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Between Yearly Scopes what are the chances....

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 3/18/2013 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
I am someone that suffers from Gerd for the last 12 years. My lower LES does not function and Im on 40mg of Nexium daily. I get scoped every year to make sure everything is under control. I do have a very small section of my esophogus that has barretts (nothing that my Dr. is concerned with) which is not good.

Being that I get scoped every year could cancer effect my LES/Esophagus and how fast would it spread?

What I'm really trying to find out is this: I know when I got scoped last year I was fine. Nothing got worse nor did it get better. Could cancer arise? (I know it could) How fast would it progress? Would I have enough time to catch it and fight it.

Im asking because The last 3 weeks someting does not feel right at the junction of my stomach and esophagus. I have this constant discomfort (mild pain). Could it be a mass growing? It feels like there is some sort of blockage  What are the odds of getting cancer as a result of gerd or barretts? I have read about 1% chance. Is that 1 out of 100 people or 1 out of 1000 people?

Im really paranoid now. After watching my father passaway from lung cancer( due to smoking) I can't get it out of my head. Now I keep thinking with the constant acid washing up, regardless of taking nexium the damage is still being done even though I don;t feel heartburn. I feel that the constatnt wash up will break down my cell structure. Just like the costant abuse my father gave his lungs.

Getting the NIssen is a option but I'm afraid if it doesn;t work like some of the people on this forum have stated it will be done in vein.

What could this blockage feeling be?

tracks

Posted 3/18/2013 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi tracks83,

This is solely my own personal opinion.

I would see your GI doctor and request an upper endoscopy. Finding out what is causing your discomfort is very important, even if it is a relatively minor issue. If you have the insurance, go for it. Peace of mind is everything.

Through the years, I have felt the way you do, from a psychological standpoint. The stress is just not worth it.

With the state of medicine as it is, early detection of anything is worth it all, again, IMO.

Write down all of your questions and take your time with the doctor to get the answers.

Leave with a game plan.

FWIW,

GM

Posted 3/19/2013 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
tracks-

My experience with barretts is that it hasn't advanced is nearly 8 years or so.The % turning to cancer is actually less than 1%. Remember it has 2 other stages before cancer, short and then long dysplasia. I had an EGD every 6 months for the 1st year then a yearly EGD. I am now only getting an EGD every 3 years since I have a functioning wrap.

If your symptoms are that bad I would suggest at least seeing a surgeon and see what they have to say.
No harm in just asking. Doesn't mean you have to go through with it.

For me not only has it controlled my GERD it gives me peace of mind that without reflux my barretts is controlled.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 3/19/2013 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
tracks,

I do not have a definitive answer for you so please do discuss your concerns with your Dr.

about 10% of patients with symptomatic GERD have BE. In some cases, BE develops as an advanced stage of erosive esophagitis. While obesity, alcohol use, and smoking have all been implicated as risk factors for Barrett's esophagus, their role remains unclear. Only the persistence of GERD symptoms indicates a higher risk for BE.

The incidence of esophageal cancer is higher in patients with Barrett's esophagus. Most cases of esophageal cancer start with BE, and symptoms are present in less than half of these cases. Still, only a minority of BE patients develop cancer. When BE patients develop abnormalities of the mucus membrane cells lining the esophagus (dysplasia), the risk of cancer rises significantly. There is some evidence that acid reflux may contribute to the development of cancer in BE.

Wish I had a better answer for you but please do be your own best advocate.

Kindly,

Kitt

 

Posted 3/19/2013 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi tracks83,

This may be of interest to you and for others to chime in on...

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/barretts/

GM

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