Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

Well, I am so disappointed and frustrated. I waited months for the apt with the new gi motility specialist on Friday. I even sent a two-page synopsis ahead of my apt detailing my history, my recent struggles with managing my constipation meds and what I hoped to achieve with my apt. with her. It was an almost 4 hour drive. I was hopeful at first as she was nice, not arrogant as some, but not long before my frustration started. I also have had chronic, almost daily migraines, for nearly 30 years, and she quickly jumped on that. I am well aware of the brain-gut connection and my neurologist and I have spoken of it often. Also the role serotonin plays. But, in 30 years I have also tried and failed virtually every migraine drug and treatment there is. So, she says she doesn’t think my bowels will get better until my head does and visa-versa, all tied together. My nervous system is on overdrive. So what do I want from her, she asks? I want to know what to take and how to take it so I can poop regularly and what to do when everything stops and I just cannot go at all and how to recognize if X-ray or something is needed? Nothing. I asked same questions three different times, becoming more and more agitated as I wasn’t getting any answers. So, she does exam and tells me I have very rapid heart rate! Also, abdomen is really tender. Ya, because I’m hardly pooping! Gets beeped that her next patient has arrived so she has to wrap things up. So, I ask again. Finally says that she thinks previous dr has me on good meds, nothing new she can suggest from that end. As far as when I feel like I’m all backed-up, am I really or am I just perceiving it to be that way? How do you just perceive that you’re not pooping? She feels the real key is getting my migraines better. At this point I want to ask if she has a magic wand but I restrain
myself. So, the one thing she offers up is citalopram which she thinks could calm down my over-active nervous system. When I bring up severely tortuous colon. She says she saw that in records. She also referred me to a cognitive behavioral therapist who she thinks could be very helpful. First apt is in Sept! So, I left with pretty much nothing. Actually less, because I now have no one. My previous doctor has turned me over to her so I can’t call him as they’re all part of the same system. When things just stop moving, he will usually order an X-ray and then something strong to clean things out. She didn’t appear to even believe me about that. To even find someone else and get an apt will take months to get in and I have no idea who to even go to. I literally just cried myself to sleep last night.

Thanks for you chia seed routine. I will try it soon. Does it matter what kind of chia you use?--white or black?

OMG! You are experiencing the same as me…I’ve been on Mayo for SOME time. I’ve seen at least 6 different GI’s. After 5? colonoscopies…the 1st one in2010, the only thing they say is “long tortuous colon w/ diverticulosis.
I’m 5’2”, my normal weight is 130 - 135. I weighed 170 when it was at its worst. Luckily, I got in touch with a GI Dr. I’d never seen. He prescribed me “SurePrep”…it’s what they give to clean you out b4 scopes. It worked, sorta, I had 2 blowouts. The pain in my SWOLLEN gut was unbearable. But that was the beginning…I know this may seem off topic, but I had a metal hip for 16 yrs. 1 day I woke up & all I can say is I was “out of it”. My hip hurt, so I laid back down. I didn’t come out of whatever you wanna call it for over a week..(I have no recollection of what happened during that time). I was in bed, I have 2 kids to get up, get fed, & take to school. When I came to, I went straight to orthopedic dr. & he tested for metal ions…of course I had plenty. Had revision, pain subsided & got back to 130 lb. That was in 2020..pain is back, I only eat soft food & all GI’s say same, tortuous colon & diverticulosis…in fact, a month ago I went to a NEW GI, I had previous reports & scopes. He flipped thru them & said “well, it looks like you have done everything there is to do, I can’t help you”. He gave me amitriptyline 10 mg. Sometimes it helps sometimes it doesn’t but I’ve been on a soft diet for 4 years !
I’ve cried myself (in my room, alone) so many times. I wish I could just go hospice. I hope you have better luck than me. ALSO, make sure you don’t go to the colonoscopy places…they’re everywhere, & that is Literally all they do.
Prayers & best wishes

Epsom salt has helped me a GREAT deal!!

How do you use the epsom salts ?

I started the 20 mg of Celexa because that was the only new thing I came away from the new gi with. Took in am because it can cause insomnia and I already have trouble sleeping. Ironically, made me really tired and nauseous. Not few hours of sleep. Next day, diarrhea started so that night cut normal meds in half. Next day, could not leave br for hours. Well, I am no longer constipated! Unfortunately, we are leaving for a 10 drive to the beach in 3 days. This is not a good thing. Plus, I feel awful. So, next day I cut in half. Little better. But now, two days later, I’m in motel, half way to beach, second day, no BM. Couldn’t take much because likely we will be stuck in traffic. I have been looking forward to this vacation with my son and daughter and 5 grandsons for 3 years, and I’m probably going to feel like crap the whole time. I am so sick of this whole thing.

The best advice I have is small portions, skip a day (no solid food) but plenty fluids, meal replacement drinks, eggs, potatoes, just about any fruit, try smoothies or shakes (as a treat). Soup! as long as it doesn’t have big chunks of meat. Water, water! It’s not fun, but it’s better than pain & suffering. I’ve been working this out for 4 yrs…I NEVER thought I’d skip a day of food in my life….but there it is…you work up to it gradually. It’s helped me. I could not go on with the pain any longer. So I took matters into my own hands. Unfortunately, everybody is different…have all the V8 or prune juice you want (or can handle)…a little vodka in V8 can’t hurt either…(just for a cocktail on vacay) lemon in tea.
Good luck