General Chat

My indigestion and reflux is due to a hiatus hernia, diagnosed by an endoscopy ten years ago. I have to take a proton pump inhibiter to stop the stomach acid from invading my throat and causing other problems.The tablets are lansoprosole, which, I think, are similar to the ones Sylvia is talking about. Thankfully, my doctor sent me for tests straight away so no damage was done before I started taking the tablets. I can eat or drink anything without ill-effects as long as I'm taking them. As in Sylvia's case, the symptoms return if I don't take the tablets.

Annie

Good!


if you want to know any more just ask :-)

I'm just about to go to bed, though!

it's almost midnight here.

Sylvia thank you very much yes that has helped.

Uzzi

I have Barrett's Syndrome. Have had it for about 8 or 9 years.

Mine started because of bad indigestion which developed into gastric reflux.

I chewed indigestion tablets like you wouldn't believe, doctor would say "if you're only having it once or twice a week and Tums or Diovol calm it, then no problem"

Finally, the docs decided to give me a month's trial prescription of Losek (omeprazole). That worked wonders!

So I had an endoscopy, which showed an oesophageal ulcer. Losek cured that, but I was left with Barrett's Syndrome

Barrett's syndrome basically develops when stomach cells are taken up into the oesophagus by gastric reflux. The acids damage the cells in the oesophageal wall, and if you are unlucky enough, stomach cells embed themselves in among the oesophageal cells.

The specialist was a bit cavalier .............. said to take Losek for a month then I could give up.

My own doctors said "you are on Losek for the rest of your life. We have to stop gastric reflux from ever happening again."

Barrett's Syndrome is actually a pre- pre-cancerous condition ..................... it can convert into the pre-cancerous and cancerous stages IF you do not take care.

I take Losek 40mg before breakfast and Ranitidine 300mg after dinner every single day.

I have tried going off Losek, both deliberately and accidentally ................. and I get the bad indigestion and gastric reflux back within 2 days.

I have discovered that alcohol no longer likes me ............... it causes very bad indigestion. So I no longer have even 1 glass of wine with dinner.

I was never told that, and I did continue with my low alcohol consumption (1-2 glasses a week :-D ) until about 3 years ago .................. but it was no longer worth it. I know of other Barrett's Syndrome sufferers who were told off the bat, not to drink.

Basically .................. you have to eat wisely, and avoid all food and drink that give you indigestion. This varies from person to person.

I carry a tube of double-strength Tums with me all the time ................. one soon stops any incipient feeling of indigestion.

I have had 1 more endoscopy about 2 years after the ulcer was cured, and none since. The docs say that as long as I am not getting indigestion symptoms regularly, then I should be OK.


I did find that I had great trouble swallowing food when the ulcer was there ............... it felt as if the stomach opening wouldn't open, if you understand what I mean!


Does this help you????

Jane thank you but it doesn´t have to be my year , I just don´t want to be at the fall out end anymore.

2014 will be your year :-D.

Thank you Sue, I guess it´s my time, some you win, some you lose. I do wish mind that I hadn´t lost every ruddy lottery in this quarter of this year.

Fingers crossed Uzzi, sounds like you have all had more than your share of medical problems.

Sue and Jane thank you, I really don´t think that family can take another blow as Son in law has had cancerous kidney removed after 2 aneurisms were sorted only to be told the cancer is in both lungs age 32 ,, They lost their eldest grandchild age 21 just before I told them Mum had died.(Uncles sister). Uncle has already been in hospital twice due to stress.Roll on 2014 with no mishaps

My friends OH had Barretts and it did develop into Oesophageal Cancer.He had the major op and now 10 plus years on is still fine.The after effect of the op for him is that he has to sleep in an upright position and he does have trouble with the runs often in the mornings ,so has to wait until things settle down before he goes out.But he has done amazingly well and leads a normal life :-D

The risk of oesophageal cancer
Barrett's oesophagus is now recognised as a risk factor for cancer of the oesophagus. It is most likely to be diagnosed in people who have a long history of burning indigestion – a sign of acid reflux. So if you have a lot of indigestion, and have had for a long time, it is important to see your doctor. But remember that only 1 or 2 people in 100 with Barrett's oesophagus (1 to 2%) will go on to develop oesophageal cancer.

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/about-cancer/cancer-questions/what-is-barretts-oesophagus

It may help.

Sue

Hi Liz, I have looked on the net and it isn´t me but my Aunt. Her brother also had it and died of cancer through it. The net doesn´t give me the stats that I want.

Have you looked on the net for details? You may have to have a regular endoscopy, and medication. Sometimes certain foods can aggravate the condition.
Liz

Apart from it can turn into an aggressive form of cancer, has anybody ever had dealings with it?