bulimia and barrett's esophagus

[sansan1]

I am 56, soon to be 57. This is a question I have had for a long time. I was bulimic from the time I was 15 years old until the time I was 30 years old and in graduate school. I would say that most days of the week I would vomit and many days several times per day. I don't remember having too many periods of time where I wasn't involved in actively vomiting. I had to leave college at one point and had many years of counseling. Even at the time I was vomiting all of the time I was worried about the damage I was probably doing to my esophagus. Even though it's been many years since I have been bulimic, and don't seem to have any problems now or in the past with gastric reflux, I am still wondering if it would be a good idea to be evaluated for barrett's esophagus. I do have some problems with my voice, especially when I am anxious or tired, but I don't know if that is related to past vomiting or barrett's. Thanks.

[mama4224]

I have recently been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus.  I have no symptoms and no GERD, so it is possible to have it without any symptoms.  If the damage was done 20 years ago and caused by Bulimia, you may not have any symptoms.  Mine was an incidental diagnoses found on endoscopy.

[MonicaC2018]

Wondering how you are today?  I have been diagnosed with Barrett's and I am certain it was brought on by bulimia.  I also have no symptoms of GERD.

[mama4224]

I am well just get upper gi regularly to check on it.  So far no dysplasia.  Im on prilosec 40 mg and famotadine at nite 20 mg.  Glad they caught it in both of us!!

[BeeFree]

It can't hurt to get checked. I personally doubt you have GERD or Barrett's based on the minor symptoms you've listed, but to ease your mind you may as well get a test and be done with it.

Congrats on a successful recovery, by the way. 15 years of dealing with an illness is no piece of cake (pardon the expression) and whether you're 100% recovered or still deal with bulimic tendencies or lingering thoughts, you're an inspiration. :-)

All the best.