Barrett’s-Are You the Answer?

Five years ago my journey started with multiple and unending digestive complaints. As my symptoms increased in intensity I was forced to seek the advice of medical professionals. Two years ago I was given a diagnosis…Barrett’s Esophagus was the cause of all my pain and frustration. A year and a half ago I created this blog to share all my knowledge with others. I had years of research information in my head that I needed to put down on paper (or laptop).

Imagine how my mind has been whirling since my new gastroenterologist gave me a new opinion…maybe I don’t have Barrett’s Esophagus. I have had my suspicions since the beginning, but it was difficult to discuss them with my original GE because she had stamped “Barrett’s Esophagus” on my forehead, and that was the end of the discussion. After evaluating all my symptoms and medical histery, my new GE did not feel everything added up to Barrett’s. He listened to my suspicions and removed the “Barrett’s Esophagus” stamp; at least for now.

My old symptoms and continuing symptoms are more what you would associate with someone suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Here are the reasons for the suspicions and possible new diagnosis:

1. My age: Barrett’s is typical found in people 50 years of age or older, and I am well under 50.
2. Little heartburn: I could count on both hands how many times I experienced heartburn in the 3 years prior to my endoscopy. With Barrett’s and GERD I should have had heartburn at least 2-3 times a week.
3. My symptoms: I feel each instance of heartburn, gas, food traveling through my digestive tract, and bowel issues with intensity. My new GE says that this is because of hypersensitivity, which is typical for people suffering from IBS. Hypersensitivity means that I am able to feel basic digestive functions more than most people, and each pain such as heartburn feels worse than it may actually be because I am more sensitive to the sensation.
4. Irregular bowel movements: I still flip flop back and forth between constipated and loose stool within a 24 hour period. That is a major indicator of IBS.
5. My upper endoscopy (EGD) 2 years ago: My new GE reviewed my endoscopy and biopsy results. He observed that the endoscopy notes said that my esophagus “appeared normal” and there was no esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus). If Barrett’s Esophagus was present, there would have been some abnormal cells or at least inflammation. A biopsy would be taken from the abnormal cells, but in my case a biopsy was taken from random cells. It would be unlikely to find Barrett’s in random, normal-appearing cells.
6. Acid medication: I have felt significantly better while taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), but H2 blockers don’t seem to help. My new GE says that this is because PPIs are used to treat and/or manage IBS. H2 blockers are primarily used to treat acid reflux. While acid reflux is common, and I probably get it every now and again, it may not be the reason for all of my digestive issues.

My new GE and I have scheduled a much anticipated upper endoscopy to accomplish 2 things: 1.) Verify the presence of Barrett’s and 2.) check the progress of my Barrett’s management (if that is in fact still an accurate diagnosis).

I am so relieved to finally have a second opinion and to finally feel like I can express my suspicions and questions freely with someone who takes me seriously. I have tried really hard to be very aware of my body, and I am happy to have a gastroenterologist who will try equally as hard to help me find answers to my questions…and even ask new questions that I had not thought of.