scared of Barrett's esophagus.

Hi John,

Barrett's can be scary, if it's out of control. Unfortunately, Internet statistics and information make it out to seem worse than it really is. The statistic that is important to be aware of is that LESS than 1% of Barrett's cells evolve into esophageal cancer. The risk is slim. With the right dosage of medication and/or other treatments, Barrett's cells can be completely reversed.

In my case, I had been a longtime sufferer of reflux/GERD. In preparation for my Fundoplication surgery, I had several endoscopies. The last one just prior to my surgery showed I had a solid 3-4cm ring of Barretts cells encircling my esophagus from the LES upward. At my one year post-op followup endoscopy, the Barrett's cells were completely gone.

So, there's hope. Don't put yourself in a negative place about it because it can get better. Channel that negative energy into finding a GI doc that will aggressively treat your condition. Be your own advocate and fight for yourself. You may need to have your medications changed in order to control your reflux. There are other treatment options, such as ablation that can also eliminate the Barrett's cells. Certainly do your research and talk to doctors. In my opinion, it's far too early to give up. If it was really bad, your doctors would have already recommended more testing and/or treatment paths.

Feel free to ask more questions and vent here. Many of us have been in your shoes and know how scary it can be. It's not the end though so don't give up.

Be well and take care,
-TonyG-

Thank you both for the replies, it means a lot to me. Tony G thank you for the statistics, under 1% Is a very small amount and that is a good thing to think about. It is still difficult though, not knowing what will happen. I will try to start thinking positive though, if I can. I am glad to hear that you were able to pretty much get rid of yours. I wish you continued good health!

Nofun, no I haven't gotten The results from my biopsies back yet. It just scares me because when the doctor came to speak with me for all of a minute after the procedure he said "your esophagus looks good, two little erosions, probably Barrett's." Then walked away. Even though he seen it on the endoscopy could it still be something else? I'm new to this process, as this is my first endoscopy. Could a doctor see it and not know what it is? Thank you nofun, I appreciate it. I have been trying to control my GERD but it hasn't been going well on the first day here. All I have eaten is oatmeal for the first meal and dry toast for the next, I took my medication in the morning and then had some chewables later on. Yet my acid is still acting up and now I'm worried that it will make my esophagus worse before I can get it under wraps. It's so difficult and stressful. But thank you for your help and the information. It is much appreciated. I wish you good health as well.