I have had Barrett's Esophagus for almost 4 yrs now (at least that's when I had the endoscopy that show'd I had Barrett's cells). It's very painful to have Barrett's cells in your esophagus.....they are precancerous cells. It's scary to have them because at any time they can change over to cancer.
There's a new procedure to eradicate Barrett's cells. It's called The Halo Procedure. My Barrett's specialist at Baylor College of Medicine is now doing this procedure and I'm going to have it done on the 13th of this month. I'm not worried about my doctor's skill in this procedure...he's world renown for Barrett's. It's just I always worry anytime I go under anesthesea. I will be glad when it's all over with and I won't have to worry so much about getting cancer of the esophagus (tho it's always possible....this procedure really cuts down the chances).
Anyway.....just thought I'd share all that.....and think of me on the 13th!

I for one, am rooting for you all the way!!!

Barretts Esophagus - begone!!!!!

Mel

All the best to you - I hope the procedure is a complete success and your bout w/ anaesthesia is uneventful. I'll be thinking about you and sending you good thoughts and vibes.

alkymst

HI Mel and Alkymst!
Thank you both for your wishes....I've had many surgeries but it's always scary when you are getting ready for another one.

Roxie,
I just wanted to add my good wishes and hopes that the surgery and "going under" will be uneventful for you. Anything like this is always scarey.

Please let us know how you do with this.

Billye

surgery and going under anathesia, that would either be one rare or totally insensitive person. It is because you lose any control or say in whatever happens, maybe. Just be sure to: in your pre-surgical testing and interviews [there are many] LET one and all know loud and clear that you have immune issues akin to MS [tho, not MS]. MS folks were the first to do what you could call 'pioneering work' regarding complications from surgeries. They are a very vocal and cohesive community and I for one have learned a lot from them to our benefit.
Talk about this concern clearly and in detail with your surgeon and ask HIM/HER to recommend an anathesiologist who is famiiliar with such circumstances. You need as many reassurances of expertise from the whole crew that's going to work on you. Then, just chill and get it over with!
I have to tell you that after coming out of two surgeries last year [full general] the wake up time was down right WONDERFUL! I felt no PN pain for about 6 hours afterwards! Pain free moments for sure, but the 'wobblies' that come with the anathesia wearing off are well, interesting...you WILL need someone around to help and watch you for a while.
Just an OH MY NO PAIN! But I can't go anywhere to really DO stuff to enjoy it, other than JUST ENJOY IT.
It sounds like this might be one good thing that might help add other good things to your life in the long term? I sure hope so! - j

HI J and Billye!
I hope I have that after surgery high of no pain! Wouldn't that be nice! After my nerve/muscle biopsy I was in SO much esophagus pain from the tube being down my esophagus I thought I was going to die! I couldn't breath because the pain was so bad. The tube brought up acid that burned the heck out of the Barrett's cells....it was awful!
I'm hoping I won't have that problem after this surgery or any other. I thought I'd have the feeling of a very bad sore throat after this surgery but my surgeon said lots of people return to work the next day after the surgery!
I will talk with the anesthesiologist about my PN so that he understands my situation! The last thing I want is worse PN!
My friend Lisa is taking me to the hospital that day and staying with me since my husband probably won't be able to get off work till after I return home. Friends are such a good thing to have!
Hope you both are having good evenings!

Roxie, I have a friend with Barrett's esophagus who had surgery. He has done well after it for a number of years. I know it is very serious. I wish you the best. I will also be interested to know what the anesthesiologist has to say about surgery and PN.

--very important the surgical team knows about neural issues the patient has going in (and hopefully, they are somewhat well-versed in the subject).

Hope you come through this with flying colors (and no additional complications).

Hugs and thinking of you. I understand your fear. You will be in my thoughts and preyers. I'm glad your friend is taking you and I hope they treat you to some goodies after.