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How long does it take to develop Barretts?

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Posted 5/10/2012 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
I've been dealing with acid reflux daily for about three months. How long does it take to develop Barretts? I am kind of worried about this....

Thank you.
Posted 5/10/2012 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
You are more likely to have this condition if you have had GERD for a long time. Have you ever been to a GI specialist to have a scope ?  Each person's GERD is different and the term long time is realitive.
Posted 5/10/2012 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
No one really knows the answer to that - there are people walking around with Barretts who have no GERD symptoms, and people with GERD who never develop Barretts. And Barretts isn't the big cancer scare it used to be - risk of progression has been recently estimated at less than 1%. Best to focus on feeling well and getting symptom free!

I'll bump up the Barretts thread for you.

MMM
Posted 5/10/2012 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, thanks MMM.

I'm just kind of worried about it because all these new treatments they have coming out like the LINX won't do it if you have barretts.

Of course, I've convinced myself that I am going to need the surgery at some point, so I want to make sure.

I do have a scope scheduled for May 24th.
Posted 5/10/2012 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
If you change your diet, you can manage the symptoms better and be all around healthier. Don't convince yourself you will need surgery. It takes a lot of will power and it can be stressful, but this condition can be made easier with diet changes. You said you have dealt with reflux for 3 months....most likely your scope will either come back normal or you may have mild inflamation due to reflux. Mostly it takes years and years to do damage. Try a low acid, low carb and low fat diet. Cut out trigger foods such as friend food, fatty foods, tomatoes, smoking, caffine, chocolate, acidic fruits....a good guide is the book "Dropping Acid".
Posted 5/10/2012 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
Just to clarify, the Koufman diet described in the Dropping Acid book is low fat and low acid, but not low carb. Some people do seem to feel better limiting carbs though, so you could consider that. I follow the principles of the Koufman diet, making sure my carbs are whole grain. I eat brown rice and potatoes frequently, soups, roasted vegetables, pasta sauce made with squash instead of tomatoes. There is a Koufman diet thread here not too far back.
Posted 5/10/2012 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
I do not fault you for thinking about ALL options. I second that a diet re-structure should be in place, but if it does not work, as it does not for everyone, consider meds or surgery. Remember, even if you lower your acidity, and there is a structural issue, bile, enzyme's, etc., will still irritate the esophagus.

Best of luck, and make sure to use this board for feedback and sanity!
Posted 5/10/2012 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I did order Koufman's cookbook and should receive it tomorrow. I have been watching my diet except I did have a couple glasses of red wine last Friday after a hectic day and pretty much putting my hands up in air and saying " I have heartburn anyway, so whats a glass a wine going to hurt". Amazingly, I felt BETTER after having had that wine and then had practically no heartburn the entire next day....

Anyway, tomorrow is my and the hubby's 27 year anniversary and we are going out to a very nice dinner and then Sunday, me and a bunch of family are going to a really nice brunch at a winery here in California...I WILL be having a glass of wine!

I start my diet on Monday! ha ha (Seriously though)
Posted 5/11/2012 11:06 AM (GMT 0)
Carrie, a million congratulations to you and your husband, I hope you have a fantastic brunch and many more happy anniversaries to come :)

Take care,
Ashley
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