I have similar problems. Have a hiatal hernia and was also diagnosed with a "nutcracker esophagus" when I was tested for swallowing abilities. I've been on 80mg of pantoprazole for awhile now, but recently went to 40mg in the morning and 20mg famotidine before bed. I'm close to half sitting in bed and now used to it. The swallowing issue is worrisome, but I've never had food really stuck, just maybe hard to get down but eventually did. Since I'm from Sweden, I started reading about a device that was developed there called Iqoro. It's a piece of plastic that you put in front of your teeth and pull to create a vacuum. This trains the muscles in your esophagus. Takes months to feel a difference. I had my sister send it to me since it's not approved in the US (but it is in Britain). They have a website that is also in English. My test is to see if I can drink a glass of water without stopping. I'm getting close!

It's been about a year now and I feel successful. I do have an occasional mild to moderate swallowing problem. But very rarely.