1. < Digestive Health

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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dedhambeth | @dedhambeth | Dec 20, 2024
In reply to @researchmaven "@dedhambeth - Slippery elm inner bark works best for me with every meal. It can be..." + (show)
@researchmaven

@dedhambeth - Slippery elm inner bark works best for me with every meal. It can be in homemade food (bread, hot cereal, cocoa, etc.), added to suitable commercial food (instant oatmeal) or dissolved in hot water. I started taking it with my morning meal, then thought about it, and tried using it with every meal (4- or smaller meals a day).

It definitely works better with every meal. I have an incredibly sensitive gut, so 1/8 teaspoon with a meal. When I was taking it once a day in the morning, I took 1/2 teaspoon. If I can't add it to my food, I put in in a hot liquid.

For me, it seems to work by softening and providing slip best for the meal I take it with. So it does make a world of difference for me when I take it with each meal.

(I think there are slipperly elm bark "chunks" (outer and inner bark) that could be steeped normally like any tea. If so, that may be best for a meal in the work environment.)

Since school teachers are on holiday now or soon, it is a good time to experiment to find a dose that works.

Whether it creates an urgent need to toilet, that may depend on the dose. I find that with my optional dose of 1/8 with a meal.

I am currently checking to see if 1/8 a teaspoon with a meal, when it is a six-meal day, is still the right dose. Maybe taking it four or five times a day is my limit, with a sixth 1/8 teaspoon dose too much.

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Thank you so much!!

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1 reply
sullal | @sullal | Dec 21, 2024

I also have a redundant , twisty colon. My colonoscopy was very painful. I take Biogest also known as Thorne a digestive enzyme helps with digestion and take Meta Mucil capsules seems to help. I also get filled up very fast and have a sluggish digestion. I drink lots of water and coffee seems to help. I also feel nauseous alot due to this.

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researchmaven | @researchmaven | Dec 22, 2024
In reply to @dedhambeth "Thank you so much!!" + (show)
@dedhambeth

Thank you so much!!

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@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.

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heathert | @heathert | Feb 2 4:36pm
In reply to @becky12 "I'm in the same boat. Lifelong constipation (I'm 55) and bloating. I was diagnosed after getting..." + (show)
@becky12

I'm in the same boat. Lifelong constipation (I'm 55) and bloating. I was diagnosed after getting yelled by the nurse for not being sufficiently empty for my colonoscopy. I drank every drop, but it had a long way to go to reach the exit LOL. My GI doc said next time we'll start a week ahead of time rather than 2 days.

Intermittent fasting has improved my bowels considerably, and I really hope, respectfully, to never be in your shoes! No fun! Hang in there:)

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Hi, I have the same issues, hoping all is well with you. How are your bowels doing with the intermittent fasting, and how long and how often do you fast for

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heathert | @heathert | Feb 2 4:59pm

Hi I am new to this site, Sorry you are all also going through this. I have a redundant colon also, and get a pressing, swollen feeling in my left groin area often. Like others on here I feel I have slow digestion. I also have had small balls, not normal s shape, for many many years. I have been loading up on all fibre and drinking lots too but have had no change.I have been reading lately that insoluble fibre is not good for redundant bowel(as it bulks you up and therefore is more difficult to go), but soluble fibre is great, Is anyone on here doing this diet and is it working for you?

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becky12 | @becky12 | Feb 2 7:02pm
In reply to @heathert "Hi, I have the same issues, hoping all is well with you. How are your bowels..." + (show)
@heathert

Hi, I have the same issues, hoping all is well with you. How are your bowels doing with the intermittent fasting, and how long and how often do you fast for

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Not doing IF anymore. Things are going pretty well, just have to get enough fiber and keep moving!!

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1 reply
heathert | @heathert | Feb 2 8:09pm
In reply to @becky12 "Not doing IF anymore. Things are going pretty well, just have to get enough fiber and..." + (show)
@becky12

Not doing IF anymore. Things are going pretty well, just have to get enough fiber and keep moving!!

Jump to this post

Thanks Becky, great to know you are doing well! Maby I need to exercise more in the morning, I usually do it in the afternoon and night, good to know all fibre is working for you too.

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kklas4 | @kklas4 | Feb 3 11:20pm

Hi.
I have redundant colon. It’s miserable to live with. My doctor about 8 years ago plus in my low 40s told me he never saw such a large colon.
I take Linezz, laxative 4 pills & magnesium- many days still don’t go #2. The pain is horrendous. Planning my life around it.

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researchmaven | @researchmaven | Feb 4 8:38am

KKlas4 - I have a "severely" redundant colon. Have you tried Slippery Elm Powder (inner bark)? I have some with every meal. It adds a lot of slip. I tried taking it once a day and that was not the solution.

I also eat a liquidity diet - my three meals are - hot cereal, smoothie, well-cooked soup. I feather in solids. I drink something all day; more water/liquid to push things along.

I also have myriad food intolerances that trigger IBS. And a rectal pocket (prolapse).

Doing the above for my meals and beverages, plus only eating what works for me keeps my bowels in the normal range. The prolapse comes to fore if I eat wrong, but I have a sitting style that helps take up the prolapse slack and that works.

Everyone is so different, but for me, if I didn't do all of the above, I would be maddenly uncomfortable or in pain.

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lonestarinitaly | @lonestarinitaly | Feb 4 9:12am

My heating pad is my best friend these days, unfortunately. I vascillate between constipation and bas diarrhea most of the time. Last December, while in France, I had emergency surgery for a blockage caused by adhesions from past surgeries. After that, was told ai had a redundant/torturous colon. I rarely have a "normal"..as I'm always dealing with one or the other, constipation or diarrhea. Most laxatives flip me over to diarrhea, so am very perplexed as to what I need to do. The GI doctors in this town are difficult to see and get good treatment from; will travel into Houston in late February to see a new one, trying to get answers and help. I cramp constantly and spend a good deal of time on heating pad. Not quality of life, to be sure. Curious as how to go about finding a Dr. and location for Mayo Clinic, probably in Florida, as I am in Louisiana. Any and all advice are welcome.

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