WHAT MADE PEOPLE GET TESTED FOR BARRETTS?

[Bretsky44]

I am a 48 year old woman who is fairly healthy.  Two or three years ago I was diagnosed with GERD via an endoscopy.  I was put on Aciphex.  I am also a heavy drinker.  I have not taken the Aciphex on a regular basis because up until a month or so ago I have not had any symptoms.  I am now having difficulty swallowing or at least feel like I have a lump in my throat - the constant clearing of throat, cough.  I am now terrified that I have Barretts or cancer.  Plan on making an appointment next with with a GI - didn't like the one I went to before.

[mammo]

Feeling like you have a lump in your throat is very common with acid reflux.  If you've only noticed symptoms for a month I doubt this has progressed to Barretts.... much less cancer.  My husband suffers terribly with symptoms like you describe and he recently had an endoscopy and nothing was found.
Avoid spicy foods and keep your head elevated at night to help prevent the acid from flowing into your throat.  Try not to worry and take your medication until you see your GI doc.  Hope this helps and best wishes!

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  I would recommend not worrying that you have cancer or something else, until you get checked out by a doctor.  Has your diet changed at all?