barrets esophagous?? - Acid Reflux / GERD Message Board

whatamess@35 · 09-22-2004, 07:51 AM

My mom was told she has this.I will be taking her to the doc tomorrow to find out just how bad it is and what they can do for her!!! I was wondering if anyone here has this and if you could tell me what your experience has been?? Thanks

jojo64 · 09-22-2004, 09:58 AM

That is a pre-cancerous condition and can only be diagnosed by a procedure called an endoscopy. Has she had one done?

whatamess@35 · 09-26-2004, 12:24 AM

hi jojo
yes she had the test done...i took her to the doc where he put her on a new med for her indigestion...she still has barretts and it wont ever go away but for now..i am very thankfull i have her with me still...they didnt find any tumors either ..

Katie G · 10-06-2004, 10:24 AM

Hi there - your mom's condition will need to be monitored very closely. Every 6 months to 1 year, she should have endoscopies to take biopsies and check for progression of the Barrett's. Not all Barrett's diagnoses will turn into cancer, but studies show that 95% of those with esophageal cancer started out as Barrett's.

Yes, it's a precancerous condition meaning that the GERD is severe and chronic, and the esophageal lining is attempting to protect itself via cell changes that resemble stomach lining cells. However, it is a red flag that a person's GERD needs to be monitored very closely.

My Barrett's was caught early, and eventually I had surgery called Nissan fundoplication to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter to protect the esophagus from reflux. I no longer take PPIs and my Barrett's is gone. Not everybody is a candidate for surgery however.

You can read my whole Nissan story posted on the Digestive Disorders site several times to other posters.

Good luck to your mom,
Katie G

ktee_uk · 10-30-2004, 03:57 AM

Hi whatamess

My late father developed cancer (a very long time ago) and on reflection his symptoms were very similar to those described in association with barrets esophagous.

I have recently been prompted to do some research on the subject as a very close friend has GERD symptoms and of course I am frightened for him as I remember my father's illness and how the health professionals at that time failed to offer him any help.

Anyhow, after doing some surfing I came across some great info on GERD/Barretts and the like and have snagged a summary which kind of echoes remarks by previous posters in that your mum needs regular checks on this. Try not to be alarmed by the phrase "precancerous" but do take it seriously and take heart from Katie G's story.

Regards
ktee_uk

Summary as follows:
Barrett's esophagus is a condition that may develop as a result of chronic GERD. Barrett's tissue growing in the esophagus appears to be the body's defense against continued stomach acid irritation. Yet, this tissue does not belong in the esophagus, and for some patients, it increases the risk of developing cancer. While treatment does not reverse Barrett's, the likelihood of developing cancer and complications can probably be reduced with a combination of diet, lifestyle changes, medication, and/or surgery. A regular program of endoscopic examination and biopsy is essential to monitor the Barrett's tissue. By working closely with a physician, patients can expect good control of both GERD and Barrett's, and an excellent long-term outcome.