My brother was diagnosed with this several years ago when he was around 51 or 52. He takes his medicine and goes for regular checkups and doesn't seem unduly concerned about what might happen. He's not ignoring the possibilities but other than follow his doctor's recommendations he says there's not much he can do to change things.

It's a condition that runs in my family. My father had it (undiagnosed) and it turned into EC. I also lost an uncle to EC...again, undiagnosed Barretts. I have two cousins with Barretts, and they're managing with meds and being assertive with medical follow up. They've been doing this for several years, and no ill effects. It does lead to a lifestyle change, but sometimes that has pleasant, unintended effects.

Keep the faith, take your meds, eat properly, and get regular medical attention. Should the worst happen, EC can be treatable early on. If you stay on top of this, you'll be fine. Best wishes to you.

My DH was diagnosed with this in his late 30's (about 15 years ago). He had years of terrible acid reflux until I forced him to get it looked at. He is on medication and gets an endoscopy every year to make sure the cells haven't changed. Some years the doctor finds no Barretts cells and other years the sample has a few, but no change to cancer. I agree, stay on top of this and you'll be okay.

My sister and my mom have both been diagnosed with it although both now test negative. It's very important you have a doctor who will help educate you on this condition and stay on top of it.If I'm not mistaken, both my mom and my sister have endoscopy every year. They are both on medication.

tina

You will be fine. Ask the receptionist to have the doc call you and give you some guidelines. Things she/he might say is don't eat large meals, rather eat more often, if possible, and smaller portions. Digest before going to bed. Some people like to sleep at a slight incline. That helps sometimes. Try to cut back on fats as they take longer to digest. Take good care and do what the doc says to do.

Thanks for the reassurance and info. I'm still in shock from the news and trying to educate myself via reputable websites like one from Johns Hopkins and the different Gastroentological medical societies. I'd had GERD for a while but the doctor never mentioned BE, and if he had I think I would have made major dietary and behavioral modifications earlier. I have to call the doc's office, now that I know a little and can ask questions. The lifestyle changes are enormous for me, I'm already an exerciser and healthy eater, but this is waaaay more restrictive. I know many people live with chronic medical problems like diabetes and heart conditions and autoimmune diseases, but given my general level of health and age, I thought that was years off for me. The whole thing is very frightening, and what doesn't help is that DH has been travelling for business this whole time (and is away for another week) and so I've had to go through this without him.

My 81 year old mother has Barrett's. She does not like to take meds so she uses Tums for the reflux. They are trying to get her to try a new med, but I don't know if they will succeed. They want to scope her every 6 months, but she resists that, also. She has had reflux all of her life, and has made it to her 80's just fine. I wish she would try some of the new meds, but that is just the way she is. Best wishes on your treatment.