I was diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus 10 years ago and have been taking PPIs since. I recently was found to have polyps, probably related to taking the PPIS. My doctor put me on Carafate, and I stopped the PPIs. My heart burn is back so I, without consultation, went back to taking PPIs. I think I would rather deal with benign polyps. Published: March 06 ::

I have just found out that I have Barrett's esophagus and after the tests, I was unusually swollen in my upper chest area and had a lot of pain. I still have chest pains after I exert myself with work or fiscal activity. Published: November 17 ::

GERD is the main symptom I've had with Barrett's esophagus, but I just had an endoscopy earlier today to make sure the Barrett's has not gotten any worse. I had a biopsy also, but the doctor says this is procedure and as long as I continue to take my medication, which is Protonix, I should be fine. Although a little scary, as I am not yet even 40, I just continue with the medication, as prescribed. Protonix works wonders and I would recommend it to anyone who has these issues. Even without health insurance, it is possible to get Protonix for free, through the manufacturer. Anyone in this position should talk to a doctor about it. Without medication, the chance of cancer increases, according to the doctor. Published: October 30 ::

I’ve suffered 25 years + with heartburn and was told the heartburn would go when I had my first child. (She is now 24!!!). I saw various doctors and was told the heartburn was because I`m overweight and will go once lost weight. I finally was diagnosed with a 5cm sliding hiatus hernia and Barrett’s esophagus a couple years ago. I live on omeprazole tablets and they STILL do not help. I`ve tried changing my diet. I`ve also recently had my gallbladder removed due to multiple stones and coping with kidney stones, depression and possible arthritis in the knee joints. I am physically and mentally a wreck and hate my standard of life at 43 feeling like a 70 year old. I wish I could feel happier and healthier for myself and family’s sake. Published: November 20 ::

Barrett’s was diagnosed in August. I am on Nexium although I did not always remember to take it. Have had chest pressure on left side (with pinching), back and center chest pressure with left arm feeling "unusual." In the last 3 years I have had chest x rays, heart tests, gall bladder tests, cat scan which were all okay. The Doctor wanted to wait 3 years to do another endoscopy. It is scheduled next week. Somehow I think it is cancer. Maybe I should have insisted on having an endoscopy sooner? I am worried. Published: October 30 ::

I was diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus 2 days ago after calling 911 thinking I was having a Heart attack. The pain was in the top of my stomach and under my Sternum. I had no signs of GERD or Heartburn. 34 years ago when I was 20 I was diagnosed with a Duodenum Ulcer and Hiatal Hernia and was treated with Tagamet then Zantac over a 5 year period. Published: August 21 ::

I am under forty and was just diagnosed with Barretts. Mine was based on GERD which I have had since college. I am taking Kapidex which makes me feel a lot better, but I still have a dull pain in my chest. Depending on which foods I eat, I have good days and bad days. My treatment plan right now is to be screened once a year and continue to take meds. I also have bouts of extreme tiredness. Published: August 17 ::

I was sick with acid reflux; I had no money so I couldn't see a doctor. It got to the point that I was up all night sitting up with heart burn so bad that it went to my throat. Finally, I had a break down from shaking, vomiting, and losing weight. My mood swings were bad and angry at everyone. While I was in the recovery a doctor looked at me after reviewing my blood tests and told me I had hyperactive thyroid disease and a goiter. It ended up they removed it with iodine radiation. I felt better for a while but of course needed replacement therapy. They also put me on Protonix for the acid reflux. I did very well for about 4 years. The reflux came back I handled it for about 3 more years with bouts of it now and then until I no longer could handle it anymore. I thought I was going to have a heart attack one night. I met with my gastrologist and he scheduled an endoscopy. He took routine biopsies which showed that I have Barretts esophagus. To top it off I have empysema. When my thyroid first began I felt as though this caused the acid reflux which then grew into a problem. Then over time it has worsened. I read that sometimes food overflows into the lungs. At this time I am suppose to have an endoscopy which will be a two year mark in February of 2010. I can't hold food down now, it won't digest, I vomit full chunks of food, I am losing weight again. I can't eat meat, subs, I am constipated all the time. My throat is always killing me, I am constantly spitting up and coughing. Should I push for another endoscopy at this time instead of waiting for Feb. It has been a year and 4 months at this time. I am getting worried. Published: June 04 ::