Oops, I meant to post this reply to the explanation of the torturous vs redundant colon above. I don’t know how to move it, please forgive me for any confusion this caused.

Hello,

Most of what you said is right but I have one little correction to clarify things (based on what my GI doctor told me).

I have a torturous colon and was told that it means that my colon has many more bends/turns in it than a “normal” colon. A redundant colon has many more loops. Both of these are the result of the body packing a longer tube than normal into the space a “normal” colon would fit.

Twisting of the colon in either condition is a medical emergency, whereas I can live with a torturous colon everyday (although I wish I didn’t have to because mine is symptomatic).

Also in reply to the op, I have not had surgery yet, although I eagerly would if my finances were better. I have tried so many things to relieve pain, discomfort, and distention; including starting from an extremely simple diet recommended by my GI and slowly adding different foods to find my triggers. We’ve added fiber, removed fiber. Greatly increased my water intake, when it started off better than normal. Plus a laundry list of medicines. The only progress we’ve made is to give me horrible diarrhea when the pressure in my abdomen becomes too great (I’ve suffered from chronic constipation my whole life). My GI worries I may have a rupture too but until my circumstance change, we do what we can. I don’t know if that helps but if I were you, I would get a second opinion from another surgeon (although if you’ve never had abdominal surgery, just be aware that hernias may become another problem you may have to deal with after).

Well wish & good luck.

I've had a tortuous colon for most of my life and the pain isn't as severe now that I'm getting older, but I remember a doctor telling me when I was in my 20's that my body would eliminate when it was ready and that constipation can sometimes be painful... Some of the pain was bad enough I had to use Lamaze breathing to help overcome the excrutiating pain. This was all before even having a colonoscopy and being told what the diagnosis was 35 years later. I don't have the pain so much anymore though with the fibromyalgia and arthritis pain that I have, I think the meds I'm on may cause constipation and others may be masking some of the pain. Pelvic dysfunction and hemoroids add to the problems. I've used stool softeners and fiber supplements and finally I told my gastro that I had no idea what regular is... His response was that the habits of a baby (eat then poop - eat then poop) should be our goal to replicate without straining. I've always been constipated and often only eliminated a couple times a week and when on vacation, once per week, so thinking this was somewhat normal for everyone, at 60 I'm trying to get this figured out.

I'm currently on WW to improve my overall health with wholesome foods and recipes, and I drink 80 oz's of water everyday in addition to a soda and a cup of coffee. Currently, I'm using psyllium husk as a fiber supplement.

I'm not a medical professional, though I hope something from this information can help someone else with the same condition.

I agree with you.