Barrett's Esophagus Can it Reverse or Not?

I have B E and the G I told me I would not be considered for Nissen because of B. E.
Can someone comment on this? I have severe LPR right now. Still considering Linx, I have a consult next week but with B E and HH, along with some bad stories, I am unsure if that will be a go either.

G

Giani,

My insurance would not cover the ablation. Requested twice and appealed. So the last biopsy I had before my Nissen, the gastro cut that area out. My swallowing was affected but I had peace of mind on that one section. I understand there could be multiple sections but I still take my PPIs if necessary and monitor any sensation of reflux.

At least you are aware of your BE and can be careful.

Michelle

Kentina: I have read a lot about Barrett's. In some cases it looks like it remits, but I don't know about that. Your doctor can recommend whether or not you should undergo ablation which is some sort of technology that destroys the troublesome cells, but they typically don't do that until the disease reaches a certain point. That is, do the cells show dysplasia which is a pre-cancerous state. And has to be watched.
Keep in mind that it is very rare for Barrett's to turn into cancer. Thousands and thousands have it without even knowing it. Autopsies of persons who die of other causes tell us this.
What you want to do is tame the monster. You want to heal and then try to prevent further irritation.... which is not good and could possibly lead to cancer.
The meds given for this disorder are PPI's. And as far as I am concerned they are worse than the disease in terms of their side effects, some of which were known for a long time. Bone fractures, weakened immune system, vitamin and nutrient deletion. Here is the really bad part: the medical profession is in denial about new studies suggesting an ASSOCIATION between these meds and kidney failure and dementia if taken long term.
Personally, I have decided to go off of PPI"s which have served their purpose of decreasing irritation for the moment. If you have a hernia, which I do, and that is causing the Barrett's you have a problem because it is a structural weakness in the esophagus that is causing the Barrett's. The PPI's do not cure that problem. they just slow down acid going into your esophagus.
I have elected to use diet restrictions and some other methods to deal with my Barretts as I withdraw from the PPI's which your doctor is going to tell you take because, I am sorry to conclude, it is easier for them to manage patients on PPI's. Their acid reflux symptoms are controlled....for the time being.
Read Jonathan Aviv's book available on Amazon for diet. He is a GI specialist.
I did not eliminate all he suggests, but I definitely watch my diet and that is good to begin with. If you are overweight, you must loose weight. After many hours of research I have discovered that melatonin can reduce acid reflux safely and just as well as PPI's. Google melatonin and Barrett's or melatonin and gerd (acid reflux) and you will see what I mean. Don't panic. Just get your endoscopies. They do not cure Barrett's but they can track if there is any progress to your disease. In most cases, there won't be. And BTW the PPI's do nothing to cure barrettes or prevent cancer.
After going through what you are going through and a lot of others as well, that is, a panic mode, I am into taking charge of my body. and I am really pissed that doctors are proscribing this PPI gabadge and that the FDA allows this stuff to be sold without prescription. That is my take. Stay well. Don't worry, it is unlikely you will die from Barrett's

I've recently had a Nissen Fundoplication but previous to that i was on PPI's for severe Reflux. I was diagnosed with B.E March of last year. I'm scared, I've put myself on a healthy rich diet to pack as many nutrients in as possible. The Nissen went well, I was aching more than sore but the procedure was done Monday and i was down theatre 3 hours. It's not my first time experiencing Surgery because 10 years ago i had a kidney transplant.(If anyone on here is about to have the same operation, I'm more than willing to put a few peoples mind at ease, those who are worried) I'm walking slow but and a few aches and pains. Little tiny burps after i drink but, i suppose thats all part of the healing process. Thank you to the admins for allowing me to join this wonderful site.