Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

shelleyW - I am sorry you had two recreational accidents and that they are still bothering you. I assume you mean your gut and other body parts aged due to the accidents. I am so sorry to hear that happened, but very glad you are coping as best you can.

Thank you for your reply. You make a very good point. My diarrhea
followed surgery on my colon following a cancer diagnosis. The tortuous
colon may not be the problem. It is bile malabsorption that causes
my diarrhea. However, the Cholestyremine stops the diarrhea.

I just had my 1st colon cleanse with SUTAB pills. 12pills and 16 oz.. of water with 6, then 16 oz.. of water with the last 6. Then two more 16 oz. of water for two more 30- minute periods. The same thing the next morning 9 hours later.
No drink and no Miralax.
My result on my final exam- Excellent clean out.
Have you tried the pill. I feel for your dilemma.

I would like join this group as I have a torturous twisted sigmoid colon

Is this group still open. I couldn't find on facebook. how will I know if I'm in the group?

Miralx take the purple cap a.m & p.m.
Take 1 equate stool softner dulcosate sodium 100mg gel caps @ p.m. I've been told a suppositorie also. Attack it from mouth to bottom. Drink water. Juices. Dilute juices. Add lemon to water. Ginger is hot get powder n add to Herbal tea. We've needed answers 5 y's.

Hi Jayne,
This is a long one too.
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. It's how to keep a longer than normal pipe with consistent moisture…. My ND also said because my condition was physical, attention would be needed from now on.
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 taken 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 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. At least leave them out for a while. Drink lots of water starting with a quart of hot water in the morning - boy scouts. I use warmed up diluted chicken broth at times too. It is soothing to my stomach. Coffee and Smooth Move are my back ups. 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. Interesting it works backwards for you with coffee.
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.
I am overjoyed with my regularity but know if I get too stressed, don't drink enough fluid - dehydrated, don't exercise and or eat constipating foods like milk and cheese. I will need my back ups. Thankfully I seldom am irregular now. I have very ample regulars daily.
Good luck, @farmersmith

Try to follow the FODMAP plan!

I have not, but given your success why not. Thank you for the detailed response here!

This is good stuff, I will start with your suggestions! We all know how terrible this feels, and any relief is good.