Hi! I really feel for you, I can hear how worried you are. I have a type 1 early hiatal hernia, but my mother has a severe one. Occasionally, they have to go in there and stretch it and she’s gotten food, stuck in her throat and not been able to breathe before. Very scary. The first thing I wanted to caution you about is that she was on Prilosec or omeprazole for years and unfortunately, the warning that omeprazole can increase the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) came true for her. So definitely talk to your doctor about how to avoid that.

Because of her experience, I do not take omeprazole. Instead, what I do is, I’ve identified my food triggers and avoid them, for me, largely spicy or fatty foods, and I never over eat. I follow the Japanese principle of eating to 80% and then stopping. I always stay completely upright while I’m eating my food and for as long as I can afterwards while I’m digesting, which for me unfortunately takes a little bit longer because I have a mild gastroparesis. I never eat and go right to bed that’s a huge no-no, even if it’s a bite of food! And smaller more regular meals throughout the day seems to help as well, so I have breakfast, lunch, early dinner, and then a snack at least 3-4 hours before I go to bed. I no longer use alcohol or nicotine as well, and even for my half-caffeine coffee in the morning, and make sure that I have it with a bite of food so it doesn’t hurt my stomach as much. Also adding anti-inflammatory spices or herbs like turmeric or cinnamon to your coffee grounds in the basket can help a little bit.

I can’t think of anything else, but if I do, I’ll comment here. I wish you the best of luck!