@programmer , @hopeful33250, and all...
Good for you, Programmer, for taking responsibility for your health...and for being proactive. Not easy. And, at your age you have a great chance of vastly improving your life and future.

I go to Mayo Florida for gastro, vascular, lots of other help. I have Gerd, take dexilent now with good results, have Barretts Syndrome and Shatzke Ring. Had a balloon procedure to stretch the area. Have less issues now. Lots of gas, but I'm 75 years old! Gasex really works. Hiatal hernia is like yours, but I'm old and avoid surgery. At your age, I'd go for it in a heartbeat.

I sleep on the left side most comfortably re abdomen issues. Have splenic and thoracic aneurysm. I too have upper abdominal spasms and at times my hernia feels like it gets caught or twisted and I have to stretch out very straight to stop the pain. Quite painful. Docs are ignoring this for now as I have so many other issues to address.

Again, congrats. I hope some of my info helps as you walk this crazy journey. Blessings, elizabeth