miknan

Slsmith,

I was diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus in March and my doctor barely talked about it, instead focusing on my gallbladder issues. After researching it myself to say I was stressed from what I read would be a huge understatement. I fell into a deep depression for awhile but since I have learned a lot more info and I feel much better about it. It is not a death sentence like many sites make it sound. More of a wake up call. A lot depends on if you have dysplasia or not. Then it matters if you have low or high grade dysplasia. Many sites will say you have a 1% cumulative per year of developing esophageal cancer but most studies are showing it is more like 0.5%. I have read that women have a better chance of getting breast cancer. Still, I know how depressing it is to KNOW something like this is wrong with you. There is much more good news that I have read about. The current method of treatment is surveillence, more EGD's, anywhere from 1-3 years if no dysplasia, I think every few months if you do have dysplasia. A new treatment called BARRX which is an ablation of the BE cells of the espohageas is very promising. They will go in with a scope and burn away the BE cells. I have read two studies that showed 97% and 98% of people with BE will be CURED when the BE cells are replaced by normal esophagus tissue! I would post the links of all this info but I did this once before and the moderator removed them. Do an internet search for John Hopkins Barrett's esophagus and you will find a forum dedicated to BE with very knowledgeble people. Search for info describing the Barrx procedure itself. Why doesn't everyone with BE have the ablation? I'm not sure. I do not have dyspasia but after my next scope I am going to get on my doctor for some answers. I know I rambled quite a bit, hope some of this helps.