Gastroenterology, GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus Explained - Randall Meisner, MD

Dr. Meisner explains what gastroenterologists do and why he finds the practice so rewarding. He also discusses ways to prevent acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease, tells you when to step up treatment if you have it, and talks about the connection to Barrett’s esophagus, a potentially serious pre-cancerous condition.
Link: www.spectrumhealth.org/digestivehealth

[@Italygirl330]

This Dr. Meisner is one caring smart professional man. I’m blessed to have him as my gastroenterologist.

[@Italygirl330]

He is in Grand Rapids MI

[@the2wheelcowboy]

I have Barretts Esophagus and get an endoscopy at Mayo every two years.
I usually take about 15 mg omeprazole every day and it works pretty well.
Eat only when the stomach is empty and avoid red meat.

[@shivakumarvjit]

How old are you?? And how dangerous is this condition??

[@stuartmcmahon8870]

I have it too, I was on omeprazole but it wasn’t very good so now I’ve been on pantoprazole for nearly three years..

[@eileenwhite5056]

@@stuartmcmahon8870 I have Barrett’s to I have stopped drinking cows milk for three years now and no more heartburn alternative I have almond or coconut milk. My symptoms are so much better.

[@priyadayanandan9091]

@@eileenwhite5056 hi..how r u am diagnosed with short segment barrets esophagus only by endoscopy...no bisopy was done..is it painful to do biopsy..am worried and stressed..no happiness I my life..it's looks like a burden to me and I looke like burden to my hubby..it's my guilt which is causing me more stressed..I dnt want Al this hopsital equipment gng in.wat shud I do now..everyone surrounding me r good...but at some stage they may feel.wexed..wst will I do

[@goldsunking999]

@@priyadayanandan9091 the procedure doesn't hurt at all...you are sedated and you fall right asleep, by the time you know it, you are awake as if nothing ever happend..don't be worried about the procedure

[@vidfreak727]

How many years before berrets esophagus builds up?

[@user-yp6yr9te7l]

it takes years of chronic reflux. I'm only in my 20s and I got diagnosed with "beginning stages" of "early" Barrett's, whatever that means. I think I only have metaplasia in one spot so no abnormal cells yet. The thing is, I have almost ZERO reflux/indigestion symptoms. I never feel bloated, never had excessive burping, rarely experience heartburn. It was completely invisible until I started having some tightness in my chest and weight loss and I got that checked out. Doctor at first sent me all over the place, including pulmonary specialist. After a few months and finally doing an endoscopy, I found out I had "Silent Acid Reflux" and Esophagitis and a region in the lower esophagitis that suggested early Barrett's. If you have actual acid reflux symptoms that you feel, get it checked out.

[@godislove5124]

Is the procedure available for all types of Barrett esophagus? How much does it cost and do you accept any sort of medical insurance?

[@spike16965]

I've had Gerd since birth and no food helps relieve it. Everything give me acid reflux, and irritates my hernia. I had the nissen done ain infancy and this illness feels like it's slowly killing me. Food is like a cancer to me. Sometimes I prefer live with a G tube and eat through that from now on.

[@crystalsyed8147]

Thank you for all the info. I hope that I can do something natural that I won't have to take meds for 1 whole year

[@soukainachaina4460]

Barrett’s is irreversible; but manageable

[@debbiec6216]

@@soukainachaina4460 Do you know if Erosion Esophagus can be healed , to avoid
Barrett's disease ???? Thank you .