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

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

Thank you for your feedback. I have made an appointment with my gastroenterologist to hopefully get a colonoscopy scheduled.

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@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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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.

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I have diverticulosis and redunant toruous colon. I take 2 heaping teaspoons in 2 glasses of water before going to bed at night, have small bowl of raisin bran with skim milk in the morning and it keeps my digestive track good. I have not been back to the hospital in over 2 years now. I never eat popcorn. sob,sob. Ive learned 3 times it caused diverticulitis infection and sent me to hospital.

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Bummer. But a small price to pay to stay out of the hospital, not to mention the other issues that go along with being sick. Have you tried hulless popcorn, either already popped in a bag or as an ear of popcorn that you put in a brown paper bag and microwave it?

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Yes I have tried both, thank you. I was surprised that the hulless popcorn I purchased was not really hulless, just smaller pieces.... Im much happier healthy and just take pretzels to the movie. It's worth it. If you try the 2 teaspoons of metamucil (I forgot to mention the product in previous post) give it a week of doing before your system gets accustomed to it. Constipation is not a good condition. It ruins your colon in my opinion. Hope this helps.

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@carcar

I have diverticulosis and redunant toruous colon. I take 2 heaping teaspoons in 2 glasses of water before going to bed at night, have small bowl of raisin bran with skim milk in the morning and it keeps my digestive track good. I have not been back to the hospital in over 2 years now. I never eat popcorn. sob,sob. Ive learned 3 times it caused diverticulitis infection and sent me to hospital.

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Hi there-is it Miralax you're using?

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Hi, im from Lima. Here the doctor gave me the same diagnosis and told me to do as follow: 1 tbsp of chia, 1 tbsp of flaxseed in the morning and the same at night, you can do it in smoothies with yogurt, etc. I'd been contipation free from that day.

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Do you have to grind the seeds?

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@learningeveryday

Do you have to grind the seeds?

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Hello, i prefer with yogurt granola and fruit, but in smoothies i prefer to put it at the end so it is not too grind....

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@kanaazpereira

Hi @tracy430,

It sounds like you’ve been through so much! I’m so glad you’ve joined this group, and was wondering if you had an opportunity to view this Mayo Clinic Connect discussion:
– Ostomy: Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ostomy-adapting-to-life-after-colostomy-ileostomy-or-urostomy/
It’s an incredibly informative conversation, where fellow members have shared their experiences, insights and tips about life before and after ostomy.

Another Connect discussion that I would really encourage you to read through is, "Three months after colon surgery” https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/three-months-after-colon-surgery/ where you will meet @joyce1 @starrlight @sallyg @nannytart @travelgirl @swatson. I’d also like to bring in @maet @frane1939 @lamerex4 t see if they might be able to share more about colon resection and diverticulitis.

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Good evening all
.i did stapled hemorrhoid surgery in indian on January back to Africa started having serious bleeding and lump coming out.
Now back to Indian after serious of test MRI DEFECATION. COLONSCOPY.
NORMAL COLON WITH TORTUS COLON.
EXTERNAL BLEEDING HEMORRHOIDS, AND INTERNAL HEMORRHOID AGAIN AND RECTAL MOCUSAL PROLAPSE.
THAT I NEED SURGERY AGAIN LIFE HAS NOT REALLY BEEN EASY.
WHAT UR ADVICE AGAIN ON THIS M.

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