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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Profile picture for barnfind @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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Profile picture for vicscats @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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Profile picture for vicscats @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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Profile picture for healthseeker77 @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?

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Profile picture for barnfind @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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Profile picture for barnfind @barnfind

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

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Oh yes major constipation!!!!

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Profile picture for vicscats @vicscats

Oh yes major constipation!!!!

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I asked to get part of colon removed. Said next time I get a blockage to go to er

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After over 2 years of off & on constipation, 2 incomplete colonoscopies, & a 3rd more invasive effort to complete a colonoscopy, the doctor diagnosed problem as Tortuous Colon. I will meet was a GI physician. I hope to visit with others experiencing same. Thanks!

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I just posted that I recently learned I have a Tortuous Colon, hoping to visit with others experiencing the same. I hope we can talk….cdeebar

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Profile picture for cdeebar @cdeebar

After over 2 years of off & on constipation, 2 incomplete colonoscopies, & a 3rd more invasive effort to complete a colonoscopy, the doctor diagnosed problem as Tortuous Colon. I will meet was a GI physician. I hope to visit with others experiencing same. Thanks!

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I am a Crohn's pt who developed tortuous colon about 2 years ago. They were unable to complete colonoscopy even using a pediatric scope. MRI revealed tortuous colon with colonic stricture and significant thickening of bowel wall. I had to go to a hospital who had Advanced Endoscopy to perform balloon dilation on the stricture. I realize I will never have "normal" stool but as long as I keep things soft I can maintain. I hope this info helps.

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