Hello, I'm new to this board and had a question: I've had hearburn off and on for about 5 years now. An endoscopy revealed that I have a hiatal hernia, which is causing the problem. I have been taking Prilosec for about 1 year now but haven't changed my diet all that much. In the morning many times I still feel the acid/heartburn in my breastbone area. How long does it take to develop Barrett's Esophagus? I don't want to graduate to the next stage so I guess I'd better change my diet (it's hard in the summer though when you want to have a few vodka-teas once in awhile!)
Thanks very much.
chilipepper
Hi chilipepper!
I don't know when my GERD started, however I was diagnosed (graduated? 
) with Barrett's a couple of years ago - actually, it's a pretty silent progression and one that I really didn't want either. I've mentioned this somewhere? lol My memory isn't always the greatest...but I was also diagnosed with mild dysplasia, too. That is one of the next stages of Barrett's - mild dysplasia, then moderate, then cancer.
) with Barrett's a couple of years ago - actually, it's a pretty silent progression and one that I really didn't want either. I've mentioned this somewhere? lol My memory isn't always the greatest...but I was also diagnosed with mild dysplasia, too. That is one of the next stages of Barrett's - mild dysplasia, then moderate, then cancer.What I can tell you is that by changing my lifestyle, diet and taking the prescribed med.'s that after my last endoscopy, it showed that my dysplasia was gone!! WooHoo! :)
So start taking care of yourself now before you start 'graduating'! 
Hugs, Teri
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Hi Teri. I guess I'd better cut out all coffee, alcohol, chocolate and everything else that I like 
, unfortunately !!!!! Are you still able to have things like that once in awhile or have you cut them out completely? I'm hoping that if I let my stomach "rest" for about a month, then I can gradually reintroduce some of those bad foods occasionally and still enjoy life a little bit. Have you ever considered the surgery?
Again, I'm just wondering why no one else has responded to this post (?).
Maybe it's my nickname, chilipepper, that keeps people away! I never thought of that when I signed up on this board, because that has always been my email name long before I had heartburn.
Thanks,
chilipepper
Hi chilipepper. Sorry no-ones replied to you before Teri. Its probably because no-one had an answer to your question. Probably cos no-one really knows. I like your nickname by the way!! Vanessa
Often times GERD does not lead to Barrett's Esophogus. Sometimes it does. I believe that there is some research into genetic predisposition to Barrett's.
Dr G
What do you mean by "Genetic Predisposition". Sorry I am not to familiar with medical terminology
Thanks
Marsha
First, there are a few people BORN with Barretts Esophagus. It's considered a Pre-cancerous condition, but does not always lead to cancer. In only a certain % of patients does it lead to cancer of the Esophagus. And it affects mostly men. It takes 3-4 years to develop, if your going to even get it. about 14,000 people die every year from cancer of the Esophagus and over 10, ooo were MEN. A very small percentage of women even get Barretts... and not all of those get Cancer. It might be a genetic predisposition, my father had gerd for 27 years and never had Barretts either. So not everyone gets it.
What is Barretts? Well, when the lining of the Esophagus changes and become more like the lining of your intestines from the acid then it's Barretts. There are those that have very bad heartburn symptoms but very little damage to the esophagus. There are no symptoms of Barretts, you have to have a biopsy to diagnose it. There are now treatments using light therapy to get rid of Barretts as well.
Jamie
What is Barretts? Well, when the lining of the Esophagus changes and become more like the lining of your intestines from the acid then it's Barretts. There are those that have very bad heartburn symptoms but very little damage to the esophagus. There are no symptoms of Barretts, you have to have a biopsy to diagnose it. There are now treatments using light therapy to get rid of Barretts as well.
Jamie
Thanks Speedy50
Boy have you done your research.
Have you been checked for it at all yet. I was reading you have had GERD for 25 years. Does it concern you. I get a little nervous because I know some people who don't even feel heartburn get it.
Marsha
PS If you go on MSN.com right now Katie Couric swallowed a pill cam and they have a video of it
Hi Marsha,
I missed Katie Couric and the swallow cam. It's been around for awhile now, and is probably not a bad diagnostic tool. I can't swallow pills though without jello or apple sauce so I don't know if I can do that test.
My gerd was silent for 13 years and only became active again 4 years ago. Silent doesn't mean it's not there, just that it never bothered me. I was not smart and used ibuprofen and naproxen sodium for headaches and that's what brought it back on for me.
I do think about esophageal cancer, but you can't live every day worrying about it. My father worried all the time about cancer of the colon because his sister died from it, his brother had liver cancer from benzene exposure and his dad , my grandfather lost a lung to cancer from smoking. But my father never got cancer. Nothing, ever showed up in any of his many tests over the years. His oldest sister died not from cancer but from old age at 90.
My father died, but not from cancer. He ended up dying from toxic strep that went though his body. So you can worry about getting cancer all day long, but no one knows, not even the dr's if we will actually get cancer of any type. 90% of us have cancer in our bodies all the time, did you know that? Yep, free radicals just running around...but our immune systems keep them in check and eating right and exercising and trying to keep stress levels low help us fight those free radicals. So build up your immune systems and stay healthy!
Jamie:)
My Barrett's developed in just a few months. I never had any reflux problems at all until Feb & March 2011. In July 2011 I was diagnosed with Barrett's. But it usually doesn't progress to cancer, so I don't worry about it too much. I am very careful of what I eat, following the Koufman diet. I occasionally have small amounts of foods thought to irritate reflux.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/755973?src=mp&spon=20
This article from this year (2012) shows that progression of GERD over 5 years is not that exciting - a few get worse, some get better, most "remain stable". From which they conclude that for most people the treatment strategies being applied are effective enough to prevent progression.
They do make this point at the end: -
"Less than 10% of patients with GERD are likely to progress to a diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus at 5 years"
And the risk of progression of Barretts to adenocarcinoma is put at 0.5 to 1% - very low and now much lower than originally thought. The jury is still out on what exactly does trigger the change to adenocarcinoma and there is no global consensus on screening or monitoring. Here in the UK, if you were doing OK on medication, you wouldn't get rescoped for 5 years. Some folk in the USA are being advised for every 3 or every 2 years, but, as I say, there's no consensus on screening frequency.
My issue is that at my first scope no biopsies were taken, so when a very very small area of Barretts was found on my second scope, I had no way of knowing whether it had been there all along or occurred more recently as a result of progression. I vomited endlessly during pregnancy and had reflux then, 2 years prior to having regular GERD, so for all I know my oesophagus may have got fried back then!!
MMM
New stuff: GERD, Recurrent cystitis/Overactive bladder
Lifelong stuff: Food allergies/intolerance, eczema, asthma
This article from this year (2012) shows that progression of GERD over 5 years is not that exciting - a few get worse, some get better, most "remain stable". From which they conclude that for most people the treatment strategies being applied are effective enough to prevent progression.
They do make this point at the end: -
"Less than 10% of patients with GERD are likely to progress to a diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus at 5 years"
And the risk of progression of Barretts to adenocarcinoma is put at 0.5 to 1% - very low and now much lower than originally thought. The jury is still out on what exactly does trigger the change to adenocarcinoma and there is no global consensus on screening or monitoring. Here in the UK, if you were doing OK on medication, you wouldn't get rescoped for 5 years. Some folk in the USA are being advised for every 3 or every 2 years, but, as I say, there's no consensus on screening frequency.
My issue is that at my first scope no biopsies were taken, so when a very very small area of Barretts was found on my second scope, I had no way of knowing whether it had been there all along or occurred more recently as a result of progression. I vomited endlessly during pregnancy and had reflux then, 2 years prior to having regular GERD, so for all I know my oesophagus may have got fried back then!!
MMM
New stuff: GERD, Recurrent cystitis/Overactive bladder
Lifelong stuff: Food allergies/intolerance, eczema, asthma
So this is a pretty old thread but I figured I'd give it a shot. I have had Gerd for about 10 years and have been on and off ppis for about 3 of those years. I have recently been having alot more pain in my chest and an excessive amount of gas. I have been to the Drs multiple times and all to no evail, they just change my meds and say "see you in a month". So I guess my question is what are the odds I might have developed Esophageal cancer? I should also mention i suffer from pretty bad anxiety and depression so as im sure you can imagine im not doing so well right now. Any info would be of great appreciation.
Thanks
Thanks
First, there is no time frame to develop cancer of the esophagus, nor any guarantee that you ever will develop it. Even people who are diagnosed with BE, have little chance of developing cancer. How long has it been from your last endoscopy? If you are still on PPIs, you should probably schedule one as part of a normal routine.
And yes, this is an old thread and you should probably start your own topic if you want more responses.
Sharon
And yes, this is an old thread and you should probably start your own topic if you want more responses.
Sharon
SharonZ said...
First, there is no time frame to develop cancer of the esophagus, nor any guarantee that you ever will develop it. Even people who are diagnosed with BE, have little chance of developing cancer. How long has it been from your last endoscopy? If you are still on PPIs, you should probably schedule one as part of a normal routine.
And yes, this is an old thread and you should probably start your own topic if you want more responses.
Sharon
First, there is no time frame to develop cancer of the esophagus, nor any guarantee that you ever will develop it. Even people who are diagnosed with BE, have little chance of developing cancer. How long has it been from your last endoscopy? If you are still on PPIs, you should probably schedule one as part of a normal routine.
And yes, this is an old thread and you should probably start your own topic if you want more responses.
Sharon
I've never had an endoscopy of the esophagus only the throat. Thank you for your response, ill take your advice and start my own thread, just not to familliar with how forums work.
Hello Tommy, I will try and set your mind at ease a bit although i realize everyone is different. I too have had gerd for over ten years , 12 to be exact. For at least 9 or ten of those years i had acid reflux 24/7 because no medication, anatacids or ppi's have worked for me. I had to learn to live with it. I too have bad anxiety and when i was put on an anti anxiety medication my gerd disappeared. When i try and go off it comes back!!!! It is so bad that i look like i have hives on my face and chest from the heat so i stay on it. My father died from espophageal cancer so i also live in fear of this not only becaose of him but becaose of the number of years with acid washing away my esophagus non stop. I have had at least 7 or 8 scopes. I get scopes every two years with one year having two. I have esophagitis and have had one biopsy with barrets however after being put on an anti anxiety not only did my gerd go away but my esophagus healed. I will continue getting scoped every two years regardless becaose of my history . I strongly encourage you to demand you get a scope. Had my dad gotten scoped maybe he would not have developed the cancer. As for you, and i am not a doctor but you could have bad inflammation , esophagitis and that could be causing your pain. Are you having trouble swallowing? This was my dads first and only symptom. He never complained of acid reflux but now that i have had it so long i know he had symptoms but i guess they werent bothersome enough for him. Do not let them just keep giving you medication after this long especially becaose you are having other symptoms. You will feel much better after getting a scope because you will know what you are dealing with and if they show any abnormalities you will continue to be watched closely.
Michele1969 said...
however after being put on an anti anxiety not only did my gerd go away but my esophagus healed.
however after being put on an anti anxiety not only did my gerd go away but my esophagus healed.
Hi Michele, could you mention what anti anxiety meds have you been taking that helped heal your esophagus? I take them very rarely and my GERD symptoms always seem to disappear for a couple of days after...
What grade of esophagitis have you had?
I am so glad I found this thread! Maybe someone can help me. 3 years ago I had a swollen throat. Went to my doctor and he referred me to an ENT that said I had silent reflux and he gave me a list of foods to avoid. I didn't go by that list, but the reflux did go away soon after that. Don't know why? Then about 2 mos ago, I have the swollen throat again and I feel full a lot of the time, even after eating a very small amount. I did go to my doctor and he didn't look at my throat. He just said I needed a PPI and he takes one every morning himself. I do know from extensive research that PPI's are meant to be used on a very temporary basis as they have dangerous side effects. I did not get the PPI prescription filled. I want to figure out what is causing my issue and FIX THAT. Initially I thought it was probably just low stomach acid.. which allows the sphincter to relax and fall open, allowing stomach acid to go up into my throat. But when I did my research, I discovered a lot about hiatal hernias. I thought maybe my feeling of fullness might be indicative of a hernia. I don't take any meds for this at this time and never have. I have seen my chiro 3 times in the past week to work on a possible hernia. I feel good for awhile after the treatment, but then I start feeling bad again. Has anyone here successfully gotten rid of a hernia and if so, how? If you got rid of reflux without meds and did not have a hernia, what did you do? I welcome any and all advice!! 
P.S. Up until a few days ago, I ate a LOT of dark chocolate every day. When researching reflux, I read that chocolate contains a chemical that irritates the sphincter and causes it to seize up and open, causing reflux. I stopped chocolate for now and wonder if that IS the issue, how long does it take for the swollen throat to go away? I'm trying to eliminate all possibilities.
P.S. Up until a few days ago, I ate a LOT of dark chocolate every day. When researching reflux, I read that chocolate contains a chemical that irritates the sphincter and causes it to seize up and open, causing reflux. I stopped chocolate for now and wonder if that IS the issue, how long does it take for the swollen throat to go away? I'm trying to eliminate all possibilities.
Post Edited (Marilyn H) : 10/11/2017 4:29:28 PM (GMT-6)
Marilyn:
Sorry you are having issues. First thing, do yourself a favor and stop self-diagnosing by using Dr. Google - second, you don't know if you have a hernia and with most people they cause no symptoms. You might start by trying a GERD-friendly diet and keep a food diary to try and pinpoint possible trigger foods. You can also go back to the advice you were given from your ENT. You can try an over the counter antacid like Pepcid to see if that helps. You can also make an appointment to see a gastro doctor and see if he suggests having an endoscopy. Anxiety can cause/make symptoms seem worse.
Sorry you are having issues. First thing, do yourself a favor and stop self-diagnosing by using Dr. Google - second, you don't know if you have a hernia and with most people they cause no symptoms. You might start by trying a GERD-friendly diet and keep a food diary to try and pinpoint possible trigger foods. You can also go back to the advice you were given from your ENT. You can try an over the counter antacid like Pepcid to see if that helps. You can also make an appointment to see a gastro doctor and see if he suggests having an endoscopy. Anxiety can cause/make symptoms seem worse.
I actually have the same question.
I'm a 21-year-old male. I've had GERD (not heartburn, but a lot of gagging and belching) for around two years now.
I've also been taking PPIs for about a month, (and an SSRI for around 2-3 months and anti-psychotic and beta-blocker for around a year) and sleep right after I eat.
I was wondering if I should change these habits/medications. Do you guys think I'm at risk of developing Barrett's esophagus and consequently, esophageal cancer? If so, how long would it take if I continued these habits/medications?
Any response is much appreciated.
I'm a 21-year-old male. I've had GERD (not heartburn, but a lot of gagging and belching) for around two years now.
I've also been taking PPIs for about a month, (and an SSRI for around 2-3 months and anti-psychotic and beta-blocker for around a year) and sleep right after I eat.
I was wondering if I should change these habits/medications. Do you guys think I'm at risk of developing Barrett's esophagus and consequently, esophageal cancer? If so, how long would it take if I continued these habits/medications?
Any response is much appreciated.
Post Edited (iank1434) : 10/13/2017 8:17:51 AM (GMT-6)
I'm a new member here and I've been reading this thread. I thank all of you guys because I too, am obsessed with getting Barrett, although I know it is rare and my first (and only so far) endoscopy this April just showed esophagitis, GERD 1.
michele1969: I'm sorry to hear about your father. Regarding your case, I think I somewhat can relate. I was on psych drugs including benzodiazepine (an anti anxiety - you can guess from my username, right?) for roughly 17 years (I'm 32 now). I'm sure I had occasional heartburn since I was a child, but my serious GERD happened during my psych drugs withdrawal (my psychiatrist ordered me so). So I had endoscopy in April and was diagnosed GERD 1 with esophagitis. However I'm sure I had LPR instead, since my symptoms are asthma, shortbess of breath, throat lump and inflammed, difficulty swallowing, blocked ear, stomach gurgling and then goes up to the throat, nasal mucus, etc.
What I read from Dr. Heather Ashton who specializes in benzo withdrawal, the stomach has benzo receptor on it, so it got disrupted when I do the withdrawal. Perhaps, as part of digestive organ, the esophagus was also affected. I had autoimmune colitis as well in September (diagnosed with colonoscopy) although now it's under control.
So what you posted here really adds another new knowledge to me regarding the anti anxiety and GERD.
michele1969: I'm sorry to hear about your father. Regarding your case, I think I somewhat can relate. I was on psych drugs including benzodiazepine (an anti anxiety - you can guess from my username, right?) for roughly 17 years (I'm 32 now). I'm sure I had occasional heartburn since I was a child, but my serious GERD happened during my psych drugs withdrawal (my psychiatrist ordered me so). So I had endoscopy in April and was diagnosed GERD 1 with esophagitis. However I'm sure I had LPR instead, since my symptoms are asthma, shortbess of breath, throat lump and inflammed, difficulty swallowing, blocked ear, stomach gurgling and then goes up to the throat, nasal mucus, etc.
What I read from Dr. Heather Ashton who specializes in benzo withdrawal, the stomach has benzo receptor on it, so it got disrupted when I do the withdrawal. Perhaps, as part of digestive organ, the esophagus was also affected. I had autoimmune colitis as well in September (diagnosed with colonoscopy) although now it's under control.
So what you posted here really adds another new knowledge to me regarding the anti anxiety and GERD.