Sliding hiatal hernia: How do I avoid random painful spasms/attacks?

@lindadiane I have a hiatal hernia. I was diagnosed in my forties (I am now 79). My acid reflux is caused by this, and I have taken Lanzoprazole at bedtime every night. I have read, and been told, that surgery causes more problems, especially when a hernia is small (as in my case). It still causes a lot of discomfort and pain and although PPIs are not recommended long term, for me the Lanzoprazole is necessary.

In addition, I sleep with the head of the bed elevated. I used bed risers under the top two legs/casters of the bed for several years and since the past two years been sleeping on an adjustable bed which is more convenient since I can control the height of the top of the bed.

I also do intermittent fasting, eating between noon/1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (usually that consists of snacking during the afternoon and just having dinner at night). I do not eat or drink past 8:00 p.m. though occasionally I have stretched that to 9:00 but no later, since I usually go to bed around midnight. I have had fewer incidents of reflux, regurgitation and chest pains as a result of this. When I do experience pain I take a few sips of water (yes, even during the night, as long as I don’t exceed about four or five sips) and that works. I also avoid bending down or doing any exercise that involved my stomach muscles.

These are just things that work for me.

thank you