New to Burning Chest Pain, respiratory symptoms

Brief History: UC since Dec '99. Health declined dramatically, stopped exercising as I had no strength to do so...continued on and off since '99. Started taking Imuran for my UC 1&1/2- 2 yrs ago, health improved dramatically. This Summer started cycling again, quickly increased mileage, riding 130+ miles per week, feeling the best I have in many years. Over the past 6 months I have had Meat get lodged in my esophagus, went to ER, went to Operating Room and had foreign objects removed. Swallowing has been "strange-difficult" for 1-2 yrs approximately. Back when I was Diagnosed with UC they said I have GERD also. I took Prevacid seldom, as I never really had alot of heartburn, so why take meds if I am not symptomatic? Anyway, after recent ER to OR visit I had an esophogram done. Diagnosed with: hiatal hernia and acid reflux. Ok, so things remain about the same, up until 1-2 weeks ago. While out cycling my chest started burning terribly! And I felt this strong need to use my asthma inhaler (which I rarely use) because of the respiratory symptoms. Being an Emergency RN I have continued to assess and have studied GERD symptoms and have determined that this is non cardiac and in fact a result of GERD. I am so upset about this! I have had a compromised health status for so long, UC got under control, and now AGAIN when I start exercising and doing good things I start falling apart in another area of my body! I am ticked off about this!! Anyway, I have a colonoscopy scheduled next week with my GI Doc and have yet to speak with him about my recent health changes. I can't believe that the chest burning is so bad. I have continued cycling and have worked on breathing control, which has helped a little. I have had Heartburn at times all my life, but NEVER this burning in my chest. I will now be frequenting this GERD Forum and doing whatever it takes to get symptoms under control. Thanks for "listening."
Deacon Blues