I had a hiatal hernia for over 10 years before they operated on it. I had 7 ulcers in my throat due to GERD for many years and could feel when they were getting worse or a little better (never fully healed until after surgery and now are scar tissue). One of my triggers for the GERD was gluten. I didn't fully cut it out of my diet, but had to be aware of how much I had in a day. I finally had enough when I was throwing up on a regular basis and asked a doctor about it. Other people that I know have few symptoms before having the surgery. I had become so sensitive to some things like mint. If anyone was near me on the subway or in the same room with me and chewing gum, I would be sick. I have figured out other flavors for toothpaste (thank God for Amazon).
My surgeon said that I had a very large hiatal hernia (over 1/2 of my stomach would go above my diaphragm). I had my hiatal repair 5/4/2021 (1 year before my lung transplant). However, I found out recently that they really only have 1 shot fixing the hernia and if something goes wrong it is hard for them to go back and fix it.
I hope that you are able to resolve all of your issues.