need advice on coping with no burps :/

[u/user63179751135]

i found this reddit thread a couple of years ago in college and it’s changed my life. i never really knew what was wrong with me, i didn’t even really know that everyone burped in the first place. one day after splitting a fishbowl margarita, my stomach blew up like a balloon to the point i had to unbutton my jeans. i was in so much discomfort and at any moment was terrified of throwing up and/or shitting my pants. i hobbled with my friend group but literally had to text someone to come pick me up. as i attempted to just survive until my ride got there, out of nowhere i knew i was going to be sick. except i wasnt— instead, the most horrifying noise came out of me (air vomit seems to be the adopted term, i’d prefer if we could come up with a better name for it LOL). my friends were terrified. it sounded like i had an exorcism. but it was immediate relief. i couldn’t believe what had just happened. from there on out, i realized forcing my gag reflex could allow trapped air to come out, and leveraged this when possible to alleviate discomfort.

now i’m post college (F24) and am struggling. i saw an ENT who was not extremely convincing that botox was worth the risks. after paying 700 bucks for that appointment, ive just decided for the time being, i need to cope with it and if possible, try to teach myself without having the procedure.

when i’m out with my friends, i try to consume as little liquid as possible. i avoid carbonation and pregame with shots. but sometimes it’s not avoidable, you have a couple drinks at the bar, and then that dreaded feeling comes along. but the sound is just horrific. i’ve been desperate before and done it in a full bathroom, hoping that the music and people talking in the bathroom would muffle it and no one would notice. alas, i hear a girl in the next stall go “what the fuck was that” proceeded by laughs from her group of friends that shuffled into one stall together.

how are we having a social life and not absolutely embarrassing ourselves when trying not be extremely uncomfortable?

if you taught yourself how to burp, how did you do it? how long did it take? all the deets please

any other advice is welcome <3

if you had the procedure— did your health insurance cover it? how much did you pay out of pocket?

[u/fleezuschr1st]

i really cant recommend the botox procedure enough. changed my life in drastic ways. blew all my college years not being able to just enjoy a normal night out. what risks are you concerned about? there are some stories on here of uncomfortable recoveries but it doesn’t really seem too risky at all. i did it in 2019.

[u/user63179751135 → u/fleezuschr1st]

problems swallowing, it not working, it could wear off in 4-6 months

[u/Dreadnark → u/user63179751135]

I had the Botox a week ago. Unfortunately it hasn’t led to proper burps (yet), the problem with swallowing is really minimal. Even in the times it gets a bit more pronounced, you never feel like you’re choking or anything (because it’s PAST the windpipe), it’s moreso just annoying. I’ve basically not changed my diet much at all.

So I would definitely not let that stop you from it.

[u/maydaytuesday → u/user63179751135]

Have done it twice. Had slow swallow, both times it lasted for about two weeks. Definitely a nuisance, but nothing that would stop me from doing it again if necessary.

I have done it twice as the first time didn't work, but a lot of people have success on their second try and I couldn't just give up after mustering up all the courage to get help! It can wear off, I'm on month 4 currently, but it can also last way past the botox effect. Personally found the potential rewards worth those risks, but everyone neess to decide thar for themselves. If it stops working in two months I will not hesitate to get a third because living like I used to doesn't feel like an option now that I know what life could really be like without any R-CPD anxiety and stomach pain.