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Gerd turns into Barrett's esophagus?

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Posted 2/3/2021 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
Just wondering how long it can take, been looking on the internet for this info. Saw something about it taking up to 30 years to show.

Just been nervous since my fundoplication got buggy. Scared of getting barrettes. I am a male at 32 years old. Scared to not get my fundoplication fixed and then getting barrettes. I read ant acids are not a good solve all med (they have linked ppi's to a bigger chance of cancer) Not looking to take PPIs just if they don't re operate I want a way to stop it from turning into barrettes.

Post Edited (SeanLa) : 2/3/2021 12:26:26 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/4/2021 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
Sean:

You are looking for unneeded stress at this point. The risk of esophageal cancer in patients with Barrett's esophagus is quite low, approximately 0.5 percent per year. Therefore, the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus should not be a reason for alarm. It is, however, a reason for periodic endoscopies. The best care is preventative, and that might include taking PPIs although that is something that you are adverse to.

Sharon
Posted 2/5/2021 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
I read on pubmed that ppi's may be linked to cancers though. And a bunch of other scary issues. They have a theory that ppi's cause gastric cancers and a more serious cancer of the esophogus. They think they are not as preventive as thought before.

I am so scared and worried, I hate that I hurt my fundoplication, everything was perfectly fine until now. Argh I dont want to take risks with ppi's theres got to be other ways to prevent the barrettes.

Sorry for being such a bother I do appreciate your patience that you have had with me. I just want to get better and I want my surgeon to take a risk at redoing the wrap, they are too pushy with ppi;s I also have what they call non-erosive gerd. Not sure if that means anything sad

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28072858/ is the ppi article

Post Edited (SeanLa) : 2/5/2021 8:09:39 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/5/2021 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Sean, as someone that had health anxiety many years ago, I urge you to get some professional help in learning how to handle it. In my situation my pcp referred me to a great psychologist that helped me tremendously. It took time plus I learned to build my own toolbox of coping skills. In many ways the anxiety was far more debilitating than the mulitple health issues I was dealing with & still do to this day. In other words, I was making things worse instead of better. I quit getting on the internet & looking for things. I was not real perceptive at first about seeing someone, but I am so glad I did. It made such a difference in my outlook on many aspects in my life.

You are young & deserve to be living your best life, don't let this anxiety keep robbing you from this. Take care.
Posted 2/8/2021 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
I finally see a psychiatrist this week smile But still scared of getting barrettes (I have chronic heartburn since my wrap failed. I cant take ppi therapy (it just is too scary) I feel that I messed up badly compromising a good wrap of 3 years sad Anxious that the surgeon will just push ppi therapy after I get my tests. I just wish I could get a redo for sure you know. I wont touch ppi therapy and I am scared that now with everything damaged that shoot I may get barrettes if I do not get the surgery again. Worried my 24hour ph test wont be enough for surgery or that I wont be able to trigger enough heartburn! I cant goto work where I am the most physical. Because the tube may get pulled out accidentally.

Sorry I am really worried for the test failing. It just doesnt seem that much for acid reflux unless I am highly active, I am not sure how to simulate that during the 24hour ph. Also scared I wont get the surgery(if the heartburn doesnt seem significant) So sad I broke my fundo, so much anxiety now

Post Edited (SeanLa) : 2/9/2021 6:48:46 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/9/2021 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
SeanLa:

As before, you don't need to try and "stimulate" your acid reflux. The test isn't going to fail, it's going to show exactly what's going on. You are causing yourself unnecessary anxiety, worrying about outcomes that haven't happened, or may never happen. PPI therapy shouldn't be scary, you are working yourself up about it. Lots of people (myself included), have greatly benefited from a course of PPIs. I told you what the percentage of Barrett's esophagus was, there is really no reason for you to be this upset. You have not been diagnosed with anything. I hope your psychiatrist appointment goes well. It's a step in the right direction, and hopefully it gives you some relief.

Take a deep breath and relax.
Posted 2/10/2021 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you once again you are of great help just talking with me. This place is like a support group for me smile I brought your forum up in my dr conversation today.

I get heartburn 24/7 so thats why I am afraid I will get barrettes if I don't get a surgery again or take the meds. I just would rather deal with it by surgical or just naturally. My pharmacist said if you could fix it naturally then there wouldnt be PPI's . But I can handle it (the pain) naturally. I only want the surgery to prevent cancer and other problems that comes with long term heartburn.

There is times in the day that I don't have heartburn symptoms and then there is even days I go without noticeable symptoms. But once I start lifting things I get symptoms usually. When I do the test I will be just sitting at home heh. Just worried that I wont have enough heartburn to get surgery or even get no heartburn the day of the testing. I am not sure why I get days burn free. Before my surgery I had the burn always.

I was thinking of trying h2 blockers. Are those any good??

Omg you have been such a great help in general, I want you to know that. Always look forward to your responses.

Post Edited (SeanLa) : 2/13/2021 8:17:40 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/14/2021 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks again for all the great advice. I hate how stressed I am, I feel so stuck. I just pray I get re-operated on, they are too pushy with ppis (the save all med, in their eyes)
Posted 2/15/2021 12:31 PM (GMT 0)
Again, Sean - you need to relax. I think you are getting stressed just posting about needing the surgery, and I understand. But, it's totally out of your control and constantly bringing it up to yourself isn't helping. Try and not search the internet, and try not posting until after you find out more information after your testing. Take this time to take a deep breath and concentrate on not worrying so much.

Sharon
Posted 2/15/2021 1:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you I will try to not worry 24/7. I will post once I get the testing. I know the endoscope will be march or april depending on availability. And ph test will be within a year.

Just one last question, is the 24 hour ph very accurate? I just keep thinking I should be active somehow while the test is occurring, to put pressure on the fundoplication and trigger more heartburn. And lastly is 24hour ph test the best test to be doing to get properly evaluated for a redo? I can't ask my surgeon these questions because I wont be talking to him until after the endoscope. Just afraid to have a day without heartburn and that be the test day lol. So miserable right now.

Sorry for being such a bother, I hate how much useless worrying I am doing but I just cannot convince myself that these tests will accurately prove my heartburn sad It's not as bad as it was before the surgery. It's there but not always feeling like hellfire :P

Post Edited (SeanLa) : 2/15/2021 6:17:31 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/15/2021 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
SeanLa:

I know you are anxious, but you keep asking the same questions and are causing yourself unneeded stress. You should not worry about trying to manipulate the test results - they are what they are. I'm not a medical professional, but I would expect the 24-hour pH testing is a good start.

Sharon
Posted 2/15/2021 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
I was going to push for a barium test but I am trying to avoid un needed radiation. And about manipulating the test. I am just trying to make it as accurate as possible. I am usually lifting heavy things for 8hours (thats where the most burn comes up) When I am just walking or standing upright the burn is not as serious. (My mouth is sore after a full days work)

Thank you for bearing with me I am loosing control of my emotions.
Posted 2/15/2021 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
SeanLa:

That's why you need to take a break from posting on the Forums, it's way too stressful for you. The acid will be there whether you are working or not working, lifting or not lifting. You just may experience it more while at work, but it's still going to be there while at rest. You don't need to "push" for testing, your doctor will order what is necessary. I think you need to give yourself a break from the Forum, until you have your testing completed. You are creating the worst case scenario for yourself, and it's not healthy for you. You may want to contact your psychiatrist, for additional reassurance.

Sharon
Posted 2/15/2021 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
SeanLa:

That's why you need to take a break from posting on the Forums, it's way too stressful for you. The acid will be there whether you are working or not working, lifting or not lifting. You just may experience it more while at work, but it's still going to be there while at rest. You don't need to "push" for testing, your doctor will order what is necessary. I think you need to give yourself a break from the Forum, until you have your testing completed. You are creating the worst case scenario for yourself, and it's not healthy for you. You may want to contact your psychiatrist, for additional reassurance.

Sharon
Posted 2/18/2021 1:58 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry about everything, I just had read changing my daily routine would alter the test results for a 24 hour ph(meaning if I am not lifting the results may not be accurate) If I read correctly. But I will stay off here until I get the testing.

Post Edited (SeanLa) : 2/18/2021 8:10:18 AM (GMT-7)

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