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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busylady | @busylady | Jan 6 8:12am

In reply to @annbk "I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read..." + (show)

Has anyone tried castor oil? Not taken internally but half capful in naval? I have seen where this has worked for many people and thought of trying it. Anyone have any experience with this?

farmersmith | @farmersmith | Jan 6 8:47am

In reply to @annbk "I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read..." + (show)

Good morning all,
Great to hear natural regularity solutions! I've shared my success in the past but want to share a list of drinks I just saw, some of which I have used. Back up plan or variation make sense. I look forward to testing more amaranth in my diet also. Exercise, hydration, walking, meditation/mindfulness aid regularity too

Here's the list:
- chia seeds, flax seeds - soaked overnight, ground insoluble fiber (I like soaked in prune juice or plain yogurt
- orange juice - be aware of high sugar content
- ginger tea - anti-inflammatory, relaxing, helps circulation can irritate some people
- coconut water - has electrolytes to help balance body fluid, OK on empty stomach
- coffee - may help gut but don't drink on empty stomach
- pear juice - natural sorbitol attracts water so aids in regularity, can be sensitive to sorbitol
- apple cider vinegar - moderation
- prune juice - basic
- fennel tea, if allergic to carrot and celery family could be an issue
- warm water with lemon - best with straw to avoid hurting teeth
< https://youtu.be/LZyR1YqQtPs?si=0_N8-63CeogDU3Gh>

Best of luck to all, it is so nice to have regularity for about a year now, after so many challenging years
@farmersmith, early 70's

researchmaven | @researchmaven | Jan 7 10:03am

In reply to @ssnlsh "Yes to recipes! I’ve had chronic constipation for as long as I can remember." + (show)

With my extremely sensitive gut, I eat easy-to-digest foods, stay hydrated, use a magnesium supp at night (I use Gentle Bowel Support by Hilma), use slippery elm powder - inner bark with every meal, which is key (I use Frontier's brand); the powder can be incorporated into food or added to a hot liquid or cold smoothie - the powder adds slip which moves the stool; I think it also protects and soothes the colon. There are capsules available, but that dose is too large for me. My gut does not tolerate OTC fiber/prescription laxative products.

bxavier1 | @bxavier1 | Jan 8 3:56pm

In reply to @annbk "I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read..." + (show)

Hello. I have terrible constipation as well. Does amaranth have stimulant effect or bulk forming?
Thanks

lonestarinitaly | @lonestarinitaly | Jan 9 4:51am

In reply to @annbk "I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read..." + (show)

Yes, please let me know all about this. I am struggling with a redundant colon and constant constipation OR diarrhea. Thanks.
Lonestarinitaly@yahoo.com
Linda

lonestarinitaly | @lonestarinitaly | Jan 9 5:01am

In reply to @annbk "I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read..." + (show)

Does anyone out there experience both constipation and / or diarrhea routinely w a redundant colon issue? Travel is becoming impossible as I constantly have to plan around the next WC sign!! Suggestions? Is normality a thing of the past? Having difficulty finding a GI in Louisiana that is helpful or effective in any way. That doesn't help, either. Comments, please

lonestarinitaly | @lonestarinitaly | Jan 9 5:03am

In reply to @bxavier1 "Hello. I have terrible constipation as well. Does amaranth have stimulant effect or bulk forming? Thanks" + (show)

Never heard of it. How/where does one find it?

busylady | @busylady | Jan 9 5:51am

In reply to @annbk "I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read..." + (show)

Yes, I would like recipes. Bzzyladyinfl416@hotmail.com
Thank you.

lonestarinitaly | @lonestarinitaly | Jan 9 7:43am

In reply to @busylady "Yes, I would like recipes. Bzzyladyinfl416@hotmail.com Thank you." + (show)

Me too. Thanks.