Better? or Barrett's?

Hi all, it's been a few weeks since I posted...I was suffering from reflux symptoms since Janaury after taking antibiotics for a flu, had every test besides the PH Testing which all came back fine, except for a slightly loose LES. I had been on Nexium for a month as well as domperidone for about 1.5 months. I stopped the Nexium after the month is up and actually felt a lot better. about 3 weeks after stopping Nexium I went to another GI, who concluded that my reflux is likely due to constipation (it makes sense to me since I have always had constipation), and that the LES will tighten again after constipation is treated. He prescibed Normacol which helps with the constipation.

I also stopped the domperidone about 2 weeks after the GI appointment, and so now I have been on no medication (besides the Normacol every few days) for about a month now. My constipation is also cleared and have been regular since. And I'm happy to say that I feel virtually no symptoms, so on the surface I have recovered from acid reflux.

But being the paranoid person I am, I can't help but worry whether I am still having reflux although I don't feel anything? And I know that if you get Barrett's esophagus you physically feel better but you are really not? I'm a bit scared that it has come to this point. I had my endoscopy 1.5 months ago which showed a perfect esophagus, so I just want to know how long does it take to develop Barrett's? I guess it just seems too good to be true that my reflux got totally better after 3 months of living with it, so I need some reassurance that it is indeed 100% better.

Good Morning,

Interesting that GI physician's conclusion indicated that your reflux is likely due to constipation - I will have to check with my Dr. re this as a cause.

The exact causes of Barrett’s Esophagus are not known, but GERD is a risk factor for the condition. Although people who do not have GERD can have Barrett’s Esophagus, the condition is found about three to five times more often in people who also have GERD.

Since Barrett’s Esophagus is more commonly seen in people with GERD, most physicians recommend treating GERD symptoms with acid-reducing drugs.

Improvement in GERD symptoms may lower the risk of developing Barrett’s Esophagus. I cannot answer your question re how long does it take for Barrett's to become an issue.

Perhaps someone else has that info.

Take care,

Kindly,

Kitt