1. < Digestive Health

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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jennb | @jennb | Oct 24, 2019
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Welcome to Connect, @jennb, and thanks for sharing your insight about flaxseed. The therapeutic and beneficial..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Welcome to Connect, @jennb, and thanks for sharing your insight about flaxseed. The therapeutic and beneficial properties of flaxseed are well known, and there is growing research to support its use. You might be interested in reading this journal article about "Dietary Flaxseed as a Strategy for Improving Human Health” https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/5/1171/htm

May I ask if you would share more details about the polyps you mentioned? Did you have a biopsy to determine their status?

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I don’t have the results yet for the polyps - my doctor looked briefly at them and said she wasn’t concerned so I am hoping she knew what she was talking about. I use ground flaxseed and sprinkle it on top of my food. I’m also making a much better effort to drink more water -the objective is to keep things moving in my digestive track.

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mercy333 | @mercy333 | Nov 10, 2019

I just found this group and finally have found others who understand the horror the I have endured all my life. I am 75. I was diagnosed with redundant ,tortuous colon several years ago after two unsuccessful colonoscopies. no bmproduced from preps!). I have found mag-07 effective also have recently been inserting each morning a ducolax medicated suppository. The suppository works in just a few minutes. I am wondering if the suppository will create a dependence. Does anyone else use this on a daily basis?

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jethomas82 | @jethomas82 | Nov 13, 2019
In reply to @onaquest "No it is not. Redundant and tortured colon means you have extra colon (redundant) and twisted..." + (show)
@onaquest

No it is not. Redundant and tortured colon means you have extra colon (redundant) and twisted (tortured). I do have some diverticulosis, but I haven’t had diverticulitis.

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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.

REPLY
3 replies
lanette23 | @lanette23 | Nov 13, 2019
In reply to @jethomas82 "Oops, I meant to post this reply to the explanation of the torturous vs redundant colon..." + (show)
@jethomas82

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.

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I have this as well as several other conditions with the colon and they have gone from saying I would only need meds to needing a pain clinic to a complete removal of the colon and wearing a colostomy bag so not very happy with my care from there this time a round good luck too you

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jethomas82 | @jethomas82 | Nov 13, 2019
In reply to @lanette23 "Hello all I am new to this group I too was just told that I have..." + (show)
@lanette23

Hello all I am new to this group I too was just told that I have tontuous colon a long with 1.) chronic ldiopathic constipation 2.) dysfunction constipation outlet 3.)rectocele 4.) diverticulosis 5.) some more polyps and 6.) adhesions from many abdominal surgeries.. Most days the pain is unbearable but I work through it, but I feel that I am short with family, friends, and people in general and that isn't who I am I am at a loss
I have no idea what would be the best way too deal with all this. I have tried all the meds out there different diets and now I just don't know what the best treatment would be. Help, ideas, any advise would be welcome. Thanks LaNette

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.

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gibssy174 | @gibssy174 | Nov 16, 2019
In reply to @jethomas82 "Oops, I meant to post this reply to the explanation of the torturous vs redundant colon..." + (show)
@jethomas82

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.

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Hello , I am 27 years old male, very athletic build and does regular physical activity, but i have always had this problem of bloating and sense of incomplete evacuation and constipation since i was 18 yrs old, many of the consultation ended up describing it as irritable bowel syndrome and prescription of laxatives and fibres which didnt help at all. But I recently underwent colonoscopy and was diagnosed with redundant sigmoid colon and they say I have to have a surgery to improve my symptoms. Being young and the sole bread winner for my family, I am devastated. I am ready to undergo the procedure but I am being informed that the result is not guaranteed and there may be worsening of symptoms. I am lost, if anyone out there with similar problems post or pre surgery please do share ur views to help me out...thankyou

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1 reply
virginia44 | @virginia44 | Nov 16, 2019

Gibssy, I would be very cautious about taking that advice until you have researched the condition very carefully. They recommend surgery, but you can accept or decline that recommendation. Some people on this blog have had the surgery and it did not help. Other took different options for addressing the problem and have gained some stability.

Personally, I started following the Plant Paradox diet and I am about 75% better, and improving every day. The Plant Paradox diet, the Paleo Diet and the surgery are all controversial...strong opinions pro and con on all of these.

Take some time, sort out a few things for your own physiology.

REPLY
2 replies
gibssy174 | @gibssy174 | Nov 16, 2019
In reply to @virginia44 "Gibssy, I would be very cautious about taking that advice until you have researched the condition..." + (show)
@virginia44

Gibssy, I would be very cautious about taking that advice until you have researched the condition very carefully. They recommend surgery, but you can accept or decline that recommendation. Some people on this blog have had the surgery and it did not help. Other took different options for addressing the problem and have gained some stability.

Personally, I started following the Plant Paradox diet and I am about 75% better, and improving every day. The Plant Paradox diet, the Paleo Diet and the surgery are all controversial...strong opinions pro and con on all of these.

Take some time, sort out a few things for your own physiology.

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Ok, I am also doing some work to gather more information...i ll do it and then take a call...and I will keep my progress posted in this and the other discussion group I have started ...thanku

REPLY
gibssy174 | @gibssy174 | Nov 16, 2019
In reply to @virginia44 "Gibssy, I would be very cautious about taking that advice until you have researched the condition..." + (show)
@virginia44

Gibssy, I would be very cautious about taking that advice until you have researched the condition very carefully. They recommend surgery, but you can accept or decline that recommendation. Some people on this blog have had the surgery and it did not help. Other took different options for addressing the problem and have gained some stability.

Personally, I started following the Plant Paradox diet and I am about 75% better, and improving every day. The Plant Paradox diet, the Paleo Diet and the surgery are all controversial...strong opinions pro and con on all of these.

Take some time, sort out a few things for your own physiology.

Jump to this post

Sir if I am not mistaken can I ask you how long u have been diagnosed with this redundant colon, and grossly what are the major things to avoid in diet that you find personally important to reduce symptoms?And was your symptoms somewhat similar to me Sir?...

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virginia44 | @virginia44 | Nov 16, 2019

I was diagnosed two years ago. Symptoms are diarrhea and stomach cramps. I found that stopping all whole grain food was a huge help. Felt better within 48 hours. Also started with yogurt every day and some kefir every day to get the max dose of probiotics. Eat mostly root veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, etc. to get fiber. Also avocados and mushrooms for fiber.

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