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Questions about Barrett's

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Posted 12/3/2014 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys. So, after a recent GI endoscopy to check the integrity of the wrap due to continuous symptoms, I've been diagnosed with Barret's and erosion.

I know you guys aren't medical professionals but I wonder if I could bounce a few things around. I will be grilling my GI surgeon when I finally see him but this can be weeks or months.

I had the wrap November 2013.

Can anyone tell me if Barrett's could have developed post wrap?. The wrap was functional and my acid levels were almost non existent. If not, it must have been missed during the five other GI endoscopes.

Oh, and what's antral erosion?

It's sort of gratifying that after 8 years they've finally found something real, but I wonder how it can be treated post wrap. Since I'm still having symptoms, might they want to give me PPI again?

At least I know my issues with acid aren't in my head. Some of them really have you doubting yourself at times.

Good health, guys xx
Posted 12/3/2014 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Zelda,

Nice to have you back, though sorry to hear you've got troubles!

I have read quite a bit about Barretts and there's a separate thread on it for new members.

My understanding is it doesn't follow clear rules and it's not fully understood. Eliminating reflux doesn't guarantee you won't get Barretts, and there's plenty symptom free folk walking around unaware they've got it!

Do you know the measurements of it or whether it's full circumference?

I think, certainly in the UK at any rate, that they would base treatment on symptoms rather than the presence or absence of Barretts. Maybe you need other tests to check if you have reflux still - pH manometry or barium swallow??

Antral relates to a region of the stomach and erosion means ulcer I think - so that might earn you some acid suppression, or a Helicobacter test!

Hope you get sorted soon,

MMM
Posted 12/3/2014 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there, MMM, thanks for the welcome :) had a ton of post Nissen tests, all of which came back normal...just like my pre Nissen tests, lol! Definitely no reflux, and ph tests said no acid, manometry good.

What foxes me is the sudden occurrence of these abnormalities between now and six weeks ago when they last put the scope down. Ah, poor old Mr Surgeon better book the room out for a while, I'm going to be quizzing him good!

Hope you're in good health x
Posted 12/4/2014 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
Zelda,

May be of little help, but Barrett's was found during my third endoscopy, but before my wrap. It was not seen in the first two because of my severe esophigitis. I was raw.

The GI community is divided on reversing Barrett's. Luckily, it seldom turns into cancer.

MANY people have to be put back on PPIs after the wrap unfortunately.
Posted 12/4/2014 8:31 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, John. To be honest, I'm not too worried about the Barret's itself. I have read a fair bit on it and it doesn't seem a huge thing, I'm just really puzzled by it. Every single test and investigation I've had over eight years has been perfect, and I've been in appalling shape! Now the wrap is done, they find this...just odd to me. I am, in a way, glad they have found SOME abnormality to show I'm not just making all this up.

I would cheerfully go back on those darned PPIs if they would help the throat anguish I'm in and I get even 20 percent of my life back.

Thanks for the input, it really does mean a lot.

Liz x
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