Posted 11/14/2011 5:00 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry, I replied on your other thread - I see your comment re counselling now.
Have you taken a close look at cancer statistics? You are far more likely to die from prostate or bowel cancer than from cancer of the oesophagus, the cause of which is uncertain and looks less and less likely to be anything like as closely related to Barretts as they originally thought. So much so, that one study I looked at was bascially saying "So if it's not due to Barretts then we need to start finding what DOES cause adenocarcinoma"!
Like you say, it's because your symptoms make you aware of your GERD on a daily basis, that it leads to more worry. But I do think distraction is good - the more you stop and think, the worse you will feel. Is there a different kind of counselling, like cognitive behavioural therapy, or even hypnosis, that you would be willing to try?
I do agree it's hard - I reject my GERD, I don't want it and I don't intend to keep it........ but on a daily basis I just try to accept it's along for the ride!
Also, logically thinking, if your GERD got very bad, rather than dying, do you not think you'd end up with the Nissen op and ablation therapy........??
MMM