Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?
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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Thanks for this! I have added brussels sprouts, broccoli, green beans, but not yet celery or asparagus. Will do. I drink plenty of water, eat veggies and fruits AND I exercise, so I think I have a combo of motility and length/redundancy of the racetrack.
I’ve been having colonoscopies at least as far back as 2010, (family history). I NOW since ‘18 have long, torturous colon. Had ERCP & MRCP for dilated bile duct. Just had 1st anorectal manometry...so not only do I have “IBS-C, diverticulitis, restricted mobility of colon, I have type 1 dyssynergia?!!! I’m so sick of all this. I have had diarrhea my whole life, now I can’t go at all. Just a hip revision surgery 11-20. Had original hip in 2004. When I went to Orthopedic surgeon, the 1st thing they did was test blood for metal ions. Of course it was positive. I thought maybe all my issues stemmed from that. At this point, I guess I may never know. I drink dinner (protein drinks), would rather not eat anything solid BC the pain is absolutely unbearable & I can take a lot. But this is ridiculous. I’ve thought quite seriously about killing myself, especially when my blood must’ve been thick w/ metal ions. I really think I was being poisoned...mostly mentally. After rev. All the suicidal thoughts have diminished. But my stomach is....shot, for loss of a better term
I have noticed...not so recently, most Dr.s, after they’ve done they’re “procedure”, given your findings, they are out of the picture. There is NO CONTINUITY in care anymore. I have done more research than I care to think about. Too many problems, too many solutions, too many topics! I thought that’s what Drs were for.
That is EXACTLY right. "Ta-daaah." Then they're done. Getting them to move to the next level of digging for the underlying issue is a huge feat. My anorectal manometry and sitzmarker tests plus the 3 PT sessions to train my anal sphincter cost me $1500-$2k and I'm still severely constipated.
@sickofbeinsick1 Where did you go to get that kind of medical treatment? Certainly was not Mayo MN...Mayo and I keep in touch via the prescription renewals and when they require that I check-in the pharmacist tells me.. and during the Pandemic I have had 2 telephone sessions with my GI doctor there in Rochester. Now that I have had my 2 shots we plan an onsite visit in May ...(I live a 3 hour drive away from Mayo MN.). When I do other than GI visits at Mayo my GI doc always mentions those visits or problems during our sessions.. Mayo has a different pay arrangements with doctors than most places.. so given that they Mayo doctors act differently ...and as a team.
If you don't mind my asking, what shots?
My Health, My team! Perhaps the financial demands of the times require seeing more patients. i do request more records after a medical appointment, about a month later. I get tired of doing that. Sometimes I read about something that I would like to discuss with that provider.
@pacificnw I cannot swallow long fibre veggies or fruits. I have a swallowing problem and these fruits and vegetables manage to make me choke.
@ashweb901 would daily Metamucil or generic psyllium fibre work for your constipation problem? I take psyllium fibre from a natural foods store every day and have eliminated my constipation problem (pun unintended),
Once back in September I paired daily miralax with daily fiber for 2-3 weeks and was able to shift to fiber only and it was gloriously successful for almost two weeks. Then the fiber starts to pile up inside and lose all its moisture by the time it gets to the "business end." Thanks for the suggestion.