Eileen
I also have a Hiatal Hernia. along with GERD. One night thought I was having a heart attack. Rushed to the Emergency Room and admitted. All test x-rays were normal. After discharge my Family Physician who is also an Internist ordered 1 additional special x-ray. This showed the GERD. Have been on Prilosec caps. daily without any problems since. G.I. Doctor stands for GastroIntestinal Specialist. In time if GERD is not treated properly, the acid from the stomach can get into your esophagus erroding the mucous membranes in the esophagus & can eventually develop into Cancer. These past 2 problems can be eliminated if GERD is treated properly. Good Luck.