Barrett's Esophagus

I wanted to share a positive story for anyone just being diagnosed or faced with the prospect of surgery.
My husband was diagnosed with Barrett's with low grade dysplasia around 2002. By summer of 2005 it had progressed to high grade and surgery for removal of the esophagus was recommended. The surgery was performed in September of 2005 and the extent of the Barrett's was significant from the stomach to close to the throat area. They had to leave a small piece of esophagus to have something to attach the stomach to.

My husband is now two months away from the fifth anniversary of that surgery.

It took him about a year to properly recover, understand how to eat and slowly progress from soft foods to "anything on the menu" so to speak, now. At 68 years of age he is still working a highly physical job on construction.

I strongly recommend anyone who is faced with the decision to have the surgery done look into the hospitals and surgeons in Texas, they are some of the best and have much experience in this area which is critical for a successful recovery.

I have friends in other parts of the country who have not survived very long following the surgery and this has been largely due to leakage and the inexperience of the surgeon.

I wish everyone well and my prayers go out to those facing this medical problem or who are presently undergoing treatment.

TexasSpouse