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Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?
Digestive Health | Last Active: 12 hours ago | Replies (1596)Comment receiving replies
JN: I am a 72y/o woman with severe constipation & a redundant colon. 7 years ago I had 14" of colon removed and 3 additional surgeries for a rectocele, entrocele and another bowel prolapse. I have been severely constipated before and after surgeries. I have tried evert kind of otc med, laxatives, fibers and many prescribed meds, drink 1/2 gallon of water, swim 4-5 times weekly, do zumba nothing works. I have thrown up after 6 days of not going. I have pains in right upper and left lower abdominal areas. I am enema dependent to empty my bowels, it is a painful process and can last for 3 hours every time I do it. 2 surgeons recommended colectomy, 1 did not. 1 GI recommended surgery, 2 did not. I am a young 72 and want to continue living actively with less difficulty. Anyone have surgery that worked, and what kind to eliminate this problem? I have been told that colectomy can also produce bloating, gas, things I am already dealing with. Thank you for your help
JN
Replies to "JN: I am a 72y/o woman with severe constipation & a redundant colon. 7 years ago..."
That makes good sense, @shawnkthryn. Less is more. If it is something like gastroparesis and it is acceptabley controlled by diet, that would be enough success for me. If I were in my eighties with weak muscle mass, I wouldn't want anything more invasive. I try to avoid as much medical intervention as possible. In my view, such only helps-- there is rarely a silver bullet. It seems like you are doing your homework by Googling.
@shawnkthryn, we just have a lot in common and I am glad to be able to share what worke for me. Each month gets easier. Habits build; taste buds change. It becomes easier and easier. I am really glad you are doing better! All the best for 2025!
Look up A.C.E. or M.A.C.E surgery online. Small tube with one way valve inserted just under belly button allows you to flush from top down using an enema. Removable if things get going on their own. You do it when you want to. Daily, every otherday, etc. Pioneered by Johns Hopkins.
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@shawnkthryn, tests are useful, but not the final word if inconclusive. Not everything is testable. The final word is what it takes to feel better.