Catchin' Up

Ths is really old news but here is the e-mail I sent out to family after Scott got his results back from the GI doc. I wanted to have it documented here before I started to blog regularly again so bear with me if you already know all this.

Dear friends and family,
As you all know Scott had his upper GI system scoped today to try to determine why he's been unable to swallow food (for over a week now). The pictures revealed that he has a condition called Barrett's esophagitis. Apparently this can result from severe cases of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) but some people do not experience symptoms at all...until they are suddenly unable to swallow (like Scott). Scott has ulcers and abnormal cell lining in his esophagus that has formed due to the irritation. The doctor has done a few biopsies and we will hear back in about a week if everything is clear. It was explained to us that, when left untreated, Barrett's can lead to pre-cancerous cells forming...so scheduling routine visits to the GI doc will be in our future to make sure things are not getting worse. Scott has been put on Prilosec to keep the reflux under control and had his esophagus opened or "stretched" so that he can eat again. The nurse commented that is was quite constricted and that he should feel a big difference now that it is opened up more. We were also told that he will most likely have to have this procedure done again as most people with Barrett's have recurring issues with swallowing. He also will have to make a few lifestlye changes to keep the reflux at bay. We feel relieved that we have some answers as to why Scott couldn't swallow. It was quite alarming and came on the heels of his wisdom teeth being extracted so he has not eaten a decent meal in over 2 weeks! Needless to say, he is very excited to eat a burger when he starts to feel better...which hopefully will be soon! Thank you all for your prayers, support, and concern. I know Scott has felt loved and cared for by you all and has appreciated your encouragement. To read more about Barrett's I included a very basic overview of the condition in the link below.Thanks again!
Rachel

**Biopsies came back normal for cancer but positive for Barretts (which isn't a surprise).