Barrte's

[uush]

I was just reading everyone's post regarding Barrett's.  My question I am hoping to get help with is I have had for over a year a feeling like I have a lump in my throat, I had my last endoscope back in the summer of 2009 and was told I should have one every 3-6 months.  That seemed a lot to me so nonethe less I put off many. Now besides the "froggy" feeling as I call it I am having pain when swallowing, talking, etc... I do not have much/any appetite, I do not know if it is because not wanting to hurt or just plain not feeling well (I have had a slight fever, night sweats, etc... but I also have some other health issues so the night sweats and stuff do not really worry me) So I guess my question is does anyone know if there is anything I can take to help or clear whatever is going on up?(hot drinks seem to help so far)

[uush]

I never had problems swallowing with acid reflux until I developed Dysplagia.  Actually I used to vomit from the acid coming up so swallowing was not an issue.  But I have had a bad stomach since I was around 13yrs old so it (acid reflux/gerd, spastic colon, celiac's disease, pernicious anemia, etc...) so it is normal until it really started getting in the way of alway's having a drink near, alway's having to clear my throat but never working so trying to drink hot drinks, & then there is smoking!  I know how bad that sounds but now I need a drink when I smoke & it too is painful.... guess it is almost time to quit.  I also have Peripheral Neuropathy & am now wondering if that may be "hurting" anything....?

[Flycaster305]

Yes, swallowing at times was a problem, that's definitely a symptom of acid reflux.  My vocal cords are also burned.  

[uush]

I too have teeth issues & was wondering why but now I understand (I think) Obviously even brushing your teeth twice a day isn't enough for the acid...

Do you ever have trouble swallowing? Feeling like you have something in your throat or as I call it a "froggy" feeling in your throat?

[Flycaster305]

I also have Barretts, and had the Fundoplication surgery recently.  Selma gives wonderful advice, try raising the head of your bed with at least a 4 x 4" post at night to allow gravity to keep the stomach acid in the stomach.  Stomach acid is very strong... for example, I just had to have my teeth capped as acid within a matter of a couple of weeks acid eroded away the enamel on my teeth.  Take your drug exactly as suggested, that is so important.  Don't snack after dinner.  Stay away from carbonated drinks, of course beer, hard alcoholic drinks.  Dry white wine didn't hurt me, but others didn't find that to be true.

Best wishes.  

[run4you]

Completely understand. I'm behind on my endoscopy, and although I'm taking my Zegerid, it's a lower dose than recommended (the cost adds up quick when you're supposed to take 4x the 'regular' dose!).

I'm moving soon, and have no insurance until June... so I'm sure I'll be rushing around in the near future scheduling appointments to get this taken care of.

The worst part is not having any way to know if what you're doing is or isn't working until the next time they do an endoscopy.

[uush]

Yeah I was dx with Barret's a few years ago... I do not have an endoscope scheduled at the time, I had moved about 6 months ago and do not have a dr for that where I am currently living as my "old" Dr is not in practice anymore and I need a referall for a new one. I have not taken any medication (Zegerid) for some time, I have some other ailments so I thought that those meds might have helped, but now I don't think they have. That is why I was wondering if there is anything I can do on my own for this.
I have done A LOT of research on this & I agree with you, it is nasty stuff & scary having this and knowing what the outcome can be and not doing anything about it, I do not understand why the Dr.s don't just remove the Esophagus when they see it is changing instead of waiting until it has?

[run4you]

When are you scheduled for your next endoscope?

Were you diagnosed with Barrett's?

What I have is the erythema (?) that apparently is what can turn into Barrett's (the dr had to do a biopsy to rule out Barrett's because it apparently looked like it). He explained that it's sort of a continuum of sorts... you have the erythema, you have Barrett's... and more cell changes leading to esophageal cancer. I don't know if you've ever researched that, but it's nasty stuff. I will do *anything* to avoid that...

Are you taking your acid reflux medication as prescribed?

It sounds like your reflux is at least flaring up... definitely, definitely make an appointment with your dr and get your endoscopy scheduled. You need to make sure your treatment is working and your esophagus isn't getting worse.