diff --git a/core.lua b/core.lua
index 04baaf5..e98e1b6 100644
--- a/core.lua
+++ b/core.lua
@@ -67,6 +67,10 @@ end
 
 function api:_getUpd(lim, offs, ...)
   local u, ok = self:getUpdates(lim, offs, ...)
+  if not ok then
+    -- fallback if very long message
+    return offs + 1
+  end
   if not ok or not u or (u and type(u) ~= 'table') or not u.result then return end
   for _, v in pairs(u.result) do
     offs = v.update_id + 1