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Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?
Hello. Anyone else out there that has a redundant/ tortured colon? I was diagnosed with this a few years ago. I’m usually ok, but if I get constipated, I get sick for a week or two. Last year my gastroenterologist referred me to a surgeon for urgent surgery to remove some of my colon. The surgeon I ended up seeing (not on the recommended list by my gastro doc due to others not available for a long time) said he believed I could live with the redundant colon if I followed a low FODMAP diet. I tried the diet religiously, scientifically (I’m a scientist), and I found it’s not the food I eat that causes these bouts of constipation. The only item I’ve found that might cause the bouts is coffee every day. An occasional coffee seems fine. What has helped me stay regular in a big way is Benefiber (or any pure wheat dextrose generic) three times per day. Lots of fluid.
My gastro doc was upset with the surgeon and said I’d regret not having the surgery. He fears I will end up in an emergency situation. I have searched the Mayo site and don’t find anything about redundant/ tortured colon. Are any Mayo docs doing research or treat this condition? Anyone else suffer from this too?
Thank you! -Jayne
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Hello, All of these comments and links to articles have been very helpful!
I had 4 months of liquid stools that seemed to correct after taking prescribed Miralax…in fact I had some abdominal pain that thankfully did not last and had my first normal BM.
I also note that I fill up fast after a small amount of food.
Now, after almost 2 months of daily, normal stools (previous to all of this I never had constipation) I am starting to experience bloating and abdominal pain after eating. Sometimes the bloating is severe, so besides drinking a lot of water, I have started taking laxatives…Miralax and Milk of Magnesia almost daily in hopes that my redundant colon does not twist.
I am starting to be afraid that this could end up being an emergent situation.
I am a retired RN who has cared for ruptured or twisted bowels, both after emergent surgery or in ICU.
I don’t know if I should reach out to the GI department (who are following me to determine cause of the 4 months of watery stools) or the surgeon who reviewed my CTE with me.
I will let the GI NP know of my concerns (and fear), we have a video appt soon.
In the meantime I’ll try the ground flaxseed (I’m allergic to psyllium seed/Metamucil) and continue fluids and smaller meals.
Thanks for listening!
You are not alone with diarrhea and constipation. I have both as well. I use Amitiza to help my motility of moving through my tortuous colon. I was never offered surgery like others. I have trouble getting emptied for colonoscopy.
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1 ReactionGood luck with balancing your electrolytes + consider going to a Naturopath who specializes in digestion. Having been a nurse why not examine a holistic approach to health. I have and MD and and ND and have used both their services for over 35 years. I often get diagnosis from the MD and then get tips from the ND. Like one of my instructors back in college said, "you will never be lacking in aspirin but you can have a mineral or vitamin deficiency that could be altered for a better lifestyle and better health. If you read the label on some of the laxatives they give the side effects + almost all say not to use for more than a week! Imbalance in our individual biochemistry doesn't always help. Best of luck expanding your support team, @farmersmith
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2 ReactionsThank you @farmersmith!
Hi Jayne,
Surgery to remove some of the colon to relieve discomfort from a redundant colon is not successful. Those who had surgery have endless problems. I read somewhere that surgery for a redundant colon means removing the whole colon, and you will end up with a bag! I take a herbal fiber blend daily and drink a smoothie of cucumber, lemon, ginger, and turmeric at night to help stay regular. It is a battel...
Strongs!
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1 ReactionHave you tried warm drinks, blender soups, hot cereals (can add liquid egg white and pea protein isolate to both for a complete protein (avoiding meats and animal fats that may be hard to digest))? If it is your redundant colon, maybe liquid and soft food would make the turn(s).
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1 ReactionWhich ZenWise product do you take?
Hi friend, I was using ZenWise Advanced Digestive Enzymes with pre and probiotics and got relief using them. I recently bit the bullet and had an endoscopy done that revealed I had a hiatal hernia which I think was the cause of a lot of my discomfort, Having been on the over-the-counter antacids for years, my doc felt they were not doing the job, and put me on a prescription that is working very well. Good luck to you
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1 ReactionI just had this and an endoscopy done earlier in the week as part of my ongoing GI issues post reux en y surgery late '19 for bile reflux/chronic nausea. Since my surgery things have slowly gotten worse with more chronic constipation/nausea/bloating periods. The doc who did this told me I have a longer colon than normal and this could be the reason behind my symptoms now. I last had a colonoscopy done back in '19 as well and there was no mention of this. Is this just a matter of interpretation? Of course I looked this up and it can lend itself to everything I am feeling. My concern is the bad days are nor equaling the decent days which was not the case until the past 6-7 months.
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6 ReactionsWow sorry for what you're going through. Never heard of this condition. How old are you, and have you had issues with condtioation before this diagnosis?
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