Been diagnosed with GERD and Barrets Esophagus

[Smiley2000]

I am new to this forum.  I have a heart problem (had Mitral-heartvalve repair done 31 March 2008) and the last OHS was 4 weeks ago.  During the op, my Gastro-doc did a Gastroscopy and diagnosis:  Barrets Esophagus.  I had an allergic reaction to Altosec and they gave me Nexium, but he wants to do an op to fix my LES in 2 months time.

I am only 34 years old and was shocked to learn that I have Barrets and that my symptoms:  chest pains, nausia and tummy aches are due to the Barrets and not heart-related as all the Specialists thought.

Any thoughts on this?  Should I go for any type of op, or just live with Barrets?  Will it improve over time, even without meds?

[Smiley2000]

Thanks for the info.  It is interesting that you have MVP and acid reflux and that the two can be connected?  Fortunately my MVP was fixed and with the Annu ring in place I should not have MVP problems again.

I am not a good medicine drinker... I try 1001 other things and meds are my last resort... I even forget to drink my memory pill :)

[BRENJO]

I too have Barrett's diagnosed in 2001a
nd Mitral Valve Prolapse.  I have EGD's every two years.  I don't believe it ever goes away but can be kept under control with meds.  You need to keep up with EGD's to make sure it doesn't turn into anything worse.  

There is a procedure relatively new calle"halo" where they go in the same way as an
egd and burn off the Barretts. This procedure may take more than one time to perform and you will be on cocktail of meds for awhile to make sure the acid doesn't splash back onto the fixed problem.  I have not had this done, just checked into with a gastrointerologist.

My problem is with severe acid reflux and inability to control with meds.  I am not a real good candidate for surgery but would definately consider the laproscoptic LES tightening if I was  a good candidate for this procedure.

Acid reflux can cause MVP.

I don't know if this helps and you may already know everthing I just told you but I hope you can get this taken care of. I know I'm tired of worrying about the barretts.


brenjo


















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