Barrett's Oesophagus diagnosis - anyone else have this ? Bit scared

[Iwanttoseethesea]

Hi have had acid reflux for years - take rameprozole each morning. Recently had a gastroscopy where doctor took biopsies and diagnosed Barrett's Oesophagus.

Anyone else living with this ? Any advice ?

My biopsy results come back at the end of the month and I'm scared - although it's not hereditary , my dad died of Oesophagul cancer 16 years ago.

TIA

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Trying another bump ! Anyone ?

Sorry you aren't getting any responses. I don't have experience of this but have an endoscopy shortly.

I get horrendous reflux so nervous about what they will find. (This isn't the reason for the camera but I'm hoping they won't see anything scary)

My mum has this for a number of years. She gets a gastroscope every 3 years but after her last one they said she didn't need to come back as it had been stable for so long. I think the risk of developing cancer is still small and you will get regular screening just in case.

OP, my brother has Barrett's, after years of acid reflux, an ulcer, etc etc. He has a hiatus hernia (as do I, but it's small and doesn't cause me massive problems at the moment - I don't have Barrett's).

The main imperative is that he must keep having it monitored - so, regular gastroscopies, I think every 5 (?) years or so. That's it, really. It certainly doesn't follow that he'll ever develop oesophageal cancer. I think you can be reassured about that.

Thank you for the replies everyone. I had a gastrocopy and will get the biopsy results the end of next week.
I'm trying to work out if I need to change my diet. And if I can still have a drink ! ( I love red wine but have had yo give that up as reflux is too bad ☹️)

Hello,
I was diagnosed with this last year. I had silent reflux. The only symptom for me was food getting stuck in my throat. I had an endoscopy and was diagnosed with Barretts.
I have to take 40g of omeprazole daily for ever and get checked every 2 years.
I like you was freaked out at first but I’ve accepted it now. In fact I think people who have been diagnosed are in a relatively fortunate position as many people have Barretts and are unaware of it. At least if you know you have it you can change your diet and you get regularly monitored.
Taking the pills regularly is important.

Also if it’s helpful - I still drink alcohol but not too much. I tend to avoid white wine, champagne (too acidic). I don’t eat anything deep fried or fatty or anything spicy (terrible for me because before I ate 🌶 all the time!). I also avoid anything I know I will have trouble digesting (eg pastry or croissants).