Anyone else have a Redundant/Tortuous Colon?

Jayne,
I appreciate your situation as I have a redundant colon. I have always had constipation issues. When I first had a colonoscopy, the redundant colon was diagnosed. After my most recent colonoscopy, my digestive system just can't get back to normal. I would appreciate any suggestions that people have out there living with this issue. Thank you

@riley5634 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am sorry to hear you've always had constipation issues connected to your redundant colon.

I also have a redundant colon, discovered on my first colonoscopy. I don't have any issues from it, but I know others really have trouble from a redundant colon.

Wondering if you have gotten to talk to the doctor who performed your colonoscopy or your primary care doctor about the digestive issues following your colonoscopy? If so, what did they suggest you do?

@riley5634

Oh boy how i feel ya!!! After my last colonoscopy, it was at least 6 months before i was back to "my normal." I swore my colon didn't want to wake up. I went thru bouts of, of course, constipation, but worse than that I had vasovagal attacks. I even felt as if I had POTTS, with some of my symptoms. No one would address my symptoms or acknowledge that it could be a sleepy colon. AFTER I got thru that, and after appx. 6 months of running tests and guessing, I TOLD THEM, GI docs, that I felt as if my colon did not wake up after the procedure. With shrugging shoulders, I got a half-hearted, "Yeah, that could be." Disgusted! If I did not have a history of pre-cancerous adenoma, I would NEVER have another colonoscopy!
I know this isn't helping you, not the answer you're looking for, but at least you know you aren't alone out there!
Prayers for speedy recovery!
The only suggestion I have, in hindsight, is HYDRATE!!! And eat light. They say, FIBER, but if you are like me, fiber is painful! Eat easily digested foods in small amounts, and drink lots of water! Don't use meds for constipation, they don't work! Yes, you're constipated, but its a matter of your colon not working to push it out. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! And when you think you can't stand any more, HYDRATE!!! Maybe add a stool softener.
I'm not doctor, but I have certainly experienced what you are going thru. And yes, I have a redundant colon. So much so that my doctor has to use a pediatric scope to perform my colonoscopy.

I didn't know this could happen..I'm so glad I read this.. I'm going to gastro next Monday..
I thought it was the Xolair shot ( for allergies that stopped my gut signals..( had one July 23 and then every thing stopped..Three to ER (takes 10 hrs..one of our hospitals closed here.. very rural.. left this one overwhelmed) and then a coloscopy and now having to "clean myself out every week end.. ..
I've been constipated all my life.. 72 now.. and have tried Amtiza, Isbrella and Linzess and finally for 3 years Trulance was working.. and then .. the shot and it all stopped..(I have systemic scleroderma..under control ..) then they tried Motegrity 2 mg and after 5 days I had to stop.. tried 1 mg and had to stop.. gastro was like .."why?",, because I was so sick and starting to have trouble swallowing.. ( allergic.. allergic to lots of meds)..
So now I have a TWENTY minute appt they told me (reprimanded for too many portal questions while dr and nurse were out for a week) and I have to be very ready..
I have a tortuous colon too.. so I'm taking my timer in (to keep myself from chatting) and opening with ..I have not used the bathroom for a week.. and sit there.. no conversations about colonoscopy..I read my own chart.. and they sent a letter.. this is so miserable.. MiraLAX every night and pear juice.. and the those 2 nasty little Biscadyls.. and misery for 2 days.
God help us all!! No one else understands but us..and Jesus!! Lifting us all up in prayer!!

@lisalucier
thanks for your comments. Yes I've spoken with the doctor who did both colonoscopies. They were better prepared to get to the end of the colon the second time and were surprised that it was longer than they have ever seen! Fortunately I have no polyps or any other issues. The doctor spoke with me after and told me that with all the twists and turns, it was very risky for me to get a twisted colon. He also suggested high fiber diet. I've followed the high fiber and it's gotten me more backed up by the day. Starting today, I will continue with fiber but try the low FODMAP food plan.

@phlebe
Thank you for your detailed reply. I did talk to my doctor about my next colonoscopy... he said I'm at a very low risk and perhaps there will be new tech by that time to check for cancer. I tend to think I'll skip the test in ten years.
Yesterday at work, I was very very backed up and bloated. I did actually get dizzy and pass out. My blood pressure dropped when they got me up. The ambulance was called out and all was fine otherwise. I think this was a vasovagal synocope!
I've been told to bulk up with fiber and it's not been good. Today I'll start smaller portions and I'm going to try eating on the lower FODMAP plan.
Good luck to you. I appreciate your kind words and your listening ear

@standinginfaith
thank you for your reply! wow you've been through the ringer on this colon thing. My hope for you is that the test shows no polyps!
I was in the ER ten days before my colon because of abdominal pain. Just severely backed up. Interestingly enough not much poop in the low portion of the colon. It was getting stuck along the way. ER doc suggested more fiber.
My colon surgeon/doctor has suggested high fiber to help. The fiber foods are making it all worse. I've been bloated for days. If I drink more, it makes it worse. I had a horrible experience yesterday at work and was so very bloated. Painful. I have determined that I will not eliminate fiber but I will try smaller meals of low FODMAP foods for two weeks and see what happens.

My colon surgeon/doc called me after. Longest colon they've ever seen. Said it was very twisty. Cautioned me to go to doc anytime I feel severe pain because a twist can block and needs emergency care. He says I am low risk for cancer with two clear tests so maybe there will be other screening techniques for me in the future. I'm 62 now. I'll avoid that 72 test!
Thank you for reaching out to me. I wish you well

@riley5634 Bless your heart!!! I hear you!! you've been thru the ringer too... and at work.. ..calling an ambulance and passing out.. goodness... I'm so sorry!! And , yes a twist can block ..it's really hard to cope with mentally too.. you just "never know when".. (I did have a couple of polyps..but nothing worth mentioning..I've had 3 colonoscopies by 3 different DRs in past 3).I did have an MRI to check that Vargas nerve..(it was ok.. but my neck is a mess..too many falls.. too many car wrecks..was a sales rep for over 35 years and drove 1000 miles a week years) ..I just can't even imagine what you're going thru... prayers for you dear heart!!

I certainly understand what you’re going through. I’m 74 years old and have had digestive issues for a long time. I also have a tortuous colon with diverticulosis, GERD and gastroparesis. I’ve had 2 bouts of diverticulitis in the last year, treated with antibiotics and flagyl. After the second one my GI Nurse practitioner sent me to a colorectal surgeon who was very thorough and explained that removing the sigmoid will certainly help with preventing a perforation of the diverticuli, thus causing emergency surgery with a colostomy that could be permanent for life. So I underwent my third colonoscopy in a year because the other doctors who performed the first 2 could not get all the way through my colon due to the many twists and turns. He was able to complete the test, found a small noncancerous polyp and removed it. I have an appointment to follow up with him next month to see what the next step will be. I’ve had no bowel issues since the colonoscopy. I’ve seen a dietician about my diet, drink 9-10 glasses of water per day and try to eat 15-20 grams of fiber per day. I don't take any laxatives, have 1-2 bowel movements each day but still have periods of bloating and gas. It’s kinda trial and error to figure out what you can and cannot eat. I followed a modified FODMAP diet for 4 years and it did help. The biggest thing for me is drinking lots of water to fight the constipation that causes the diverticulosis. So i hope you can get the help you need. GI issues can really be miserable! Wish you the best.

@queenie52
thank you for the reply.
My previous two colonoscopies required CT scans to check remainder of the colon. Was this anything that was done for you?
What types of food do you eat?
Do you drink coffee or tea?