Upper G.I. Endoscopy done today....scared and needs advice

I've had GERD for years. For a long time I stopped taking Prilosec because I didn't think I needed it, not to mention the cost. Then I started to feel a little worse. So, between that and my IBS I went to a G.I. doc and have a colonoscopy and an upper g.i. endoscopy this morning.

The first test went well. The second one, not so well. Here's what my report said:

"Irregular z-line at 37 in the gastroesophageal junction compatible with esophagitis."

On the next page it says "Follow up on your gastric biopsy results to assess for Barretts."

I think this is pretty bad. I know someone with Barrett's and she has to have this test frequently. It could lead to cancer. The word "biopsy" scares me, quite frankly, and I'm wondering if this could be cancer w/o Barrett's?

To me, the words "biopsy" and "cancer" go hand in hand. Are biopsies done for non-cancerous reasons?

I've been through so much, health-wise, that I can't take any more. I really need a word of encouragement.

Is this something I really need to worry about? Please advise. Thanks.

Diana

Hi Diana,

No worries!  What you're experiencing is a very common outcome after an endoscopy.  Biopsies are done routinely to check for underlying inflammation.  Barretts is not something to be ignored, but it's very rare for it to become cancerous.  Many here have had a Barretts diagnosis.  And you haven't even had that diagnosis yet!  They're checking the biopsies, and it's extremely likely you'll find it's not there.

I've had three endoscopies and at all three biopsies were taken.  I did not have esophagitis any of the times they were done.  Wait for the results, and try to follow the old saying:  "Never trouble trouble, until trouble troubles you!"

It's natural to worry.  We all do it! just know that there are many who have actually been diagnosed with Barrett's and they're doing just fine.

Here's a great resource with lots of information:

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

Also, here's a link to a thread on this forum that discusses Barrett's concerns:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=2338513&g=2338513#m2338513

Glad you've joined the forum!

Best wishes,

Denise

Denise and KitKat,

Thanks for responding!

Am I correct in assuming that esophagitis is not serious? I thought it led to Barrett's or maybe could even be cancer. I know little about this. The last time I had the scope I was told I had irritation consistent with GERD. This time around it sounds like it's worse and it's only been four years since my previous test.

Diana

dianajune

First off, take a deep breathe and relax. I have had the irregular Z line with barretts for over 7 years. Yes barretts has to be watched, but is by no means a definite road to cancer. It's something like less than 1% of people with barretts will get cancer. There are 2 more stages it has to go through first.
I had an EGD 6 months after they found the barretts and then I had them once a year for about 3 years. Now I only have to have one every 3 years because I have a functioning wrap holding the acid down to a normal rate.
They almost always take biopsies when the do scopes just to be sure they don't miss anything. I also had the irregular Z line for about 9 years before barretts showed up.
If it does changed to short dyplasia, next step after barretts, they have a few procedures to remove it and seem to be very successful at doing so.
Please don't use doctor Google and wait for your follow up with your GI doc.

Take care,
Bill

Hi Dianajune,

It's easy to get yourself worrying about things.  You're not alone at all!  There are many worried GERD sufferers around this forum, so you're in the right place!

You're under the care of a GI doc, so you're not ignoring you symptoms.  Those people with ongoing symptoms, who ignore them and don't seek medical care, are the ones who get into trouble.  You don't have a thing to worry about.  I've had quite a few cases of acute gastritis and esophagitis, and they were very painful.  When I was having them, I could barely eat, and always lost about 20 pounds.  And yet with all those episodes, my esophagus remains healthy. 

I'm glad you're going to see your doctor soon, because you're worrying needlessly, and your doc is the best one to explain what's going on.  Be sure to take a list of questions so you don't go away without the answers you want. 

Here is a link to the Mayo Clinic page with information about esophagitis:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/esophagitis/DS01154

Hang in there!  Be sure to let us know what your doctor says...and good luck with your move!

Best wishes,

Denise