Scott,I am sorry to know your having a tough time. I would not rule out anxiety as you have some legitimate reasons to be anxious especially about your health. I do feel it may be wise to request your Dr. to order you an X-ray of your upper digestive tract. During a barium X-ray, you drink a chalky liquid containing barium that coats your upper digestive tract. This provides a clear silhouette of your esophagus, stomach and the upper part of your small intestine (duodenum) on an X-ray.
A hiatal hernia can also be diagnosed with a procedure in which the upper digestive system is examined with an endoscope (long-thin flexible instrument).
There are two main type of hernia:
A sliding hiatal hernia, the junction of the stomach and the esophagus herniate (slide) up into the chest through the hiatus. This is the most common type of hiatal hernia.
A paraesophageal hernia is less common, but is more cause for concern. The esophagus and stomach stay in their normal locations, but part of the stomach squeezes through the hiatus, placing it next to the esophagus. Although you can have this type of hernia without any symptoms, the danger is that the stomach can become "strangled," which means its blood supply is cut off.
In a small number of cases, a hiatal hernia may require surgery. Surgery is generally reserved for emergency situations and for people who aren't helped by medications to relieve heartburn and acid reflux. Hiatal hernia repair surgery is often combined with surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
You may want to seek out a GI Specialist for a medical screening exam.
I wish you the best,
Kitt