Barretts esophagus

My husband had an endoscopy today.  The doctor let us know that he found Barretts esophagus and sent biopsies in to the lab to see if any cancerous cells were found.  He also suggested contact the Cleveland Clinic to be seen by a specialist for Barretts.  Has anyone been to the Cleveland Clinic for this disease?  My husband is so depressed.  He dealt with ulcerative colitis for over 30 years.  He now has an ostomy and was doing just great.  Now this!  How have others coped?

Nancy-

I have had Barretts for well over 6 years. Barretts doesn't mean cancer. There are 2 more stages to go and the chance of it changing is very very slim. When they found mine they did an EGD with biopsies in 6 months and then once a year for a few years. Mine hasn't worsened, so know they want to look at it every 3 years.
If he can control his reflux with meds the chance of it changing are even slimmer.

Take care,
Bill

Hi I am new to all of this. Not even sure if I am doing this correctly, but here goes! My husband has Barretts for a year now. He has this terrible daily struggle with stomache pain, acid drip, and SEVER dry heaving! His Dr says his stomache looks fine, but the pills he has him taking, Oabtiorazike 40 mg, first once a day, now twice a day plus over the counter drugs, do nothing! He just had another endoscopy to which he says, "things look about the same, so we will continue...." My husband is loosing HOPE and that is what has me so very concerned! If anyone has heard of anything like this and can shed some light, please do.

Hi Nancy,

I too was diagnosed with Barretts about 6 months ago, I am 52 years old and had been suffering from GERD/heartburn for over 20 years. I was freaking out and depressed until I ran into this forum, I know much more about Barretts now.

I had fundoplication surgery in Sep 12 and have had no heartburn since. I am hoping that this will help my Barretts condition. I have modified my diet somewhat and with my surgery I am hopefull in combating Barretts, my surgeon does not recommend an endoscopy until 12 months after surgery.

I don't know if the surgery is an option for your husband, for me it seems to be working like a champ. Your husband may want to discuss the surgery option with his GI doctor.

R, Ed

 

Hi Nancy,

First of all, I am so sorry your husband has suffered through ulcerative colitis. My husband has UC. He acquired it at 30 and is now 48. He has had several severe flare ups, one that sent us to Cleveland clinic - terrible immune disorder! He is on 3 drugs to save his colon.

I, on the other hand, acquired reflux/gerd around that same age 30. I maintained it well on Nexium. I was on that drug for 9 years. Insurance stopped paying for it, and the result was Barrett's within a couple years of trying other drugs that did not work. I had the Nissen Fundo surgery a year ago this December. I will have an upper GI in January to see how the Barrett's is progressing.

I was very depressed when I found out about Barrett's, but this forum and all the information provided has helped calm my nerves - so has my family doctor. The surgery for me I feel has improved my situation by about 80% I would say. I am still tweaking my diet and habits to see if I can make things even better.

I remain confused as to why there is not more focus on the level of digestive disorders and diseases in this country, but forums like this are helping change that I think - gives all of us a place to go. Best forum I have found!

Best of luck to you and your husband. If he has reflux, I would look at all the procedures that will limit further damage, including Nexium and the procedures/surgeries. Take care, Anita