Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

I just had the reduction surgery down last Thursday. The surgeon had to remove 12 inches of large intestines. One of the differences that I have noticed is that I am having a bowel movement every day now. It use to be every 5-6 days. In the beginning it does give you diarrhea for about 4-5 days. I didn't have just the laparoscopy surgery done, he had to cut my stomach open. I'm still in some pain and sore but hoping the surgery will help me in the long run. I spent many years in pain, constipation, bloating....I only found out I needed the surgery because I ended up in the emergency room with severe pains in my stomach. I'm just glad that I was able to finally have someone find out what was wrong with me and I'm hoping that I can finally have some relief.

That’s amazing! I’m so happy for you! I just asked my gi about that when he told me how twisted my colon was and he told me they don’t do that anymore, just remove whole colon. Guess maybe I’ll get another opinion.

Yes, get a second opinion. When I went to the emergency room that doctor had never seen anything like it after looking at the numerous CT scans they did on me. He was calling around to other doctors to see what he should do. He didn't feel comfortable doing the surgery so they sent me home a couple of days later and I had to schedule the surgery. First they sent me to a doctor who only deals with stomach issues. He is the one who performed the surgery. Only thing is, I was in a lot of pain for the first week. It is staring to feel better now.

I was diagnosed with it about a year ago. My protocol was 2 meds for constipation, 1 med for inflammation, that's it. I found a great nutritionist, who taught me how and what to eat.
Doing quite well. Yes, find another Doctor.

Could you detail any of that? Meds, specific kid of nutritionist, what and what not to eat. Thanks!

@sallyw133
Hi Sally, I have had Gerd, gastritis, constipation for years, have been to 4 of 5 Doctors, only to be told to take laxatives. Finally went to a good gastroenterologist, who did a colonoscopy and diagnosed me with tortuous colon, pancreatic insufficiency, lot of inflammation. He put me on Creon a prescription for pancreas enzymes and mesalamine for inflammation. I took my information to a nutritionist. She put me on a diet that was high in nutrition, basically soft foods, breakfast and lunch were smoothies with almond milk, protein powder, fruit, veggies, MCT Oil. She gave me a whole folders of recipes of lunches and dinner, soups. I chose six meetings on line with her for questions and suggestions. She was great, that was six or more months ago. Its helped with stomach issues and constipation, as long as I stick to it.
Feel free to ask me any questions.

What is MCT oil? I’ve asked my gi a number of times about diet changes and never get an answer. Maybe my new one will be more receptive. I wish I could get the name of your nutritionist if she does virtual, but not sure how that works disclosing info on here.

This a good site. Grateful that Mayo sponsors it. Diagnosed yesterday after near miss on impaction. Rural ER CT scan said I was fine. Apparently not so after having colonoscopy.
I like the different advice that posters offer. I'm not one to run to ER, having last been there maybe 13 years ago after semi truck injured me. I had no problem with constipation until 4 week ago when this hit me out of the blue. I resent the stigma generated after years of the medical profession labeling patients of all kinds of misunderstood illnesses as hypochondriacs, malingerers and stool gazers. My new answer to cavalier comments is that I am absolutely sure that you could not work at your job if you were in as much pain as I am. After 20 years of me nursing my disabled veteran husband, I am quite aware of how important it is not to become demoralized. How the profession talks to a patient is pivotal as far compliance, knowledge and well being of the patient as the medicine that he or she prescribes. The motto, "First do no harm", applies to the way that the profession addresses their patients as well. Here, here for all of you who persevered and believed in yourself. I just hope that I have the kind of fortitude to try to help myself as you all have done. God Bless.

I can relate to and agree with your comment! After an almost overnight change, I ended up going to the ER and then waited 2 months for an appointment with my gastroenterologist. A colonoscopy a week after that showed Torturous colon. That was a month ago. I also appreciate being able to learn what other people are doing to treat this condition. I’ve also been researching online about diet and other ways to help. I’ve been taking the lowest amount of senna softeners I can to help right now but plan to use diet. I drink more water than I used to.
With your years of caretaking for your veteran husband, I’m sure you’ve seen neglect in care. I know a few veterans who have a lot of frustration over the VA’s level of care, if that’s where he went. If not, as you’ve experienced there are doctors who are proactive and others who are not! I’ve been treated pretty bad by some doctors I’ve seen. When that happens, I move on.
I have fibromyalgia and it’s an illness that is difficult to diagnose and treat. Some doctors still attribute it to mental health. I was lucky early on to find a doctor who's wife had it.
You’re on the right track! This site is helpful, being able to talk to others living with the same conditions. If you do any research online, that can be a helpful way to read about diet and other useful information. Just type ‘diet for tortuous colon’ and stuff will pop up. Some food websites have dietary information also. I’m just starting to learn myself! I’ve learned how valuable being my own advocate is, as you are doing!

Thank you for your encouragement and suggestions. I have had fibromyalgia for 40 years now, so I am an old war horse. This whole thing puzzles me because I ate only organic food and cooked my own for 35 years. Lots of fresh fruits and vegies, only whole grains and very lean meat. I'll check out the food websites just in case there is something I am doing that is fundamentally wrong. I want to follow your progress, if possible, since we have the same diagnosis timeline.