can no longer burp on my own

[chavard]

I have been a c5-c6 complete for 47 years. No skin problems, only occasional uti, never overweight--basically quite healthy, all things in considered. Two years ago, I developed difficulty breathing, got hospitalized for 6 weeks. Pneumonia was assumed, but could not be confirmed. Have regained strength, most function. However, my biggest problem is that after eating, my stomach gets very distended, often causing enough pressure that makes it difficult to breathe. So far, my wife has been able to firmly push my stomach, thus noisily releasing a hefty belch. The provides some relief, but not all the air gets pushed out. The pushing seems to be getting more difficult to get good results. If anyone has any experience and/or advice, I would truly appreciate some ideas. Thanks

[bob clark]

Hi,

Do you think you could swallow (instead of putting it through your nose) one of those soft and pliable feeding tubes and release all the pressure in your stomach with it?

Bob.

[coolbreeze]

Are you taking anti acid medicine over counter or maybe prescription.

[SCI-Nurse]

Are you drinking carbonated drinks?

Do you drink with a straw (a common cause of stomach gas)?

Have you tried taking simethicon tablets with your meals?

(KLD)

[chavard]

Hi Bob,
I would at least give this a try. Any ideas about where I can find a "soft and pliable" feeding tube? I am even considering the possibility of having a feeding tube inserted into my belly--solely for releasing the pressure.
Chuck

Originally Posted by bob clark

Hi,

Do you think you could swallow (instead of putting it through your nose) one of those soft and pliable feeding tubes and release all the pressure in your stomach with it?

Bob.

[chavard]

Originally Posted by coolbreeze

Are you taking anti acid medicine over counter or maybe prescription.

Hi coolbreeze,
No. I have no feeling of heartburn. It doesn't even feel like indigestion. My stomach just gets full of air. It feels like I should simply be able to burp up the air. This happens with any food that needs to be chewed before swallowing. For awhile, and still somewhat, the medical folks think that I somehow am swallowing air. I doubt this very much.
Chuck

[HR]

Chewable Papaya Enzyme Tablets

You can pick up a bottle at a health food store, they work well for me and they taste good to. I'll pop 4,5 or 6 in my mouth and after a couple of minutes... burp! Buy a small bottle at first and see if it works for you.

[chavard]

Thanks HR,
Next time at the health food store. My wife believes in good nutrition, so she is there frequently. So far, peppermint leaf extract and/or other peppermint tea are yielding some results, but only as my wife pushes on my stomach.
Chuck

Originally Posted by HR

Chewable Papaya Enzyme Tablets

You can pick up a bottle at a health food store, they work well for me and they taste good to. I'll pop 4,5 or 6 in my mouth and after a couple of minutes... burp! Buy a small bottle at first and see if it works for you.