Yes, I came to that conclusion about the ways in which we try to bring up and clear out mucus, stress is put on the hiatal hernia and possibly causing it to get worse. I am giving some thought to possibly seeing if I should have another test to see if the hernia has grown much and to get an update on all, if it is worth while to do so.

We do our best to clear the mucus correctly however even with trying to be careful of how we do it, I feel it can put pressure on the organs, including the heart. So for me it has been my decision to have specialists check me out at least once a year to be aware of it all. Only since this BE surfaced have I ever gone to this many doctors to keep up with my care. My doctor visits had only been the basics, PCP and Dentist.

The pulmonologist I just lost to NIH said that 'yes' it is possible the mucus is coming from two sources...lungs and hiatal hernia. Double trouble for me and constant clearing all day long. Not fun and so time consuming. Thank goodness, so far, I have no pain from anything but I do feel tinges of sensations elsewhere every so often. But nothing major, so far.

Interesting "represent a moment in time when I wasn't refluxing."
Hope you have a day of smiles this Valentine's Day.
Barbara