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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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Profile picture for vetsyd
vetsyd | @vetsyd | 2 days ago

I was also diagnosed with Redundant Colon. This was in 2024 at age 58.

I was prepping for yet another Colonoscopy, where the actual prep NEVER started in time to finish, before time to leave/arrive at Colonoscopy Center.

I am talking about me food fasting for as long as 3-4 days pre-scope. Then, starting the liquid prep at least 2 days prior.

FINALLY, my Colo-Rectal Surgeon told me that my entire colon was just too long and wide for my body.

I thank God he figured that out before he attempted my Rectal Prolapse repair, because that is the ONLY surgery that has ever come close to killing me. I am quoting my surgeon.

After nearly a 2 years of recovery, I am ok, except for the chronic constipation that all of the above apparently caused.

At least that beats the heck out of the chronic diarrhea that I had right after and for months after the surgery. 😡

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Profile picture for lapxp
lapxp | @lapxp | 1 day ago
In reply to @marilynmiller "I had a surgeon who said that I needed surgery in my sphincter muscles. Due to..." + (show)
Profile picture for marilynmiller @marilynmiller

I had a surgeon who said that I needed surgery in my sphincter muscles. Due to the pressure of everything that was happening in my colon my sphincter muscles had become very tight and almost closed. I had botox, in one sphincter, muscle and dilation in the other this was done under anesthesia. It took a few weeks to stabilize, at least those muscles were working. So you might want to check what's happening with the muscles. In the meantime, I have taken liquid magnesium sitrate at night, like 4 oz to make it flow quicker. And easier, I make sure I do Yoga and crunch. The muscles of the colon tighter on the outbreast, an expand the muscles of your colon on the inbreath
Working the inside organs, I do a lot of that. My surgeon said for me every three or four days, I need to take an enema to clear out the residue of the feces collecting in the corners of my colon. I also do high fiber which you probably do lots of water because even though food isn't the problem. It is an element of what I must be considering.So that the feces is able to be thin and flexible enough to pass through the tiny openings in my colon

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@marilynmiller Hello! May I message you to ask about your surgeon? I am willing to travel anywhere to find a surgeon familiar with this condition and who understands the different mechanical relationships involved with a redundant colon, rectal issues, motility, etc. I have met with over a dozen colorectal surgeons, of course very skilled in the traditional indications for surgery (cancer, diverticulitis, etc.), but they do not seem to have much experience in more complex motility (such as outlet dysfunction) issues. Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your story.

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marilynmiller | @marilynmiller | 1 day ago
In reply to @lapxp "@marilynmiller Hello! May I message you to ask about your surgeon? I am willing to travel..." + (show)
Profile picture for lapxp @lapxp

@marilynmiller Hello! May I message you to ask about your surgeon? I am willing to travel anywhere to find a surgeon familiar with this condition and who understands the different mechanical relationships involved with a redundant colon, rectal issues, motility, etc. I have met with over a dozen colorectal surgeons, of course very skilled in the traditional indications for surgery (cancer, diverticulitis, etc.), but they do not seem to have much experience in more complex motility (such as outlet dysfunction) issues. Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your story.

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@lapxp
His name is Shane Svoboda ( pronounced slo bo da the 2 o's are long o and a is short a) 520 382 0458 6130 La Cholla Blvd Tucson 85751. Associated with Northwest hospital. He has a very good website too
He looks much better in person! His looks aren't important his expertise is. And his kindness is very. I'm unbelievable he acts like he knows you! His physician assistant is quite good too. If you want to message, please PM me on this site.

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Profile picture for lapxp
lapxp | @lapxp | 1 day ago
In reply to @marilynmiller "@lapxp His name is Shane Svoboda ( pronounced slo bo da the 2 o's are long..." + (show)
Profile picture for marilynmiller @marilynmiller

@lapxp
His name is Shane Svoboda ( pronounced slo bo da the 2 o's are long o and a is short a) 520 382 0458 6130 La Cholla Blvd Tucson 85751. Associated with Northwest hospital. He has a very good website too
He looks much better in person! His looks aren't important his expertise is. And his kindness is very. I'm unbelievable he acts like he knows you! His physician assistant is quite good too. If you want to message, please PM me on this site.

Jump to this post

@marilynmiller Thank you so much!

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