@susanfalcon52 just fyi it is tough to just stop Protonix and similar meds. The body adjusts to them by making more acid, so when you stop, you are worse than when you started. I read this, and it was my experience. I don't know if it is a universal experience.

What I read, and what I did, was to switch to a shorter term histamine H-receptor antagonist like Pepcid or Zantac. Take daily (or even twice daily) and then gradually taper off. I had to taper very gradually.

I now use Tums and very rarely a Pepcid as needed.

I don't eat after 5 or 6pm and if I have to swallow anything -water, pills- before bed I stay upright for awhile. Of course avoid anything spicy.

For an esophagus issue I also occasionally (a few times/year) swallow a steroid by squirting an inhaler in my mouth and swishing it with a very small amount of water.

I have an autoimmune disorder that causes GERD and many other issues but this strategy should work for others too.