I just found out that i have Barrett's esophagus?

can anyone tell me anything i can do to help me get thru this emotionally i can talk to anyone that i know bc they just keep telling me that it is not that serious but i fell like it is can anyone who has this help me

the doctor said it is pre-cancerous now and i have to get it checked periodically for the rest of my life

im on the meds for it but im still scared

I work in endoscopy and see this condition a lot. Yes- Barrett's esophagus is a condition that can put you at risk to esophageal cancer. However... compare it to this situation: It's kind of like how someone that spends a lot of time outside is more at risk for getting skin cancer. Barrett's cancer puts you at risk, that's why you'll get periodic biopsies to screen you. However, it doesn't ensure that you'll get cancer. Lots of people that spend lots of time in the sun never get cancer... you know? Try to breathe, this diagnosis can definitely put stress on you if you don't know about it. Try to research it on the internet a little bit, it will probably put you at ease. Take care.

i dont even know what that is but just do what ur doc sais

I've had Barrett's for about 10 years now. Due to a strict diet, I am now off of medication. The biggest thing I cut out of my diet was caffeine.
I read recently that raspberries contain a nutrient that fight off Barrett's.
I know you've been recently diagnosed and it most likely came as a shock but follow your doctor's advice and you'll be fine.
Good luck.

Now this is something very hard to go through and this is even a hharder thing to do but the best thing that YOU can do. Is to keep positive at ALL TIMES!! and if someone in your family or your friends are negative about the situation they are just making things hard for you. So try to stick around with positive people who will tell you that you CAN get through what you are going through. Another thing that helps is to think that there are much worse things in life that could happen to you. Anyway KEEP POSITIVE :)

You don't mention whether you have negative, indefinite, low-grade, or high-grade dysplasia (cell changes). This can affect what your chances are of contracting esophageal cancer. If you have that information, you might want to read more at http://www.barrettsinfo.com/content/3c_w...

Many people with Barrett's Esophagus don't realize they have it, so you're already at an advantage; you're on medications and will have regular screening.

Some sources say about 1% of patients with Barrett's Esophagus develop esophageal cancer; some say 1 in 200; some say you have a 90% chance of NOT developing cancer. Certainly your risk is increased, but the people who tell you "it's not that serious" may be correct.

Some good resources for your condition are:
http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/gihealth/...
http://www.medicinenet.com/barretts_esop...
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/barrett...

You may want to ask your physician for information about support groups, so you can talk to other people with your same diagnosis. You're certainly not alone, which will make you less scared. I did a quick search for support groups for Barrett's Esophagus, but found no reliable links.

From what I know, Barrett's Oesophagus is a form of reflux trouble. Felt you should know of other views on reflux treatment as I have had problems with reflux myself.

In the book, "Why Stomach Acid Is Good For You: Natural Relief from Heartburn, Indigestion, Reflux & GERD (2001)," by Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. and Lane Lenard, Ph.D., we come across another view to the cause and treatment of 'heartburn'.

This book explains that contrary to common belief, heartburn is normally linked to a deficiency of stomach acid.

According to their understanding, the usual medical practice of reducing stomach acid only temporarily suppresses the symptoms.

Worse still, both men are concerned about the long-term unwanted effects of acid-suppressing drugs and over-the-counter antacids. Some of these health problems mentioned in the book are:

* poor nutritional absorption
* allergies
* depression
* pernicious anaemia
* osteoporosis

What Dr. Wright urges is the use of stomach acid supplements and other natural treatments.

You could look into:

* Causes eg foods or drugs that weaken the stomach valve or irritate the oesophagus

* Swedish Bitters to stimulate the Stomach

* Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice

* Herbal 'Antacid' supporting Digestion

* Noni, Goji or Mangosteen Juices

* Digestive Enzymes

* Testing Stomach Acid Level

* HCL-Pepsin