to have another endoscopy. Luckily for you all your blood tests and markers were good which is a great result. I would'nt worry too much about the Barrett's as it does not sound conclusive. It can take many years to progress and even then only a small percentage of people go on to develop cancer. I was chatting to a lady in the endoscopy waiting room that had Barrett's for over ten years, which was controlled by 20mg PPI daily and she has to have a scope every two years, so try not to worry too much. Best wishes.

[gillsky8 in reply to ParkSchool5]

Thank you soo much for your reply, I keep thinking that it does say to "rule out" Barretts which I think is a positive. Also having read up a little on the condition, I do think there is a laser treatment for it. and also maybe the chance for hernia repair Interesting I have also felt more reflux and burning since the Endoscopy. Can I ask what dose you are on please PPI and also Gaviscon Advance ? if that is what you take. Fact is because this has been going on for goodness knows how long, I could well have had Barrett s and not even known about it I suppose. I am thinking positive that at the very least I am now beginning to get to the bottom of the reflux issues, belching, burping (ha ha) !!

It's good to be able to compare notes and once again I very much appreciate your reply.

[ParkSchool5 in reply to gillsky8]

I am glad you are feeling more positive about your worries of possible Barrett's. At least they are being thorough in taking the biopsy. Yes, it's weird how often an endoscopy can make symptoms worse. I never really had alot of burning acid before mine, but have had it ever since 2019. I am currently taking 10mg Omeprazole before lunch and 20mg Famotidine before my evening meal and 10ml Gaviscon Advance before bed. I also have to sleep propped up as my symptoms are worse overnight. I managed to go down to 10mg Omeprazole as I was on 20mg, but having been on them for 7 years my GP prescribed Famotidine as an alternative, but unfortunately is does not work quite as well, but I believe it has less long term side effects. Regards.

[gillsky8 in reply to ParkSchool5]

It's interesting how everyone seems to be different. My symptoms started with noticeable throat clearing all day and every day. Interestingly when I lay down at night it all stops and I don't have particularly bad heartburn. Having said that I am sure it is more noticeable since I found out about the hiatus hernia. I guess I am more worried about the condition in general as my mother had Barretts, and my brother died from oesophageal cancer. I am on 20mg esomeprazole twice a day, but try to just use 20mg if I can get away with it. At one stage I was actually prescribed by my GP with 40mg twice a day, to which the Gastro consultant threw his hands up in horror and immediately advised me to reduce. !! I also have PMR and am on steroid treatment, though I am currently tapering. I find that Gaviscon advance can make me feel a bit sick but take just 5mg at night. I have never heard of Famotidine?

thanks again for the chat and best wishes also to you.