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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standinginfaith | @standinginfaith | Sep 13, 2024

In reply to @debschmitt "I was just dx with redundant tortuous colon after a colonoscopy. For the last two years..." + (show)

Your post resonated with my heart!! I am the 70 year old childless widow of a 100% disabled veteran who passed 13 years ago. I love very rural.. and ..was "alone" for a long time..it is very scary and intimidating. I drove myself to ER many times and had horrific experiences..it is very hard to find good health care here.. My journey began about 5 years ago when an antibiotic "ruptured " a hemorrhage in my stomach..I've seen soo many GIs and have had so many misdiagnoses..almost to the point of abuse.. basically.. so first of all (I don't know your religious preference.. but I am a Charismatic Christian.. and I know that with the Holy Spirit we are never alone.. I finally realized this recently.. secondly God will supply all our needs.. ask and you shall receive)..I got down to 98 pounds.. had scurvy (problems with teeth.. I drink 2 Plant based Ensures a day.. vanilla.. has helped my liver AST and ALT to return to normal also vitamin D..I went to a nutritionalist .. have so many food intolerances.. I don't know what to eat..this week finally my new GI diagnosed me with the tortuous colon.. and wanted me to try yet more pills.. Linzess.. etc.. I said NO.. I want the surgery.. so we shall see.. until then.. I have put on 44 pounds.. I eat Thomas English muffins Multigrain for fiber.. (if you don't have gluten intolerance.. limit my milk and on occasion.. about every 3-4 days I take 3 biscadyls and they work.. really clean you out.. sometime uncomfortable..) I may be rambling here.. but I hope some of this helps you.. I battle panic attacks and anxiety having lost 2 husbands who passed and have developed a real fear of food.. now I am working on NO fear here.. faith meets fear at the door..it's hard.. my heart goes out to you and I hope this gives you some comfort.. By the way God brought a Godly man into my life 2 years ago.. good thing 14 trips to ER that year..I will be praying for you!!,,oh I had the sitz marker tests.. the other one with the oatmeal.. gastric emptying is much easier...God bless you !!

celia16 | @celia16 | Sep 13, 2024

In reply to @misssuezq "I have a redundant colon with chronic constipation. As many of you experience just when you..." + (show)

I take a brand I buy on Amazon daily after checking with my doctor. It’s one capsule of triple malate, glycinate and citrate 300 mg. I took it when chronic constipation started. I can’t say it helped. I no longer have the CC though, due to addressing my B12 issue.

I did find that a tablespoon of Milk of Magnesia always did the job though, none of my doctors approved that for longterm use. I’m not sure why. They recommended Miralax instead. Sigh.

emo | @emo | Sep 13, 2024

In reply to @misssuezq "I have a redundant colon with chronic constipation. As many of you experience just when you..." + (show)

I take 300 mg magnesium citrate capsules and it was working great for me but recently hasn’t been working as well. My doctor told me I could go up to 400 mg, so I’m trying that for now. Sources I’ve seen online by GI dieticians reference 400-800 mg for constipation.

I’ve tried Natural Calm too, in lemon raspberry. It tastes like raspberry iced tea to me, but for some reason it doesn’t seem as effective.

My other go-to has been chia seed pudding. I take two teaspoons of chia seeds and gel them in yogurt or a smoothie and/or kiwi. My GI doc actually recommended that. There’s a study that eating two green kiwi a day was effective in reducing constipation. Two actually gave me diarrhea lol.

It may be worth considering other contributing factors or consulting with a GI dietician. I got the most help from working with a pelvic PT (I have pelvic floor dysfunction and she also taught me abdominal massage, which you can look up online to improve motility. I imagine that may help with tortuous colon) and a GI dietician. I learned it’s actually possible to have too much fiber, especially in a situation like this where it’s hard for your body to move things along.

I found this article helpful (it’s where I found the info about the magnesium citrate dosage): https://www.fodmapeveryday.com/the-scoop-on-increasing-your-ability-to-poop-strategies-for-alleviating-constipation/.

Good luck to you!

misssuezq | @misssuezq | Sep 13, 2024

In reply to @celia16 "I take a brand I buy on Amazon daily after checking with my doctor. It’s one..." + (show)

Thank you for the suggestions. Yes it seems like all doctors recommend Miralax.

misssuezq | @misssuezq | Sep 13, 2024

In reply to @emo "I take 300 mg magnesium citrate capsules and it was working great for me but recently..." + (show)

Thank you. I love the chia seeds and kiwi!!!
Next month I have an appointment at the Pelvic Floor Center so hopefully I’ll learn some useful information.
I will check out the article

margaretsmith328 | @margaretsmith328 | Sep 13, 2024

In reply to @cdeebar "I just posted that I recently learned I have a Tortuous Colon, hoping to visit with..." + (show)

Hi. I was just diagnosed as well. I experience severe constipation & stool leakage. It has effected my quality of life for the last 1 1/2 years.

margaretsmith328 | @margaretsmith328 | Sep 13, 2024

Yes! And it has affected my quality of life!

sheilagreen | @sheilagreen | Sep 13, 2024

In reply to @farmersmith "Hi cdeebar, Best of luck cdeebar keep at finding the keys for your regularity! Disclaimer: This..." + (show)

@farmersmith

Hi cdeebar,
Best of luck cdeebar keep at finding the keys for your regularity!
Disclaimer: This is only my experience going natural. I have used organic, integrative, functional, holistic Naturopathic doctor's advice along with my MD’s since the early 1980's. There is science in alternatives too. Because I work closely with my ND, he told me to study the Migrating Motor Complex and Osmotic Gradient and he bet that I would find what worked for me. How to keep a longer than normal pipe with consistent moisture…. My ND also said because my condition was physical and I was born with it, attention would be needed for it from now on. Working on keeping stress down is very important too.
I tried laxatives and they are not consistent and have side effects like bloating, etc. All say for occasional use. They disrupt the system if take continuously. I liked a response from a co-redundant colon person: “It’s physical” so regular constipation suggestions may not work. Don’t give up because it took me 4 months to feel I could depend on being regular. It is worth going natural.
Last Dec the doc had me do non sedated colonoscopy. He went through my colon as I watched on TV. I had had a baby years ago (natural and could stand pain) so figured I could stand it – it was no big deal. Most people in world don't get put out. Very interesting and it helped allow the scope to get through better because I relaxed. No wonder I had been constipation on and off starting in my teens. I’m now in my early 70’s.
OptiMag and K2+ Potassium are great supps. I take them when I go to bed and once when I get up to pee. I include prunes/prune juice, winter squash, sweet potatoes, rhubarb etc in my diet. I eat cups of steamed vegetables each day. I like to grind 2T chia, 1 T sesame seeds and 2 T flax seeds, then soak in prune juice overnight. I add a T of carob now since it can help regularity. Take half in the morning and half at night. Throw sugar out along with processed and refined foods. Look up foods and drinks that constipate and give them up. Drink lot of water starting with a quart of hot water in the morning - boys scouts. I drink warmed up diluted chicken broth at times too. It is soothing to my stomach. Coffee and Smooth Move are my backups. I don't like coffee and never have drunk it much but it usually works for me in a pinch. Thankfully I only need coffee a few times a month.
Check out helpful research of biological processes that take place in our gut:
- Migrating Motor complex which is the electroactivity in the GI tract during meals and fasting
- Osmotic gradient. If too much water is pulled into the colon, diarrhea results. If not enough water is pulled into the colon constipation results. Balance of minerals is important. Magnesium, potassium and sodium brings water into the colon. I have found balancing these help prevent constipation. I have to watch my calcium intake because it tends to encourage constipation. Calcium carbonate seems to be the most constipating. I depend on blood work from time to time to make sure my minerals are balanced. Good luck, @farmersmith

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Very interesting, though quite complex ….
Will take note of your tips ..
My method is currently working for me .
However past experiences tell me that it may well change once the body gets too used to it 🤷‍♀️

shelleyW | @shelleyw | Sep 13, 2024

In reply to @misssuezq "I have a redundant colon with chronic constipation. As many of you experience just when you..." + (show)

misssuezq,
Mag citrate is the liquid that most people use for occasional constipation. It seems to have a wide range of times and thorough relief. I find it very harsh and explosive and often does little for me.
I take Mag carbonate, it is the cheapest, its effectiveness is random, it does aid me, a tiny tiny bit for sleep .
I need to change, I can now afford a better grade.
I have heard that mag glycinate, I think I have this right, is a combo of different types of Magnesium.
Chelated is also supposed to be beneficial, it seems it is more effectively absorbed.
You probably know this, keep your magnesium intake 2 hours before or after any other medications.
I guzzle miralax by the gallon 🤪🤪 ShelleyW

emo | @emo | Sep 13, 2024

In reply to @celia16 "I take a brand I buy on Amazon daily after checking with my doctor. It’s one..." + (show)

Thanks for sharing. I didn’t know that B12 could contribute to chronic constipation. It’s such a challenge to figure out what’s going on.

I can’t remember the reason but with the way milk of magnesia works or the type of laxative; it can cause dependence with long-term use.

I was recommended Miralax too, but it gave me cramping even at a low dose. I guess just because it’s “safe,” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s comfortable.

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