Connect
Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?
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
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Connect
@dedhambeth, I also rely on stomach massage and stretching on the floor with my legs and torso. The various compressions of my gut help my food move along.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@shawnkthryn, tests are useful, but not the final word if inconclusive. Not everything is testable. The final word is what it takes to feel better.
@researchmaven hi, my concern w stomach angiogram is many risks w this. GES; non-invasive, let's do that again in a couple months 1st. At 80#'s I'm weak & there's no muscle mass. I'm drinking meat in protein cartons. Electrolyte pkts or gatorade all day. Eating squash, sweet potatoes, carrots & 1 sm pc fish (2 meals) or egg white sandwich (2 meals). That's my weeks intake. When I toss food, that's discouraging. Concern now is kidneys ?
That makes good sense, @shawnkthryn. Less is more. If it is something like gastroparesis and it is acceptabley controlled by diet, that would be enough success for me. If I were in my eighties with weak muscle mass, I wouldn't want anything more invasive. I try to avoid as much medical intervention as possible. In my view, such only helps-- there is rarely a silver bullet. It seems like you are doing your homework by Googling.
Happy New Year
@researchmaven
I want to thank you for patiently guiding me. There's been so many changes w diet since the 4th of July. I think my system went into shock since fasting day before Thanksgiving. @ that point, thank you for stepping up w positive reinforcements & excellent diet ideas. It's becoming an entirely different direction, not to be drawn to the Bakery. Meat dept & Produce- only for a lil bit. I've likely been in starvation mode w/o knowing. Realizing the deterioration of this 66yy muscles to zilch. 1st months progress report. I'm making homemade soup. Salmon patties. I could nurse on a patty all day. I'm trying to eat in peaceful environment. Egg beaters, egg whites took adjusting. But by golly, I'm w you. It is all in the diet. If you feel awful after you eat, my exp for 23y's. I'm sure my body was signaling Woe. Don't eat it. Lot of self discipline & commitment to ourselves, we won't allow this tormenting me anymore. I'm just to the point of putting a meal together. Took over a month to get that far. I've my own cupboard which works ideally. Don't have to see what I can't eat. & only open 1 cupboard, but that is my generator source. God love you & bless you for being so kind to me. Thank you
@shawnkthryn, we just have a lot in common and I am glad to be able to share what worke for me. Each month gets easier. Habits build; taste buds change. It becomes easier and easier. I am really glad you are doing better! All the best for 2025!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsLook up A.C.E. or M.A.C.E surgery online. Small tube with one way valve inserted just under belly button allows you to flush from top down using an enema. Removable if things get going on their own. You do it when you want to. Daily, every otherday, etc. Pioneered by Johns Hopkins.
Yes, please. Need help.
I have tied the Inulin. Worked well for constipation but caused me to have lots of uncontrollable gas. I only tried less than 1/4 teaspoon. YIKES! Potent stuff!