BS: Barrett's oesophagus

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: MikeL2
Date: 21 Jan 19 - 03:02 PM

Hi

Steve

I have figs sometimes and in the winter eg now - I have prunes on my breakfast porridge. Works for me.

ps Sometimes I almost sh*t myself when I watch Man United's defence.....as good ( or is it bad ?) as any laxative. lol

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Senoufou
Date: 21 Jan 19 - 06:27 AM

That's fascinating, clever gorillas! I wonder how they figured that out? Trial and error I expect.

The trouble is that with the appalling sanitation (which I've had to use myself on occasions) the eggs which are found in human faeces get into water supplies and food, and are re-ingested.

The traditional remedies, some root or other, ground into a powder and swallowed in water, are quite effective. (probably fierce purgatives)
But of course, re-infection occurs.

The worms Steve suggested can cause ulcers and infections due to the damage of the intestinal wall.

I reckon my small hiatus hernia is comparatively a very insignificant problem!

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Jack Campin
Date: 21 Jan 19 - 06:03 AM

Apparently gorillas figured out how to treat roundworms. They pick a kind of leaf which one surface covered with fine sharp bristles, roll them bristly side in and swallow them whole. The worms stick to the bristles and get crapped out.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Senoufou
Date: 21 Jan 19 - 05:50 AM

Yes Steve, that looks a likely candidate. And Wikipedia says they're very common in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ghastly things!

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 21 Jan 19 - 05:22 AM

If it's a large worm, a few inches long, it's probably Ascaris lumbricoides, the human roundworm. They don't have segments like earthworms. Unpleasant beasts they are.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Senoufou
Date: 21 Jan 19 - 04:20 AM

I have read Helen that intestinal worms can protect a person from allergies. But sadly, he gets very bad hay fever!

From what he's told me, most of his family had worms in those days, but now they can get treatment fairly cheaply (not the traditional stuff, but more modern medication) and also products to control head lice.

I'm not altogether sure what species of worm these were. Not tapeworm, and not small ones, but rather large things that infested in huge numbers. Absolutely grim.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Helen
Date: 21 Jan 19 - 12:54 AM

I'm happy to report that, despite fighting off a panic attack in the waiting room this morning, I survived my gastroscopy and endoscopy. The anaesthetist must think I am very rude because I nodded off only two sentences in to our conversation, woke up after a good sleep, enjoyed my cup of tea - aaahhhh!! :-) - and sandwiches and am now back home.

Thanks guys for letting me know that I shouldn't have been worried.

That pre-op prep over the last two days? Don't want to repeat that in a hurry, not the least because of the lack of real healthy food. No veges, no multigrains, no legumes, no nuts? It should be outlawed!


There is a product available in the supermarkets here called Nulax and it is mostly dried fruit including figs, dates, apricots, peaches and
pears and a trace of senna. Take one piece about the size of a small walnut at night, wait until the next morning or later in the day before trying a bit more, but one dose has always worked for me within 24 hours. But these days I take a tablespoonful of psyllium three times a week in my cereal or home made fruit smoothie. Works like a charm.

Senoufou, I saw an interesting TV program on gut health a while back and studies have been done to show that some people living in tribal cultures who have a certain type of intestinal worm actually have healthier gut microbiomes than people who have access to medical treatments for getting rid of those worms. I saw it a while back and memory is a strange thing, especially now that I am getting older, so I'd have to research that a bit more to find the actual science on it, but it was a really surprising claim. Your lovely husband's physical injuries from the worms in his gut would be a big downside of that benefit, if indeed it was the same type of worm.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 20 Jan 19 - 01:02 PM

Buy a bag of Sainsbury's figs. Eat five figs all at one go as a snack, or for your brekkie, once a day. You'll never get constipated again. If you're Dave, Morrisons. I suppose they must sell 'em!

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Senoufou
Date: 20 Jan 19 - 12:47 PM

Hello there Mike!
Yes, he's thrilled that Norwich is still second and if this keeps up they might go up.

I forgot to mention on this thread (not related to Barrett's oesophagus, but still to do with one's insides!) that until he was in hos early twenties my husband was infested with huge intestinal worms. Every so often they'd erupt and pour out of his mouth, or the other end if his mother had given him a violent purgative (ground-up root of some plant) These worms hook on to the inside surface of the gut and cause infections due to the wounds they inflict.

Not too long ago, he was admitted with an 'acute abdomen' to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. The inflammation was thought to be due to the state of the gut wall, Obviously he'd had proper treatment for the worms a long time ago, and after being admitted and put on a drip for three days he recovered and came home.
But he must keep an eye on his health and be aware of any inflammation/pain in his tum.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: MikeL2
Date: 20 Jan 19 - 08:28 AM

Hi sen

Thanks for your comments. I am ok, occasionally get very slight miscomfort but it isn't a problem.

Steves' Fybogel sound ( and looks like ) Laxido. Very easy to take and not " searching".

Glad to hear that your husband is taking to vegetables. It seems to be working.
Oh and Congrats about Norwich fine win and Leed's loss is great for yo. Hubby will love that.

Regards

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 19 Jan 19 - 10:30 AM

Jack - :-D

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Jack Campin
Date: 19 Jan 19 - 09:21 AM

I do get strange dreams about not being able to stop pooing on a very public toilet though...

Surprisingly I've never yet dreamt about being a Tory troll on Mudcat.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Senoufou
Date: 19 Jan 19 - 09:18 AM

'Toilet dreams' are apparently quite common. People dream that they can't find one, or only one in full view of the general public.

IBS must be very painful and difficult to cope with.

Luckily there are loads of remedies to buy from pharmacies which can help. But I thank my lucky stars that my insides behave themselves!

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 19 Jan 19 - 05:55 AM

I have the reverse problem. Quite possibly a touch of IBS but I am reluctant to take anything because, apart from a certain urgency a few times a day, I have no real problems with it.

I do get strange dreams about not being able to stop pooing on a very public toilet though... :-S

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 19 Jan 19 - 04:41 AM

It's only a sachet of powder that you dissolve and glug down, and it's fruit-flavoured. It's a lot less disgusting than most other medicines, and it works.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 18 Jan 19 - 07:15 PM

Disgusting stuff! Fortunately I don't need it!

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 18 Jan 19 - 06:36 PM

Fybogel, chaps. Bungéd thou shalt not be. Any chemist.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Senoufou
Date: 18 Jan 19 - 03:53 PM

Glad you're okay now Mike, but that sounds really uncomfortable for you.
Husband has to watch out for constipation problems. He's eaten so much fiery chilli stuff during his life that I reckon his insides have packed up and gone home! Coupled with far too much white rice, his diet was poor. He used to feel really ill, with bad headaches due to blocked bowels for days.
But since I got the new rice-boiler-with-steamer, he's developed a taste for all sorts of good vegetables. He plonks in broccoli, cauliflower, Spring greens, spinach, cubed potatoes, sprouts and such like, steamed briefly so not soggy.
He loves his veg. now and I'm secretly over the moon. His skin is glowing, he feels much more energetic and no more constipation.
I'm very lucky as I've never had constipation or bowel probs. I'm tough as old boots (and probably look like them too!)

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: MikeL2
Date: 18 Jan 19 - 02:50 PM

ho sen

Going back to your earlier post about DulcoLax.

I ever since I was a young boy I have suffered from my rear bunging up.
Every so often I have had to take various laxatives and occasionally have enemas.....lovely !!!!!! You name it I have taken it. but about a month ago I bunged up and despite taking laxatives I had no go as it were.

I went into my nearest pharmacy and was seen by the charming Irish Pharmacist. She discussed to top with me and came to the conclusion that Dulcolax would be the best thing for me.

I took two tablets as I went to bed........I was wakened in the night and had to move quickly to the toilet. I think it cleared me inside out. !!! That day I had to stay near a toilet.

It calmed down by the next night.

I went to the docs just to see what he said. He put me on Laxido..a pleasant orange flavoured drink.

Everything seems OK now.

Regards

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Senoufou
Date: 18 Jan 19 - 02:42 PM

Hahahaaaagh!

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 18 Jan 19 - 02:29 PM

Guess he'll have nun of the Blue Nun!

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Senoufou
Date: 18 Jan 19 - 03:39 AM

No Steve, it's what you might say when a nice crate of German white wine arrives at your door and you have a taste:
"Post Hock, ergo proper Hock!"

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Donuel
Date: 17 Jan 19 - 07:33 PM

Dave congratulations for the inspired rhyme of asparagus with oesophagus

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Jan 19 - 07:12 PM

Propter. Bloody spellcheck. Bloody reading glasses.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Jan 19 - 03:59 PM

Post hoc ergo proper hoc.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Donuel
Date: 17 Jan 19 - 03:55 PM

Dave the Gnome
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20150304/statins-linked-to-raised-risk-of-type-2-diabetes#1

I think this happened to me. Statins came first then the type 2.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: MikeL2
Date: 17 Jan 19 - 02:22 PM

hi

Keep on Running or Running Bear

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 16 Jan 19 - 08:59 AM

Wasn't there a song by the Beatles called Helter Alka-Seltzer or something?

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Will Fly
Date: 16 Jan 19 - 08:07 AM

Anything by Sir Thomas Beecham.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 16 Jan 19 - 05:39 AM

Or the Andrews Sisters?

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Jan 19 - 05:07 AM

Anything by the Settlers?

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Jack Campin
Date: 16 Jan 19 - 04:59 AM

How about some tunes by Ed Rennie?

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Senoufou
Date: 16 Jan 19 - 04:53 AM

What about 'Fire! I'll take you to burn!" (Arthur Brown, with a special helmet burning on top of his head)

Poor Sid Barrett - 'Shine on you crazy diamond'.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Jan 19 - 03:11 AM

How about another linked song?

I suggest Glen Campbell's 'Gaviscom'

:D

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 14 Jan 19 - 08:50 PM

Oy, we're in danger of going down the plug'ole here, having had all our 'oles plugged. Let's keep the gastritis burning!

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 14 Jan 19 - 04:06 AM

I was hoping for some early Pink Floyd.....

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 14 Jan 19 - 02:57 AM

Me too, Rap. And I started it! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Rapparee
Date: 13 Jan 19 - 08:21 PM

When I first saw this I thought it was something like the song "Barrett's Privateers." I still think that when I see it.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 13 Jan 19 - 08:09 PM

Quite so. Very often, adverse research results are suppressed, but that is usually by the company that makes the stuff. Once a drug has been around for a few years, big meta-studies can be employed and they can be far more reliable. However, the philosophy of a biologist suggests that it's impossible to factor in lifestyle choices persuasively into almost all such studies. That doesn't mean they're useless, but it does mean that we shouldn't be necessarily thinking in terms of black-and-white Daily Mail horror stories.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Jack Campin
Date: 13 Jan 19 - 04:58 PM

You can guarantee that whenever anything that scary is suggested about a profitable drug, its makers will sponsor a shitload of studies in the hope that one of them will suggest the opposite. I would suggest a bit of skepticism about the exoneration.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 Jan 19 - 04:05 PM

Interesting, Steve. I was under the same impression but following your comment I have looked it up and found that newer research has said that "there is no convincing evidence to support the suggestion that PPI use increases dementia risk."

Thanks for that. Trouble is, will newer research overturn it again? You scientists have a lot of confusion to answer for :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 12 Jan 19 - 06:04 AM

Well the BMJ and the NHS don't agree with you, Jack. If anything it could be the other way round. Keep taking the tablets, folks!

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Jan 19 - 05:33 AM

Aye, I believe so. Conversely statins help prevent any vascular disorder, including dementia, and I am on them too! Maybe one will cancel the other :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Jack Campin
Date: 12 Jan 19 - 03:51 AM

Long-term use of PPIs is a risk factor for dementia.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 Jan 19 - 03:26 AM

Losec is omeprazole which I have been taking for years with no problems. Unless it did cause the anaemia I had. Funny how different bodies react to the same drugs init! I think I will ask about lanzoprazole though as it is a newer PPI.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 11 Jan 19 - 09:05 PM

Prilosec is what we call losec this end. I was prescribed it 25 years ago. It made me bounce from wall to wall in a long corridor. Weird. Never again.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: robomatic
Date: 11 Jan 19 - 08:06 PM

No recommendagtions here, just personal experience:

I took Prilosec for a few years and then soured on the OTC medication when I discovered that if I stopped taking it for a couple of days I started getting regular chest pains which caused me to call a heart doctor. I stopped the Prilosec entirely and I moderated on foods with flour in them and seem to be more or less under control. losing some weight also helped.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 11 Jan 19 - 04:41 PM

Lanzoprazole is the generic name. Same your end as ours.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Donuel
Date: 11 Jan 19 - 02:32 PM

A difference in UK and US drug names and procedures will once again cause some confusion.

Subject: RE: BS: Barrett's oesophagus
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 11 Jan 19 - 02:01 PM

A single 15mg capsule of lanzoprazole before breakfast every morning sorts me out for the whole day, including a glass or two of neat malt twelve hours later when required. No heartburn any more, ever. But we're all different and I'm no doctor. Lanzoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor, which means, in simple lingo, that it reduces the amount of acid released into your stomach by the oxyntic cells in the glands in your stomach lining. Your stomach has chemical mechanisms to buffer the acidity of the stomach, but if the acidity is a bit too high and your cardiac sphincter allows some of the fluids to leak back into your oesopagus at its bottom end you get heartburn. You need acid in your stomach to facilitate the breakdown of proteins in food and to kill any nasty bugs in your food. Antacids such as Setlers and Rennies simply neutralise somewhat the acid already present in the stomach. You shouldn't take them with lanzoprazole. If I forget to take the capsule, I'm in trouble by teatime. 15mg once a day is the lowest possible dose of lanzoprazole. You can be prescribed much more than that.