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Redundant colon and surgery?
Redundant Colon resulting in twist in sigmoid
I had an emergency sigmoidoscopy in October 2021 and further tests indicated a redundant colon. My consultant wanted me to get a bowel resection. To date I've avoided this and am trying to manage my diet. I am also on daily Laxido (a type of laxative that takes water into the bowel). I drink a lot of water and am very fit. I am trying to manage the problems of the redundant colon in order to avoid another incident. My diet is one option but some people have suggested acupuncture and I'm very interested in any feed back on this. I am also interested in know if a colonic irrigation would be safe and could help - my thoughts being it may clear out any old build up. Any help would be welcomed. I am a 58 year old healthy female weighing 65 kilos.
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Good day to all in this GI group. I think my case is severe….at least that is what they say. Initially diagnosed with erosive esophagitis and Nissen surgery done. Now Nissen has fallen apart, 5-10% function of esophagus, no lower esophageal function, dumping syndrome in stomach. Two years now with die and all changed for better. Now diagnosed with redundant colon and ischemic colitis. Any similar situations? Any insights? Thank you, Kit
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2 ReactionsWelcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @bcinc042. You've been through an awful lot.
A few other Mayo Clinic Connect discussions you may want to check out are:
- Severe tortuosity and redundant colon https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/severe-tortuosity-and-redundant-colon/
- Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/redundant-tortured-colon/
- Ischemic Colitis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ischemic-colitis-2/
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3 ReactionsSincere thanks!
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1 Reaction@colleenyoung
Two years ago at age 70 I was diagnosed with a redundant torturous colon. It took four gastroenterologist two years to figure out what was wrong with me after I got down to 85 pounds. I was told it was too old for bowel resection as the sutures probably wouldn’t hold. So I’ve been managing for two years with diet meditation, and exercise. However, it seems to be getting worse. My hemorrhoids are on the inside and the outside, I can’t really find a laxative that really works for me anymore. And the triggers which result in chronic constipation, cramping and extreme pain through the rectum are occurring more often. I’m really at my wits end. I don’t know what to do or where to go for help. Most medical people don’t even know about this condition therefore don’t know what to do. Any suggestions would be so beneficial.
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2 Reactions@sallyw133 I also just started taking magnesium glycinate I like to know how much you take and has it really helped. Thank you.
@debschmitt - sorry this has been so rough. I found out at my first colonoscopy I have a redundant colon, but in my case it's causing no symptoms, so my doctor said no action is required.
According to Medical News Today, there are three possible surgical options for severe cases of redundant colon https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/redundant-colon :
- Sigmoid colectomy
- Primary anastomosis
- End colostomy
Was the sigmoid colectomy the one for which you were told you were too old? Wondering if any of these other options could be possibilities for you?
Are you indicating that your whole digestive system was functioning improperly and the slow transit was ultimately causing your weight loss?
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2 Reactions@lisalucier thank you so much for your response. Just knowing that someone out there who understands what I’m going through help so much. No the reason I lost weight is I had no appetite and basically you know when you’re constipated, you don’t feel like eating you already feel full. In addition, I was totally stressed not knowing what was wrong with me and when I get stressed, I’d lose my appetite. I will look into the surgeries you talked about. I am 73. I still weigh only 107 pounds which is fairly normal for me. However, I am thin skinne and bruise easily and they just didn’t think the sutures would hold. But thank you again. I’m going to give some thought to this. But in the end, I may make an appointment at Mayo and just get some final answers. My problem is I wonder if I am chasing solutions that just don’t exist. But at least if I hear it from a competent doctor then I’ll know
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5 ReactionsHello, I've been told that I have a Redundant colon. It is awful! Of course I've tried Miralax, vegetable laxatives, and magnesium. The Miralax is a no go for me to take regularly because there are times that I can't make it to the bathroom in time. My doctor wants me to try Isbrela but told me to do the Miralax 3 day cleanse first. After 2 days, I was done! I have started on the Isbrela but so far, no results.
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2 Reactions@debschmitt I had a bit of bad news. After speaking with Mayo Clinic and feeling positive about perhaps getting some answers impossible solutions. I submitted all my records and waited for a week for a possible appointment. At the end of the week, I was told that there was nothing more they could do for me. So now I am back researching I’m wondering what else I can do to try to manage this horrible disorder.
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1 Reaction@debschmitt - understandable you are trying to research and determine what to do with your redundant tortuous colon and the issues it is causing with weight loss, hemorrhoids, chronic constipation, cramping and extreme pain through the rectum.
Tagging @hopeful33250 @jlharsh @bcinc042 @marjoriem @fayeg87 @researchmaven, who may have some thoughts for you on where to go next with your quest.
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