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Lifestyle: I have Barrett's Oesophagus

Boggy
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Hi.

I am currently in Spain as a commercial sailor which has resulted in using the local hospital to assist with my indigestion issues.

I have had a Hietal Hernia for over ten years and apparently it has caused gastric reflux damaging my esophagus. After an endoscopy and two biopsies fortunately the results are I have Barrets but no cancer. I’m ceasing smoking and alcohol along with consuming fried foods, spicy & chocolate, to comply with the guidelines but would appreciate more information on how to deal with this situation.

For example, is a mild curry without chilli going to cause harm?

Is a glass of wine a day harmful?

All & more questions like this I’m finding difficult to solve being at sea most of the time.

Is there a source of information please?

Boggy.

Parents
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    3 months without results of what to do.

    tomato ketchup is bad?

    yes tomatoes in the ingredients. Which ingredients???

    is salad dressing dangerous?

  • in reply to Boggy

    Hi there Boggy and thanks for the post

    It can be a worry to find out you have Barrett's oesophagus and whilst some people who have this may be at higher risk of developing oesophageal cancer, because this is a pre cancerous condition, this won't be the case for most people. 

    Once Barrett's is identified you can be closely monitored and treatment offered as needed to best manage and control this. 

    In terms of the do's and don'ts with eating it is very individual as the foods that affect one person will be different to someone else. Generally speaking people should limit their intake of alcohol, caffeine alongside fatty and spicy foods as these can increase acid production, causing the unpleasant symptoms. Some people may choose to keep a food diary to find out which foods may cause them issues. Otherwise eating a  healthy and balanced diet whilst maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, trying to minimise any stress and not smoking can also help.

    You may find it helpful to take a look at the GUTS UK website again that also has a section of useful information about Barrett's. 

    Best wishes

    Naomi

Reply
  • in reply to Boggy

    Hi there Boggy and thanks for the post

    It can be a worry to find out you have Barrett's oesophagus and whilst some people who have this may be at higher risk of developing oesophageal cancer, because this is a pre cancerous condition, this won't be the case for most people. 

    Once Barrett's is identified you can be closely monitored and treatment offered as needed to best manage and control this. 

    In terms of the do's and don'ts with eating it is very individual as the foods that affect one person will be different to someone else. Generally speaking people should limit their intake of alcohol, caffeine alongside fatty and spicy foods as these can increase acid production, causing the unpleasant symptoms. Some people may choose to keep a food diary to find out which foods may cause them issues. Otherwise eating a  healthy and balanced diet whilst maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, trying to minimise any stress and not smoking can also help.

    You may find it helpful to take a look at the GUTS UK website again that also has a section of useful information about Barrett's. 

    Best wishes

    Naomi

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