Reluctant Colon

I have a similar history and am also seeking answers. Have had five non-problematic colonoscopies in the past, but the most recent was deemed incomplete and I was given a virtual (CT) colonography, which revealed a tortuous colon. Wondering if this can issue can resolve, i.e., become non-tortuous again, or might it change over time?

I started with Gluten free diet. Next I'm setting up televist to discuss issues I'm having with bloating, gas, and fecal incontinence. It was may 3 yr colonoscopy which was by same doctor from last one. I wish I would have asked questions but the doctor was there about two minutes. I can't blame him for this bloating I thought was fluid. I just didn't put and two together untill I read up on reluctant colon. I will get back to you after my televist.

Has anyone with this condition tried hydrotherapy, aka colonics?

From my own experience, and what I understand, I was born with more intestine that what I need for a person my size. 5' 2" . It causes a very slow transit time, which always leads to constipation, unless dealt with. The long, twists and turns make it all tortuous, including getting the colonoscopy. The patient runs the risks of puncturing the intestine in order to get the scope all the way through for a complete colonoscopy. Apparently there are other ways to have this exam for polyps etc. Personally, I'm done with colonoscopies. The last one I had was in 2021 and it left me in discomfort, intestinally for weeks. My colon was bloated and even the doctor said it was a very difficult exam. I'm done. To answer your question if it might ever change over time,................I don't think so. I think you were born with it and I've heard of people having some removed. I don't want to do that either and I will continue to exercise, eat well, eat fiber, ingest lots of water, and continue to use my psyllium, Metamucil crackers when necessary or traveling, take Prunelax. and, for me, usually a weekly dose of three Bisacodyl. It takes time to find out what works for you, as an individual. Best of luck and keep the faith! Jacque

Thank you, Jacque, for sharing your experience. I'm still awaiting direction from my GI doctor, so have relied on this site and internet info so far. I've just started to follow a similar regimen, i.e., exercise, fiber, lots of water. I tried Prunelax last week for the first time and found it much better than Miralax. Now I'm looking for a good source of psyllium to add to my diet -- maybe in smoothies? Thanks for your encouraging words and all the best to you! Pam

Hi Pam! I mix 8gm of powdered psyllium into my oatmeal or cereal. It changes the consistency for sure. Sometimes I'm repulsed by it but have done this for years. Switching to cereal helps and adding stevia sweetner. So your smoothie idea might be a good one! Jacque

I love this - "sometimes I am repulsed by it but have done this for years." We really do whatever works! thx!