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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vicscats | @vicscats | Sep 11 2:43am

In reply to @barnfind "Have you lost weight without trying? Do you have constipation? What's your symptoms?" + (show)

Oh yes major constipation!!!!

vicscats | @vicscats | Sep 11 2:45am

In reply to @vicscats "Oh yes major constipation!!!!" + (show)

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

cdeebar | @cdeebar | Sep 11 11:28pm

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

researchmaven | @researchmaven | Sep 12 10:25pm

Relaxation therapy for my redundant colon, as anxiety is one of the things that cause my guts to "twist" and bloat. Also, massage for constipation for bloat too. Sleeping on my left side (for gravity to move things along), avoiding dense foods (dense bread/meat/etc.). Focusing on liquidy soups and hot cereals. Little to no meat.

I have made a large number of adjustments. If all that stops working I just don't know what else would do the trick.

margaretsmith328 | @margaretsmith328 | Sep 13 12:29pm

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 12:32pm

Yes! And it has affected my quality of life!

vicscats | @vicscats | Sep 15 12:17am

In reply to @margaretsmith328 "Yes! And it has affected my quality of life!" + (show)

I have it! I barely go anywhere! I’ve asked to get part removed!? Nope!
Dr says next time I get a blockage to go to Er! I do not like going there. I can’t even move when a blockage is in process. I actually was even in hospitol a couple times as child. They called it telescopic bowel back in the days. It’s difficult to manage
Does anyone take laxatives?
Vicki

dedhambeth | @dedhambeth | Sep 15 7:52am

I am 58 and had issues as a child as well. Just dealt with it as a young person. In the last few years it has gotten worse. I found out I have a hiatal hernia as well as the redundant colon. The one thing I have found that works best is not eating until 10:00ish in the morning. Water first thing then sitting with hot coffee for a while in the morning almost always works for me. Staying away from bread products has also seemed to be beneficial. Lots of home cooked meals rather than processed and eating slowly and stopping as soon as I feel full definitely helps. When I over eat I am miserable.

margaretsmith328 | @margaretsmith328 | Sep 17 7:10pm

In reply to @dedhambeth "I am 58 and had issues as a child as well. Just dealt with it as..." + (show)

I’m miserable too when I overeat. 😞

joisey | @joisey | Sep 23 4:13pm

In reply to @researchmaven "Relaxation therapy for my redundant colon, as anxiety is one of the things that cause my..." + (show)

What kind of relaxation therapy? Do you massage yourself?

I also have leaky gut syndrome, can't eat dairy or yogurt or goat or sheep milk products, can't eat gluten, soy or rice, and took a special blood test in which I found that I cannot process many different foods. Oh, I haven't eaten meat or poultry for 61 years, and I don't eat shellfish. Good thing that I am not a foodie!