Concerns
The top concerns for Barrett's patients as identified and ranked by those with the condition, on on-line forums, drop-in sessions and support line phone calls.
This page is the basis of the Newly Diagnosed leaflets
Will I get cancer?
Risk is small for those diagnosed, taking medication and having regular surveillance.
What can I eat?
Diet won't affect your Barrett's but some foods may irritate any oesophagitis you may still have. See this chapter on heartburn from the Down With Acid encyclopaedia.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help myself?
You can reduce reflux by following the lifestyle modifications described in this chapter.
Does the medication have dangerous side effects?
You should have been prescribed a PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor). Although they have had a bad press, they are among the safest of drugs and help protect against cancer. See the evidence here.
Why don't doctors provide us with more information?
Many general practitioner doctors in primary care, may have insufficient knowledge and consultant specialist gastroenterologists may have insufficient time. When newly diagnosed, you may not think immediately of the questions you would like answered.
The Down With Acid encyclopaedia and this website hope to fill that gap.
Is there a treatment to get rid of Barrett's and can we all get it?
Barrett's can be eradicated with ablation therapy. However, since no treatment is without risk, the risk of Barrett's mutating is very low and the risk of new Barrett's forming is significant, the treatment is usually only offered to those whose Barrett's shows signs of early mutation (dysplasia). See this chapter of the Down With Acid encyclopaedia.
Why do we have to wait so long between scopes?
Depending on the size of the Barrett's lesion, your familial history, age, sex, body build etc, scoping intervals are usually between 2 and 5 yearly. Since the majority of scopes will show nothing new, it may be regarded as a time wasting exercise - except, of course, for the reassurance the scopes can provide. New diagnostic techniques are being developed.