diff --git a/doc/fixes3-7-0.txt b/doc/fixes3-7-0.txt
index 17667be2f..2f25851a3 100644
--- a/doc/fixes3-7-0.txt
+++ b/doc/fixes3-7-0.txt
@@ -1572,6 +1572,7 @@ fix bug which caused engulf damage from air elementals and fog clouds to
         ignore damage reduction from armor class
 elementals do double damage on their home plane
 water elementals move slightly more slowly
+the "totally digested" instadeath timer is much faster
 
 
 Fixes to 3.7.0-x General Problems Exposed Via git Repository
diff --git a/src/mhitu.c b/src/mhitu.c
index 160864c23..79b12a737 100644
--- a/src/mhitu.c
+++ b/src/mhitu.c
@@ -1374,15 +1374,14 @@ gulpmu(struct monst *mtmp, struct attack *mattk)
            for other swallowings, longer time means more
            chances for the swallower to attack */
         if (mattk->adtyp == AD_DGST) {
-            tim_tmp = 25 - (int) mtmp->m_lev;
-            if (tim_tmp > 0)
-                tim_tmp = rnd(tim_tmp) / 2;
-            else if (tim_tmp < 0)
-                tim_tmp = -(rnd(-tim_tmp) / 2);
             /* having good armor & high constitution makes
                it take longer for you to be digested, but
                you'll end up trapped inside for longer too */
-            tim_tmp += -u.uac + 10 + (ACURR(A_CON) / 3 - 1);
+            tim_tmp = (int)ACURR(A_CON) + 10 - (int)u.uac + rn2(20);
+            if (tim_tmp < 0)
+                tim_tmp = 0;
+            tim_tmp /= (int) mtmp->m_lev;
+            tim_tmp += 3;
         } else {
             /* higher level attacker takes longer to eject hero */
             tim_tmp = rnd((int) mtmp->m_lev + 10 / 2);