Redundant/Tortuous Colon & Severe Constipation

Posted by kjn72 @kjn72, Nov 8, 2022

JN: I am a 72y/o woman with severe constipation & a redundant colon. 7 years ago I had 14" of colon removed and 3 additional surgeries for a rectocele, entrocele and another bowel prolapse. I have been severely constipated before and after surgeries. I have tried evert kind of otc med, laxatives, fibers and many prescribed meds, drink 1/2 gallon of water, swim 4-5 times weekly, do zumba nothing works. I have thrown up after 6 days of not going. I have pains in right upper and left lower abdominal areas. I am enema dependent to empty my bowels, it is a painful process and can last for 3 hours every time I do it. 2 surgeons recommended colectomy, 1 did not. 1 GI recommended surgery, 2 did not. I am a young 72 and want to continue living actively with less difficulty. Anyone have surgery that worked, and what kind to eliminate this problem? I have been told that colectomy can also produce bloating, gas, things I am already dealing with. Thank you for your help
JN

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md123 | @md123 | Mar 5 7:30am

In reply to @indigo64 "Which ZenWise product do you take?" + (show)

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

robyn808 | @robyn808 | Jul 8 3:43pm

Hi JN, I am a young 63 and also have similar issues; I have a redundant colon with 13 extra inches. I have had severe constipation for 50 years. If one more doctor or therapist tells me to eat more fiber and drink more water, I am going to scream. A redundant, or tortuous colon is a "defect" in anatomy. Our colon twists and swirls and crowds in to fit. I am finally going to see a colorectal surgeon/ specialist to discuss options but thinking a colectomy will be the best, most sustainable option for me.
When you had the 14 inches of colon removed, is that the same surgery as a colectomy? Are you considering having a second colectomy?
Forgive my questions, though this has been a lifetime disorder for me, I am knew to actually trying to get real help!
Take care!
Robyn808