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Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?
Digestive Health | Last Active: Nov 5 4:01pm | Replies (1097)Comment receiving replies
Hi Kanaaz, I'm new to this website and would like to introduce myself to everyone. Thought replying to you, the moderator, would be the best way. I was just told I have a redundant/fixed colon. Didn't surprise me much as I've suffered with IBS-C, dairy and gluten allergies all of my life. I've been through so many doctors and so many different opinions on what to eat, what not to eat and what drugs or supplements to take that it makes my head spin. This seems like such a great forum to discuss what works for you with others. The one solution I see most often commented on here is to take MiraLax everyday. That alone did not work for me. In combination with 2 stool softners every evening (taking the MiraLax in the am) worked to have a BM, but left me gassy and very bloated. Sadly, not good enough. I am currently working with a Nutritionist who is taking things very slowly, step by step to find a solution other than expensive drugs that cause massive side effects. Anyone out there try Linsess or Amitiza yet? If your thinking about it read the reviews!!! Stopped me dead in my tracks! I've been told this is my only solution short of surgery ever since they put this on the market. I refused to believe that. I'm tired of having to be home because my gut is so bad. I'm either bloated and can't wear my pants or I'm in pain and can't enjoy going out to dinner.
Currently, I'm trying keeping a food and liquid intake diary. Trying to increase liquid intake to at least 60 oz. a day. Helps to keep track. I've been told the Fodmap diet would not work for me. I'm currently trying low fiber because fiber makes me bloat. But here is the biggest experiment. 2 Stool softeners every night with 1-500mg Magnesium citrate tab. It's only been a week, but it's been a GOOD week! Some bloating, a bit gassy once in awhile but for the most part I can go every day and I'm not talking "nuggets" here!
If anyone out there would like to discuss issues and what's worked for them I'd love to hear it. I've struggled with constipation since I was 13 (that I remember being bad) I'm so tired of not being able to wear my clothes, the "HELP" I need sweat pants days. Of not being able to enjoy "relationship" time with my husband because I have a gut ache and feel "FAT".... I weigh 100lbs. :o(
I can't gain weight because I feel so full (bloated) I can't eat much. Trying to enjoy a vacation and worrying about how will I eat, what reaction will I have. Will I be stuck in a hotel room all bloated and gassy and can't go.
Ok...so I've vented. Anyone else ? Thanks and hope to hear from you all!!! Lets find solutions together!
Replies to "Hi Kanaaz, I'm new to this website and would like to introduce myself to everyone. Thought..."
I don't know what I have really, but my old gastro told me I had an extra long colon. About 2 years ago my gut changed. Long story short I did try to Fodmap diet, but really didn't think too many foods are the culprit. I, too, have had chronic constipation, since I was a kid. I did try Linzess, and it was working, but then stopped. Magnesium 400 mg does nothing for me. I did a Fleet enema once, which really didn't work, and made me sick--legs shaking & felt like I was going to pass out. I was taking 3 Citrucel tablets a day, but that doesn't do much of anything. I think I took benefiter, metamucil in the past as well. Now I take Senokot-S every few days, which helps. My old gastro told me to buy Atrantil off the web. I took that for quite some time, and I believe it did help with my bloating. Might be something others could try for bloating & gas.
I hear ya! I have a redundant colon and I suppose IBS-C. I keep gaining weight though yet I eat well, work out, tons of water. But I am lucky if I go once a week. Miralax/fiber/ that stuff does nothing for me. I have tried Linzess. Didn’t work. If anything made my problem worse. Was on vacation last week. Had the whole bottle of magnesium citrate. No movement til 3 days later.
I’m not sure what I can do and trying without long term side affects. Hence how I got to these lovely conversations. But the fitting in clothes and relationship issues I am with you 100%. Nice to not feel so alone since no one I know goes through any of it.
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I was put on a regimen of pysillium plus Miralax in the a.m. and Miralax in the evening. (Plus a fodmap diet which is impossible to be on forever particularly when you are already a celiac. ) Contrary to its commercials, Miralax made me very bloated and gave me persistent cramping). My diagnosis is IBS-C (long time) but many of my symptoms overlap with redundant colon and SIBO so find it interesting to follow. My medications make my problem worse.
Magnesium does work but I need more than 500mg. 2 tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia is over 2000mg of magnesium hydroxide which does the trick. I have an arrythmia so have to be careful re ingesting excessive amounts of magnesium.
I did try linaclotide (linzess) but it gave me horrible impossible to live with pain. My doctor did prescribe another med not sure if its amitzia, different names in Canada but because this med could potential trigger palpitations my cardiologist told me better to stay away or if I do try it I must have a holter monitor test. Forget it. During this pandemic who wants to increase medical appointments. Prefer the side effects of over the counter laxatives. Right now, I am mainly using Senokot (I know it's not the best choice). It works.
This unsolvable constipation problem has led to a new painful humiliation. (Possible fissure: awaiting appointment 🥴). Saw your reference to a stool softener. Think I need that.
I am also a lightweight (under 110lb) so can totally relate to the gas and bloating. Its winter, oversized-sweaters with leggings works.🙃