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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goatlady | @goatlady | Jan 30, 2021
In reply to @artist01 "My G.I. suggested Lax-a-Day (Canada)every day, plus 1 tsp Metamusil every day, plus FOR SURE 2..." + (show)
@artist01

My G.I. suggested Lax-a-Day (Canada)every day, plus 1 tsp Metamusil every day, plus FOR SURE 2 litres of water every day.  I&apos;m  improving!  Good luck!

Jump to this post

I need to drink more water. my son is always after me about that. Thank you for your reply!!

REPLY
1 reply
artist01 | @artist01 | Jan 30, 2021
In reply to @goatlady "I need to drink more water. my son is always after me about that. Thank you..." + (show)
@goatlady

I need to drink more water. my son is always after me about that. Thank you for your reply!!

Jump to this post

Thanks for your reply, goatlady. Many of us fall into the category of not drinking enough water. I was that way too, until I met my new G.I. in November. He is a highly esteemed specialist in his field, and I feel so fortunate to be in his care. I'm very hopeful that my health will improve. It's been a long journey.
To make my water intake easier, I fill a one litre glass pitcher with water and keep it in the fridge. Once its empty, I refill it. I try to drink the first pitcher full by noon, and the second one by bedtime. True, you will pee often, but the results are worth it. And water is SO good for us!
Good luck, and happy drinking!
Laurie

REPLY
2 replies
goatlady | @goatlady | Jan 30, 2021
In reply to @artist01 "Thanks for your reply, goatlady. Many of us fall into the category of not drinking enough..." + (show)
@artist01

Thanks for your reply, goatlady. Many of us fall into the category of not drinking enough water. I was that way too, until I met my new G.I. in November. He is a highly esteemed specialist in his field, and I feel so fortunate to be in his care. I'm very hopeful that my health will improve. It's been a long journey.
To make my water intake easier, I fill a one litre glass pitcher with water and keep it in the fridge. Once its empty, I refill it. I try to drink the first pitcher full by noon, and the second one by bedtime. True, you will pee often, but the results are worth it. And water is SO good for us!
Good luck, and happy drinking!
Laurie

Jump to this post

Good Luck to you also! We will all get through this somehow.

REPLY
sher71 | @sher71 | Jan 30, 2021
In reply to @sue225 "I was put on a regimen of pysillium plus Miralax in the a.m. and Miralax in..." + (show)
@sue225

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.🙃

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Do try the stool softeners. I take 2 every night with at least 6oz. of water. The senokot, Dulcolax and Miralax all worked .... but left me having at least 2-3 BM's in the morning, not one was "complete elimination and I felt bloatly all day. My Dr. suggested taking the Miralax in the morning and stool softeners at night but that combo wasn't right either. I'm still working on a good combination, trying to keep it as natural as possible with out prescription side effects. ( I have enough to worry about !) So I'm on a trial with the 500 mg. magnesium and 2 stool softeners at night. Trying also to increase fluids to 60-80 oz. a day. THAT'S HARD!!! The journal helps. Have you tried soaking in a hot tub and massaging your lower abdomen in a clockwise motion to relieve gas? Works a bit for me about 70% of the time to pass gas. Isn't it awful to have to cover your gut with oversized sweaters etc. because your so slim but look about 3 months pregnant? I HATE IT!! At least we can conceal in winter. Swim suits are another issue. :o( Keep in touch! Might be nice to compare notes

REPLY
1 reply
sher71 | @sher71 | Jan 30, 2021
In reply to @artist01 "Thanks for your reply, goatlady. Many of us fall into the category of not drinking enough..." + (show)
@artist01

Thanks for your reply, goatlady. Many of us fall into the category of not drinking enough water. I was that way too, until I met my new G.I. in November. He is a highly esteemed specialist in his field, and I feel so fortunate to be in his care. I'm very hopeful that my health will improve. It's been a long journey.
To make my water intake easier, I fill a one litre glass pitcher with water and keep it in the fridge. Once its empty, I refill it. I try to drink the first pitcher full by noon, and the second one by bedtime. True, you will pee often, but the results are worth it. And water is SO good for us!
Good luck, and happy drinking!
Laurie

Jump to this post

Great idea on the water!!! Trying to drink more and that's a great way to keep track!

REPLY
1 reply
sher71 | @sher71 | Jan 30, 2021

Wow, I'm surprised that a Dr would opt for surgery immediately. I've been told it's an option, one that I don't want to do unless I have to. My biggest fear is that I'll get a blockage. Web MD has some good info. on Redundant colon. But if you have IBS as well more fiber is not always the answer. In fact it can make things worse. Water, water, water.........

REPLY
fighter | @fighter | Jan 30, 2021
In reply to @sher71 "Hi Kanaaz, I'm new to this website and would like to introduce myself to everyone. Thought..." + (show)
@sher71

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!

Jump to this post

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.

REPLY
1 reply
fighter | @fighter | Jan 30, 2021
In reply to @sher71 "Do try the stool softeners. I take 2 every night with at least 6oz. of water...." + (show)
@sher71

Do try the stool softeners. I take 2 every night with at least 6oz. of water. The senokot, Dulcolax and Miralax all worked .... but left me having at least 2-3 BM's in the morning, not one was "complete elimination and I felt bloatly all day. My Dr. suggested taking the Miralax in the morning and stool softeners at night but that combo wasn't right either. I'm still working on a good combination, trying to keep it as natural as possible with out prescription side effects. ( I have enough to worry about !) So I'm on a trial with the 500 mg. magnesium and 2 stool softeners at night. Trying also to increase fluids to 60-80 oz. a day. THAT'S HARD!!! The journal helps. Have you tried soaking in a hot tub and massaging your lower abdomen in a clockwise motion to relieve gas? Works a bit for me about 70% of the time to pass gas. Isn't it awful to have to cover your gut with oversized sweaters etc. because your so slim but look about 3 months pregnant? I HATE IT!! At least we can conceal in winter. Swim suits are another issue. :o( Keep in touch! Might be nice to compare notes

Jump to this post

You might want to try Atrantil for the gas & bloating. You buy it on the web.

REPLY
goatlady | @goatlady | Jan 31, 2021
In reply to @sher71 "Great idea on the water!!! Trying to drink more and that's a great way to keep..." + (show)
@sher71

Great idea on the water!!! Trying to drink more and that's a great way to keep track!

Jump to this post

I am going to start drinking more water today and see if that helps.

REPLY
1 reply
goatlady | @goatlady | Jan 31, 2021

I don't understand why the GI doctor didn't say anything to me about my tortuous colon?? I read her notes on the colonoscopy and she stated that was difficult and complex because I had a tortuous colon. Never said a word, just told me everything was normal. Thank you all for all your help!!!

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