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Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?
Digestive Health | Last Active: 20 hours ago | Replies (1026)Comment receiving replies
I apologize for using the Reply as I'm new to this site and don't know how to ask a question. I had diverticulitis at the end of Oct 2020 (second time - first was back in 2008 when i was in the hospital for a week). But I fell down the rabbit hole with anxiety, couldn't eat and now it's Feb 12th and I've lost about 25 lbs. Had my colonoscopy on Jan 13th 2020. GI dr couldn't complete the colonoscopy as I have something call tortuous colon and he couldn't get the scope through. He referred me to get a virtual CT scan (no fun). The colonoscopy and virtual scan came back normal except for this tortuous colon. I'm still anxious and finding it hard to eat. And then I deviate between having a lot of BMs or constipation. I also have internal hemorrhoids which occasionally makes my butt hurt when I sit. I'm just a basket case of worry. I'm constantly calling the GI's office. I'm sure they're getting tired of hearing from me, but all this makes me scared.
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Hi Judy, I too have just recently been diagnosed with Redundant, Fixed, Ridged colon. I requested a consult with a nutritionist and that has given me even more questions! I've been searching the web for different solutions to constipation and found a lot of different approaches. I don't have diverticulitis so your probably much different from me. I have horrible constipation and never get "the runs". I recently got a book called "what the heck should I eat" and am reading it now. It's not directly addressing my issues but it is VERY informative. I recommend it. I too had lost a lot of weight, was down to 98 lbs. (5'2") :o( But of course, my gut was bloated and "angry" so I looked about 3 months pregnant. YUK. The bloating, not being able to get rid of gas, and not pooping were driving me crazy. I just want to feel normal. It certainly makes it hard to do anything in a social setting and 'romance' has been out of the question. I'd love my life back! I feel best when I don't eat. You too? Ok, so things I'm doing to try to help myself. First, water. LOTS of water. I fill a jug with the ounces marked on it every morning and that makes it easy to track how much I've had for the day. My goal is 60 oz. (more than 1/2 my weight in oz.) I started a food journal, keeping track of everything I eat and drink. I make side notes if I feel gassy or bloaty after I eat that food. I write if I had a BM that day or not and the consistency. I am trying 2 stool softeners and 1 500mg Magnesium every night and eating a low fiber diet. I need to get back to walking everyday, which I've skipped because I felt so bad. But even if you feel bad the walk makes you feel better. It's winter here and icy and cold! So I just purchased a treadmill. Hoping that makes a difference as well. Don't ever feel like your Dr.'s office is getting tired of you. You are your own advocate! You need to keep asking and get referrals if they can't help. I'm finding that most Dr.'s don't deal with this well. Let me know if you want to chat or have questions. We're all in this together. Hope this was helpful. Sometimes its just nice to know your not alone. :o) Sherrie (Pete is my nick name)