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!

I've been on Zenpep for over 1 1/2 years. Took trial and error to get douse right for me, which ended up being 1 capsule in the morning plus probiotics via greek yogurt diet supplement. Zenpep has a time release function that helps cover the entire day instead of a capsule before each meal.

Just got notice Zenpep no longer covered by my insurance and I have to switch to CREON. What side effects have people experienced? I've read the website and it looks discouraging.

@wmd414
I am always so sorry for people suffering with this, especially since the lat 4 days I have had two days of vomiting, extreme pain, nausea, and diarrhea. I am so so tired of it.

Anyway, enough of my whining. Can I ask what effect does the Zenpep/CREON do for you? What symptoms does it help with?

I have diverticulitis and the results of my my last colonoscopy 2.5 years ago noted a torturous colon. I'm 2 days and wakeup from surgery for diverticulitis, not because of the Tortuous Colon.

AI QUERY ABOUT TORTUOUS COLON: I've been using Gemini AI quite a bit regarding Diverticulitis. In case it helps, I did one on this topic as well. I'll paste a link to the chat as well as a synopsis. As always, I am not trained medically, either is AI; so always discuss details and questions with your doctors. Here's the link with the synopsis below it (FYI - I limited the resources to "The Big 3" - Mayo, Cleveland and Johns Hopkins): https://gemini.google.com/share/d89418bf62fc

SYNOPSIS: The "Big 3" Perspective on Tortuous (Redundant) Colon

Medical records from Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins describe this condition as an anatomical variation where the colon is longer than the average five feet. To fit within the abdomen, the colon must loop, twist, or fold back on itself.

1. Terminology: You may find limited information searching for "tortuous colon" on some sites. Try searching for "Redundant Colon" (Mayo’s preferred term) or "Dolichocolon" (Johns Hopkins’ preferred term).

2. Clinical Significance:

Colonoscopy Difficulty: This is the most common clinical concern. Extra loops make it technically challenging to navigate a standard scope to the end. If a colonoscopy is "incomplete" due to this anatomy, a Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonography) is often recommended.

Slow Transit & Constipation: A longer "road" for stool often leads to slower transit times. As stool sits longer, the colon absorbs more water, which can cause chronic constipation.

The Diverticulitis Connection: While not a direct cause, the high internal pressure associated with moving stool through extra loops can contribute to the formation of diverticula (pouches).

Atypical Pain: Because the colon is looped, pain from gas or inflammation can be felt in "unexpected" areas of the abdomen, sometimes mimicking other conditions like appendicitis.

3. Management: Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms (primarily constipation) rather than surgery. Standard recommendations include high fiber intake, significant hydration, and occasionally pelvic floor physical therapy. Surgery is generally reserved for rare, serious complications like a Volvulus (a severe twist that blocks blood flow).

I think I've had a redundant colon all my life (I'm 64 but remember abdominal pain way back to elementary school) though I didn't know it until a year ago. Before I was diagnosed I tried every diet and supplement out there. I had to go to bed about 4pm most days because my abdomen hurt so badly. When I went to a new GI doc last year and had my 5th colonoscopy (others were with previous doctors) he said I had a redundant colon and prescribed dicyclomine. I think many people have side affects with dicyclomine but it's changed my life. I take one 30 minutes before lunch and dinner. I still have pain but nothing like before. I guess my colon was spasming to move everything along the extra long and circuitous path and the muscles spasmed and cramped.
My understanding is that dicyclomine is an anti-spasmodic for the digestive system. It's worth talking to your doctor about it. Good luck!