GERD,BARRETTS ESOPHAGUS & HIATAL HERNIA

Hi Davidk,

Welcome to Healing Well!  It definitely sounds like you're in the right place.  There are many here who suffer or have suffered as you are.  Glad you've joined us.

First, when you type, don't use all caps...in internet lingo capital letters=SHOUTING.  I know you weren't shouting, but in any rate all caps are not allowed here at the forum.

Next, I agree that if you're suffering it sounds as if you might be a perfect candidate for surgery.  I spent four years with very unhealthy lungs before I finally decided to try surgery.  There comes a point where we've run out of other options, and that's when surgery makes sense.

I'm sure others will be by to add their thoughts and support.

Best wishes,

Denise

No problem at all!

Ashley,

Thank you for your response. I have very little pain and still have slight burning, my doctor has me on omeprazole which takes care of most of the acid burning but not the regurgitation. Mine happens within 10-15 minutes after i eat and usually lasts for about 30-45 minutes, depending on what i eat. I will usually regurgitate about 60% of what I've eaten. The other symptoms i have are chest pain,when i do a lot of lifting with my hands above my head. I think that comes from the hiatal hernia. Sometimes i get so nausea's that i try and force myself to vomit but my problem is that when i'm bent over it's like i'm pinching something closed because as soon as i stand up straight i vomit. The only testing i have had done is an upper endoscopy that revealed the large hiatal hernia and the Barretts Esophagus. I to am hoping for surgery. I don't want to live the rest of my life hearing, " let's try this or this "
If the surgery has the best chance of taking care of my problem then i want to do it. Let me know if you have any other info. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow if i find out anything new i'll pass it along.


Thanks,
Dave

Just got back from the doctor, Surgery it is. I have a consult on the 26th.

Well, had my consult yesterday. Doc wants a couple more test, upper GI and a manometry. Says if i have the surgery to repair the hernia and reflux that it wouldn't do much good if i have Achalasia, which is what he thinks is another of my digestive problems. Also,after going over my endoscopy and biopsy test from another physician, tells me i have low grade displasia. Didn't know that. Surgery will happen, just a couple more test.

Bill,

The doctor who performed the endoscopy told me that i had a large hiatal hernia and Barretts esophagus, nothing about displasia.
The surgeon that i went to looked over the endoscopy and blood work and told me that low grade displasia was listed as one of the diagnosis. He said it's nothing to be alarmed about but concerned,yes.I'll have to have endoscopy done bout every 6 months for 2-3 yrs. then if everythings ok, bout every 3 yrs after. So, evidently, the displasia was just MISSED. Nothing was discussed about having the displasia ablated, he did say that when i have the surgery he will take another biopsy.

Thanks for the response,

Dave

I wanted to give you an accurate description, copied this from Sharecare web:

Esophageal dysplasia is a precancerous condition that doctors can only diagnose by examining tissue samples under a microscope. When dysplasia is seen in the tissue sample, it is usually described as being "high-grade," "low-grade" or "indefinite (or indeterminate) for dysplasia." In high-grade dysplasia, abnormal changes are seen in many of the cells and there is an abnormal growth pattern of the cells. Low-grade dysplasia means that there are some abnormal changes seen in the tissue sample but the changes do not involve most of the cells, and the growth pattern of the cells is still normal.

Thanks Bill. This site is awesome. So many helpful people.

Dave-

If it was me I would definitely go with the surgery. They can do a modified wrap or there is a procedure to cut the muscle ring to let things get past it easier. Your surgeon will know better what course of action to take.
I have barretts and it hasn't advanced in 5 or 6 years since I got the surgery. You can also have the area of dysplasia ablated if it worries you later on. But right now I would focus on stopping the reflux and any additional damage. My new GI told me some of the research he has been reading lately is showing some people actually get some healing of the barretts and such after stopping the reflux. Whether it actually heals or just has normal cells grow over the area I am not sure.

Take care,
Bill