Barrett's Esophagus

[Billy Caddell]

I have had stomach/digestive problems sine 1956. About two years ago it was diagnosed as Barrett's Esophagus. I have been going to a local gastroenterologist in my rural area of Texas. The last three times the endoscopic biopsies were "inconclusive" according to the gastroenterologist.
I have altered my diet trying to eliminate "problem" foods. However, sometimes everything I consume bothers me. I used a wedge to sleep on for about two years until I started having leg and hip problems. Several months ago I purchased an electric adjustable bed, which has helped in reducing the reflux. However, I still have erratic pain and reflux problems. I am currently on 20mg Prilosec twice a day and still I have some reflux problem.
I understand the nature, treatment and complications related to my condition. My wife and I are very concerned.
I am asking for the name of a HIGHLY qualified gastroenterologist in the Dallas, Texas area. I have little confidence in the treatment or concern by my current doctor. I live about 1 1/2 hours out of Dallas but am more than willing to travel to find the right doctor.
Bill Caddell, ***@****

[Linda]

I was diagnosed with Barrett's about a year ago.  At the time I was also diagnosed with Celiac disease, a gross intolerance to wheat, oats, rye and barley.  I have had to strictly cut those ingredients out of my diet (a tough thing to do).  My doctor is giving me nothing to treat the Barrett's - he assumes that treating me for Celiac will solve the problem.  I very rarely suffer from reflux.  I won't have another scope done for 10 months.  From reading all of your comments, I don't feel that my treatment is aggressive enough.  Thoughts please.......

[[email protected]]

Just discovered this support group tonite.  I have been dealing with a combination of all symptoms I have read in the notes above.  I just turned 41 on Valentines Day and was plagued with these sympton on or about November 6, 2000, though I think they have existed for a longer period of time, just not properly diagnosed.  I had my 2nd endoscopy on 2/16/00 and expect the result back on 2/18/00.  When my Physician mentioned for the 2nd time concerns of Barretts Disease, I thought I would take a shot at finding it on the internet, thus I did, now scared more than ever.  My family has a history of cancer related deaths and though I quit smoking 14 years ago, I feel like a different form of cancer is chasing after me, God, I hope i'm wrong.  I'll be in touch

[Faye, England]

To Elisabeth
My brother is 19 and was diagnosed today as having Barrett's.
He has been vomiting for the last 2 months, and the doctors haven't been able to find out why. There seems to be no pattern to what makes him sick or when. He, too is losing weight, and he's only slim anyway. He has been on Tagamet before, due to chronic heartburn, but it did nothing. I wonder if the vomiting has caused the Barrett's in the first place, as a stress related problem. agh help! He has a healthy diet and is active. Sorry I can't be of any help!

[Bill D. Missouri]

The best thing I have done is get some liquid 1 gallon aloa vera
for about $8 at Walmart pharmacy area and drink about a half of glass with some water added before I go to bed. Even with prevacid I still got some buring in my throat at night if I wasn't careful with eating to late or had some cafiene. The aloa vera always worked with no waking up with acid in throat feeling. Its only $8. Give a try.

[Elisabeth]

I have suffered from heartburn for the last 11 yrs (I'm 27), which I put to the side with Tums.  This past november I went to my pcp when I noticed that everything I ate came up.  He put me on Zantac 2x daily, it didn't work.  He sent me to a gastroentologist and he put me on Prevacid 15 mg. a day and had and endoscopy done that revealed Barretts.  I also had a Gastric Emptying Study done, but that revealed that my stomach empties normally.  I've altered my diet (not that it needed much altering), but still suffer from the reflux.  Its not acidic, its  actual food.  I also suffer from burping as soon as I put something in my stomach.  My gastro just put me on Carafate 3x before I eat.  Does anyone have similar problems?  Any suggestions?  I'm loosing weight and don't know what else to eat!!!!

[david]

bill:
was glad to hear your test were better than expected.would like to ask a question of all.stopped smoking 1 and a half years ago.prior to stopping had all the symtoms every one has,heart burn,pain in chest,arms,back.bed was elavated and slept up right for several years.untold number of bottles of tums(wish i had stock in the company).after stopping smoking all this stopped.only very rarely do i have heart burn.two weeks after stopping i developed  drainage in my throat.this mucos is a constant daily thing.sometimes i'm able to expel this but most of the time it just hangs up.dr.has prescribed 1000 mgs of amoxicillin,clarithromycin,and lansoprazole.i take this twice a day.at present have had no relieve.was wondering if any one else has had this problem.as for the pain and heart burn if you smoke stop now,you will see an improved