Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

I, too, have a tortuous colon with chronic idiopathic constipation. About 3 years ago, I started taking Vibrant capsules which create peristalsis. It works pretty well most of the time. Check it out: https://vibrantgastro.com
My gastroenterologist told me I could eat anything. Because I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I am super careful to eat a healthy diet and get lots of exercise. My GI is also trying to get approval from Medicare for a drug called procalopride, which is helpful for people with chronic constipation as well as PD.
Good luck!

@electracat yes, it was quite the experience, for a mid 40s lady who had never had any kind of surgery to have emergency surgery and a subsequent 2 week hospital stay. I was on TPN for 1 month, but have not required it since. The pelvic wand helps my pelvic floor muscles relax...so when that feeling of things not wanting to come out, they CAN now. For the rapid gastric emptying, I recently switched from Motegrity back to Linzess. I was under the impression that Motegrity worked exclusively in the small and large intestines to propel things along, but my GI doctor said it stimulates everything, including the stomach, which obviously is not ideal for someone with rapid gasttic emptying. So far I am not convinced, but will give it more time. I also am on a low dose of cholestyramine for bile acid diarrhea, which is helping reduce the frequency and improve the consistency of my BMs. Hope that helps some.

@jlstjohn , interesting info. I read your earlier post about the wand and almost bought one. I decided to try focusing without it. So far, it’s going pretty well. I have learned that I must go to the toilet and try to go, regardless of whether I feel the urge. Most of the time I do. I can see why the wand would assist, though and if I have difficulty again, I’ll likely try one.

@jlstjohn Thanks for sharing this. Wishing you good health! Sounds like you have a few things that you know can help, which is great.

I just saw a new GI (heard great things about her) and it was not a good experience. Upon leaving, i realized she never once mentioned motility drugs (linzess etc)...and so many other things.

I just had several gushing nosebleeds in the last 24 hours, which (upon researching) seems connected to straining, which then makes me lose all hope. OR, makes me renew efforts to get gut under control....Really scary! I've noticed increased reflux lately, though more of the respiratory type, with my ears, etc getting full, but the nosebleeds are new! UGH.

Is this forum (mayo) the best one you've been on, for GI stuff? Or is there another forum you'd recommend for women and gastro stuff? Thanks and good wishes. This all stinks!

Hello, onaquest,
Sort of by accident, my redundant sigmoid colon was discovered by imaging. My gastroenterologist traced it for me and said it was one of the worst in terms of length and curves that he has ever seen. My doctor wants me to start on Motegrity. Currently I am having some success with senna, VSL#3 probiotic, abdominal massage while defecating, digital manipulation while defecating, and diaphragmatic breathing. I'll let you know how the Motegrity works. Good luck to you.

@electracat This is the only forum I am a part of. I have certainly benefited from others ideas, especially regarding certain products (OTC). I wish you all the best...one day ata time, that is all we are promised, anyway!