There might be something to the hernia idea. I noticed my solar plexus area can stick out slightly at times (especially when I was leaning back last night). I always thought it was just the bone in my ribcage (mostly feels hard like the ribs surrounding it), but maybe it's more than that. I might have to get it checked out after this is over.

If I do have it, I think it's still pretty minor, at least compared to some pictures of hiatal and epigastric hernias I see online. It hasn't ever stuck out that far, and no doctor has ever noticed a problem.

Yet another reason to lose a bunch of weight. Throw it on the pile. Need to get my act together.

I've had chest X-Rays at the ER each time, usually. They have yet to mention anything about a hernia. The one that seems most likely is a hiatal hernia, considering the symptoms, but that should show up on a chest x-ray, especially with as many as I've had.

Also, I used to take Prilosec, but usually now I'll just give up all caffeine, soda, fatty foods, most tomatoes and citrus for two weeks, and that seems to put me back in a state where I can tolerate it again. Until I push the boundary again. I've heard some worrying things about long-term use of some heartburn medicine, so I try not to take it.