1. < Digestive Health

Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

Posted by onaquest @onaquest, Nov 7, 2018

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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jkarmazin | @jkarmazin | Sep 8 7:28am
In reply to @lesliejones "Hi, I have a torturous colon and have had bouts of constipation, some diarrhea, stomach pain..." + (show)
@lesliejones

Hi, I have a torturous colon and have had bouts of constipation, some diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea. I am taking Konsyl Daily Psyllium fiber capsules, Florastor Probiotic, and MiraLax when constipated for a few days. I take ondansetron for nausea. (Prescription). About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with SIBO, but that was treated with a special antibiotic and was on a strict diet. That is gone now. I took Iberogast which helps with motility last spring…was great for awhile, but ended up with diarrhea. I recently was constipated for 6 days…that was scary, but finally was able to have a bowel movement. Now I am being careful and making sure I am able to go at least every 3 days…though, my bowel movements are round pebbles, but at least I am going. I do drink coffee every day, but had not heard that it is constipating. I will try to avoid it. I am 77 years old and do not want to have surgery. I am very tired of the symptoms and not feeling well and looking for a bathroom. Trying to enjoy life, but with this it is not easy….

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I do belly message every morning, take slo-Mag twice a day, and Acacia Powder Fiber. Also use flaxseed meal and chia seeds in my food. If I get constipated I use magnesium gummies to help. I am 70 years old.

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barnfind | @barnfind | Sep 8 9:44am
In reply to @difrnt1 "I think my redundant colon was caused by Diverticulitis scarring. The Dr. Could no longer get..." + (show)
@difrnt1

I think my redundant colon was caused by Diverticulitis scarring. The Dr. Could no longer get the scope thru so I had to have 12" of my colon removed

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Did having 12 inches of colon work or help?

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barnfind | @barnfind | Sep 8 10:23am
In reply to @vicscats "I have it too now that I’m older I can barely manage this condition Lots of..." + (show)
@vicscats

I have it too now that I’m older I can barely manage this condition
Lots of twisting and what seems like temporary blocksages some lasting a couple very painful hits
Has anyone else had this? I asked dr why the can’t just take some out?
Vicki

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I too have redundant colon. I have lost 25 lbs in less than 2 years. I was slim before. Started getting bad constipation about 7 months ago. Primary Dr said it was because I take opioids for chronic pain. I disagreed because I had been taking opioids for 16 years and I take only 25% of what I was taking before and constipation wasn't a problem. I had 2 unsuccessfull colonoscopies and finally a Barium enema showed my colon had so many sharp turns. The last Dr thought I might have colon cancer so it was a relief to hear it is redundant colon, sort of. I am still losing weight. I look like crap. I take Movantik, an opioid antagonist for your guts. protein shakes with a lot of fruit and Miralax once or twice a day. Either no BM or 3-4 explosive BM. I never know what Im going to get. Afraid to go vacation. Im supposed to see a colorectal surgeon in 3 days. Im expecting she is going to suggest colon reduction. Any one had that?

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1 reply
barnfind | @barnfind | Sep 8 10:43am
In reply to @dmcallister55 "Hello, I had a redundant large intestine, which caused constipation, no matter what I ate or..." + (show)
@dmcallister55

Hello,
I had a redundant large intestine, which caused constipation, no matter what I ate or how many caps of Miralax I used, typically four or more a day, I would get constipated and be in severe pain. I had my large intestine removed, except for the final 6 inches so I could have a rectum with control, that has been such a game changer for me and I wish I would’ve known about it and done it sooner. I think it is an individual issue and each person is different. Meaning what works for someone may not work for someone else. I had issues my whole life with this and after failing the SitzMark rings test twice And trying large amounts of Miralax and different diets, I decided to just go ahead and have the procedure. For me personally, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

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That's great. That gives me some hope. I see a surgeon in a couple of days and I guess Im hoping for surgery. I have lost so much weight that I don t recognize the old man in the mirror. Im 68 look like 95. How was the recovery? How normal do you feel now? Thank you, good luck

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vicscats | @vicscats | Sep 9 5:25am

What is sitzmark ringtest?
Vicki

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1 reply
vicscats | @vicscats | Sep 9 5:30am
In reply to @barnfind "I too have redundant colon. I have lost 25 lbs in less than 2 years. I..." + (show)
@barnfind

I too have redundant colon. I have lost 25 lbs in less than 2 years. I was slim before. Started getting bad constipation about 7 months ago. Primary Dr said it was because I take opioids for chronic pain. I disagreed because I had been taking opioids for 16 years and I take only 25% of what I was taking before and constipation wasn't a problem. I had 2 unsuccessfull colonoscopies and finally a Barium enema showed my colon had so many sharp turns. The last Dr thought I might have colon cancer so it was a relief to hear it is redundant colon, sort of. I am still losing weight. I look like crap. I take Movantik, an opioid antagonist for your guts. protein shakes with a lot of fruit and Miralax once or twice a day. Either no BM or 3-4 explosive BM. I never know what Im going to get. Afraid to go vacation. Im supposed to see a colorectal surgeon in 3 days. Im expecting she is going to suggest colon reduction. Any one had that?

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Same no luck with colonoscopy. Barium enema was what I had to do
Anxious to see what dr says!
Vicki

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1 reply
barnfind | @barnfind | Sep 9 4:49pm
In reply to @vicscats "Same no luck with colonoscopy. Barium enema was what I had to do Anxious to see..." + (show)
@vicscats

Same no luck with colonoscopy. Barium enema was what I had to do
Anxious to see what dr says!
Vicki

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Have you lost weight without trying? Do you have constipation? What's your symptoms?

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2 replies
healthseeker77 | @healthseeker77 | Sep 10 9:50am
In reply to @vicscats "What is sitzmark ringtest? Vicki" + (show)
@vicscats

What is sitzmark ringtest?
Vicki

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https://www.sitzmarks.com/
The Sitzmark ring test is a colonic transit time test.

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1 reply
vicscats | @vicscats | Sep 10 11:32am
In reply to @healthseeker77 "https://www.sitzmarks.com/ The Sitzmark ring test is a colonic transit time test." + (show)
@healthseeker77

https://www.sitzmarks.com/
The Sitzmark ring test is a colonic transit time test.

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Oh my do they put something in to keep track of
Years ago they would do a barium swallow with small bowel follow thru?

REPLY
vicscats | @vicscats | Sep 11 2:42am
In reply to @barnfind "Have you lost weight without trying? Do you have constipation? What's your symptoms?" + (show)
@barnfind

Have you lost weight without trying? Do you have constipation? What's your symptoms?

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No weight loss due to the fact that I also have Graves’ disease and take medicine to get rid of extra thyroid. Which gets rid of metabolism 😾
Diabetic too. Such a struggle. I get severe bloating with a lot of air. Pain mostly in left upper quadrant. My bowel gets all twisted up there! Reminds me of feeling a baby move in that area!

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