Severe Tortuous & Redundant Colon

Posted by julsnealey @julsnealey, Apr 10, 2024

I had a colonoscopy for symptoms of unexpected weight loss, severe pain, bloating, early satiety and chronic vomiting with bowel movements. I have had these symptoms for years (15), but they have increased in frequency and severity. The doctor discovered severe tortuosity and redundant colon. He said he had to get help in moving the scope through manually the very tight turns and twists. My question is: What medications have proven successful to management? Best diet? Doctor said it was so bad that surgery may be the best course of action, but they try and avoid that for obvious reasons. Anyone have a success story?

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@catherine1290

Yes! If your stool is like shoelaces you have a colonic stricture somewhere. There was a group discussion on this site. I had Balloon Dilation which helped.

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Aw, yes, the narrow ed stools. Concerning, curious, but now assuring to learn that others have this. It does seem that some kind of narrowing of the colon itself would cause this. Haven't told Dr because my ibs-c is demanding help.

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@jlharsh

Hi @carolynj15 . Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry you accumulating all these problems. It has to be frustrating trying to manage them. It would be helpful to figure out how all your symptoms are related.

I do not have any specifically diagnosed conditions at this point but I do struggle with narrow stools currently. I am trying to figure out how to handle constipation and keeping weight on. I notice color changes as well as diameter when this happens, and it has been something difficult to fit into a category when I look at a Bristol stool chart. I am inviting others that may have more to share after seeing they have made comments about thin, even shoelace stool, @exeter, @part, @rmv65, @taftst1.

When did your narrow stools start happening, and are they consistent? Did the bloating and gas start at the same time?

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Bristol Stool Chart? Another-heretofor- unknown-to-me-piece-of-information! This quest for gut health is arduous, sometimes demoralizing. Im glad for this space for us.

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@part

I forgot a few things. Sunsweet has a bag of individually wrapped prunes. I am a fan- big fan. Also Trader Joe’s has organic Raisin Bran clusters. Other foods I cannot eat are popcorn (😔) and peanut butter. Gastro MD cautioned me about dairy - point was taken.

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Prunes do absolutely nothing to help my constipation. I've had this issue since early 20's, with stretches of no problem a few times between then & now. Im 76. Less & less is helpful; always researching. Ive asked my dr to prescribed Amitiza, will rcv it soon. Hopeful

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