Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

Very late here, but my redundant colon has led to me having diverticulitis. Bouts of constipation caused it.

I have a tortuous colon and was never told to do anything other take miralax, drink water, take stool softeners, and I have a colonoscopy and endoscopy tomorrow and I don't feel well at all. I feel like the pit of my stomach is bothering me. I do know they have problems doing my colonoscopies over the years. They get stuck in two places and I have been complaining this past year of problems with going to the bathroom and am just told take a double dose of miralax and to eat high fiber foods

So sorry! It takes more than just Miralax or the like to help with the problem of a Tortuous Colon. I’ve suffered with it myself for as long as I can remember. I was told more fiber, fresh fruits & vegetables. That was it and it was after my colonoscopy. Of course, one doctor said I had then he moved. The next doctor said no you don’t. I also have IBS. My colonoscopy have been very difficult for them to do as long as I recall, and often I’d feel the pain while they were doing it! I’m in a new state now, and the GI doctor here says I DEFINITELY have it! So again told me to eat extra fruit and vegetables, and take Citricel or the like. Taking a fiber supplement actually backs me up more! I drink plenty of water too, always have. That isn’t the issue. So I stated just recently really focusing on the types of more seriously. Staying away from dairy, gluten products and processed food for the most part. Are you familiar with the FODMAP. You can try that form of illumination and see what sets you off. I’m really doing great now. I’m eating a lot of raw food when I can. Smaller amounts too. It’s a process for sure! I’m going to get this yet! They tried me on the Linzess and that was really a NASTY medication!! Terrible side effects. I wish you all the best in your search. Maybe a Nutritionist would help?

I'm sorry I didn't also say I was to be on a high fiber diet, and he also wants me to do metamucil, but I don't like metamucil. I was taking Fiber Capsules but switched to adding prunes, chia seeds, and Flaxseeds. Do you think the Fiber Capsules I used to take would be better? I should have stated that. It was my fault. I have problems with lots of medications and side effects. Yes I'm aware of FOODMAP but should look into it. Thanks for your input. One of my problems, and I kNOW it, is that I don't chew my food properly. Got into the habit when I used to work and was on a 1/2 hour lunch to eat faster than normal and never got out of the habit. I have a problem with Constipation/Diarrhea too. I was tested for Celiac Disease but don't have it. Also was tested for Lactose intolerance but don't have it, but I do use Lactaid anyway. I was never told I had IBS but something is not right. I just had by Endoscopy/Colonoscopy yesterday afternoon. Thanks for your rely. Nutritionist sounds like a good idea. I am a small eater, but am unsure why the weight gain.

Hi dablues, Sometimes I found that things like “fiber” capsules are just too much. They have the opposite effect on my system and add to my constipation. Since you have both constipation & diarrhea, it’s going to take finding that fine line to try and get things balanced. Personally, foods like prunes, dried apricots I feel are great! But it’s easy to over for it and end up with some diarrhea and especially chia seeds & flax seeds. I’d say try using just one or half the amount. How many prunes do you eat? Try different amounts. Pay attention to foods that may bloat you also. Do these prunes do this. Do you consume them in the evening? That would be best. Like a dessert. Then get plenty of water 20 minutes after you eat. Drinking with a meal will dilute your stomach acids and that will make it harder for food to break down. I totally understand the not chewing well also, I have the same problem from the same previous work schedule!! It’s hard to break old habits! Just keep consciously working on it. Put your fork down between bites.
Much of our fiber intake should be from vegetable & fruit period, raw is best. I strongly encourage you to look into the FODMAP Diet. I’m not lactose intolerant per-say either but just do better staying away from most of it. Certain dairy items sour my stomach. If your on a lot medication that could be adding to your problems. Sometimes there are interactions that our doctors and even pharmacists don’t tell us about. You can check all that out on Drugs.com.
The trouble with your weight gain is probably hormone related. Cortisol levels, etc. I’m 63 and adrenal glands are a mess I recently found out. Plus menopause! Weight loss is so hard right now!!
Keep exploring and trying a few things differently. I bet you have IBS also. Look up what that is and see what you think.
My go to breakfast is a Pea Protein Powder mixed with Almond Milk. You can add your flax & chia seeds and some fresh fruit in it too in a blender. Even some greens! So delicious!! Then just eat the prunes separately in the evening.
Do you live in Arizona?

@jayjay12 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. So nice to hear that you are doing great. I am glad you found something that helps with your symptoms and that you have connected with @dablues to share your advice.
When were you diagnosed with Tortuous colon? Is your diet the only thing that truly helps?

I eat about 4 prunes a day. I don't always eat chia seeds or flax seeds every day. When I do eat them, I grind mine in a powder and will sprinkle either or onto my Greek Yogurt for breakfast.

I've also made Chia Seed/Flax Seed Bread using the whole seeds only once though. As for the times I eat prunes it is a couple times a day OR I might eat 4 at once, but that is unusual and since my colonoscopy I still am not normal! I drink all the liquid I'm supposed to AND, I am finally learning how to eat properly. I was always a fast eater and not chewing my food properly due to when working I only had a 1/2 hr. lunch so ate food fast. Don't know if this will help or not.

Back to eating tossed salad again. Been off of it for a couple of weeks. I'm Italian or I should say half Italian, eating a toss salad every day is the way I was brought up so that a lot of raw vegies in it. When having allergy/food testing a few years back I was told I didn't have any food allergies and I'm in Georgia, BUT in NYS being tested years back they said I was allergic to so much it was ridiculous.

So I don't know what to believe as to allergy in foods or even in environments. Environments, allergies are different I know that but why living in one State you are told you have numerous food allergies but then living in another State you are told you have NONE. That doesn't make sense to me, but I'm not a doctor. I take Lactaid for dairy since it doesn't spoil as fast as regular milk. Don't know why but that's why I take take that. I only use 2% Lactaid in my coffee. I only drink 2 cups or sometimes 3 cups of coffee a day, whereas when working I drank pot after pot.

I weigh my food, and don't eat big portions. I eat off a small plate. I never was a big eater and I don't starve myself. I eat what I like even if I'm not supposed to, which I know it's bad, but not giving up having a hamburger, steak, or a hot dog or sausage once in a while. I know, that's bad but that's me. So I don't know if I'm doing things properly or not but I just can't eat veggies and no meat. I eat more chicken than anything else, and I eat certain fish. I'm more of a seafood person but hardly ever eat seafood, like Shrimp, Lobster, etc.

Bread! I make ALL my own bread since I grew up when bread was more like bread and not all air filled with tons of chemicals, so been doing that. I don't eat a lot of bread but I do it it. I do not make Gluten Free Bread though. So that's about how I am with my body and it doesn't appear to be working that great.

Hi Amanda, Thank you for connecting. I’m happy to try and offer helpful solutions & advice to others. You just never know what’s going to be good for another person, and what they’ve heard or not before. I’ve been through a lot of different medical things in my life and feel like I’ve gained quite a bit of knowledge, I try to educate myself regularly and use common sense too. I was first diagnosed with the Tortuous Colon approximately 15 years ago. Then after 5 years told by another GI doctor I didn’t have it. I was re- diagnosed 2 years ago. Besides dietary changes really being a big help, I also do some gentle massage on my intestinal tract from time to time. Castor oil packs feel good at bedtime and are supposed that be helpful in moving stool. Not totally sure if it’s worked for me, but it’s very soothing anyway!

Has anyne had surgery for a tortuous colon? I have been suffering from chronic constipation, gas, bloating, H Pylori, and my general doctor has been monitoring my kidney functions due to the diarhea induced from miralax and drugs that causes dehydraton, which is not good. I have tried Linzess, Amitiza, and Trulance in combination with Miralax. I have have numerous colonoscopies, sitz marker tests and visits to two surgeons who say I am not a candidate for surgery because it is not bad enough. I've had several trips to the ER do to chest pain not knowing if I'm having a heart attack or I'm just backed up. tried all kinds of diets but nothing seems to work and I drink water like a fish! HELP!!!!!!!!!

I just had my 2nd colonoscopy in a month after a trip to the ER Bc I got extremely sick. Of course the didn’t find anything and blamed it on my meds. But I was the one realized I was constipated for over 2 weeks. Which I have had a problem with for years. But I got an appointment with GI dr. and also was diagnosed with a tortuous colon. Everything I eat goes right through me . I feel like I missing out on so much , Bc i can’t be away from the bathroom. Is there a diet that will help? My dr. Put me on Linzess and miralax.
But this is a nightmare ! Any suggestions . Thanks
Tina