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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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les2024 | @les2024 | 2 days ago
In reply to @adrienne625 "I have chronic idiopathic constipation and a redundant colon. Two years ago, my gastroenterologist recommended a..." + (show)
@adrienne625

I have chronic idiopathic constipation and a redundant colon. Two years ago, my gastroenterologist recommended a new capsule called Vibrant. When a capsule is electronically charged and swallowed in creates parastatals in the colon, thereby pushing the stool along the colon. Most of the time it works very well for me and prevents constipation. Is anyone else using this? There are drawbacks which I won’t go into in my initial post.
Adrienne

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Can you tell us more about this capsule?? I have never heard of this?

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les2024 | @les2024 | 2 days ago
In reply to @jlynnwalls "I was told I have this also. I have severe constipation then episodes of severe cramping,..." + (show)
@jlynnwalls

I was told I have this also. I have severe constipation then episodes of severe cramping, diarrhea, and vomiting. It’s some of the worst pain ever. It feels like I can actually feel the feces move thru the colon until I have a bowel movement. The episodes generally last about 4 hours then I sleep the entire day. I had an “episode” on an airplane once and you talk about humiliating. The flight attendant busted the door open because he wanted me to come out of the bathroom and I kept telling him I couldn’t and he kept saying I had to and I’m sitting in the toilet with diarrhea and vomiting in the sink at the same time. The pilot then told my husband they were going to make an emergency landing and my husband refused and tried to explain my situation. So then the pilot said they would get an ambulance ready at our destination and again my husband refused and explained it’s a chronic condition and it will pass. I was embarrassed and my husband could have just died, once we landed, my husband looked out the window and there sat an ambulance. I don’t know if it was coincidence or what but thank goodness they let me off that plane. I’m terrified to fly now because of this incident.

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Do you have trouble sleeping every night? I can't hardly sleep and I don't during the day either... I am always so focused on getting miles in walking and then the misery starts all over. Unfortunately , I have dysergenic defecation on top of the redundancy and tortured colon.

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william1543 | @william1543 | 2 days ago

I have tortuous or redundant colon and serious diverticulosis and internal hemorrhoids for many years identified during colonoscopy. Gastro doctor uses pediatric scope after thorough prep. I have a difficult time passing waste and am constipated most of the time. I take Linzess 290 daily, eat prunes, take stool oftener and take Dulcolax and frequent enemas to be able to defecate. I am an 82 year old male, who is active and lives alone. I also have serious sleep apnea, chronic bronchitis, asthma and COPD from an on-the-job long-term chemical exposure. No history of smoking, alcohol or drug usage

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