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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you've been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus, you may worry about your risk of esophageal cancer. You may experience anxiety and worry with each new sign or symptom. With time, you'll discover ways of coping with a Barrett's esophagus diagnosis. Until then, consider trying to:
- Go to all of your appointments. Your doctor may recommend follow-up endoscopy exams to monitor your condition. Before each exam, you may worry about whether your Barrett's esophagus has worsened. Don't let this stop you from going to your appointments. Instead, expect to have some anxiety and find ways to cope with your feelings. Try relaxing activities, such as exercise, listening to music and writing in a journal to express your feelings.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices. Keep your body healthy by making healthy lifestyle choices each day. For instance, choose a diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Maintain a healthy weight. Exercise most days of the week. Get enough sleep so that you wake feeling rested. Making healthy changes increases the chance that you'll be healthy enough for Barrett's esophagus treatment should you need it.
- Ask your doctor what symptoms to be alert for. Ask your doctor what signs and symptoms should prompt you to make an appointment. This way you may spend less time worrying that your condition is worsening.
References
- Rich HG. Barrett's esophagus. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/145544773-3/0/1701/0.html. Accessed June 23, 2009.
- Wang KK, et al. Updated guidelines 2008 for the diagnosis, surveillance and therapy of Barrett's esophagus. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008;103:788.
- Azodo IA, et al. Barrett's esophagus. American College of Gastroenterology. http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/gihealth/barretts.asp. Accessed June 23, 2009.
- Shaheen NJ, et al. Barrett's oesophagus. The Lancet. 2009;373:850.
- Barrett's esophagus. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddieases/pubs/barretts/index.htm. Accessed June 23, 2009.
- Crockett SD, et al. Health-related quality of life in patients with Barrett's esophagus: A systematic review. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2009;7:613.
- Waxman I, et al. Mucosal ablation of Barrett esophagus. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology. In press. http://www.nature.com/nrgastro/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/nrgastro.2009.90.html. Accessed June 24, 2009.
- Sharma P, et al. Management of nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus: Where are we now? American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2009;104:805.
- HALO 360 System. Barrx Medical, Inc. http://www.barrx.com/Patients_and_Families/index.cfm/421. Accessed June 25, 2009.
- Heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/index.htm. Accessed June 29, 2009.
