Hiatal hernia symptoms

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia via endoscopy back in 2011 after having a burning esophageal sensation for over a month. I took Prilosec for over a month leading up to the test. Doc back then said everything had healed up fine, no signs of Barrett’s, and sent me on my way with an omeprazole script. Since then I’ve mostly followed a GERD friendly diet and would only have short spells of heartburn that I treated with Zantac.

Almost two months ago I had a hiatal hernia “episode” that’s hard to explain. I had the burning esophagus that lasted for about two weeks which the PPIs thankfully tamed, but I also get this choking sensation at the base of the throat, like someone is pressing on me below the Adam’s apple and above the collar bone...doc seems to think that and that “swallowed an object” feeling are just acid coming up but to me it seems structural, like it’s the feeling of esophageal pressure. I also go through periods of lots of belching though I’m pretty used to that... What’s weird is this is a sensation that has disappeared for years at a time only to come back. I honestly can’t tell if it’s always there and I just become more aware of it during stressful times or what have you.

I just get tired of that feeling and the distraction and discomfort it causes. Doc is recommending against surgery at this time because he doesn’t think it’s necessary based on the diagnosis and the complications that can occur. We’re on a “wait and see” approach.

Is there anything else I can do to get some relief? Home remedies?