Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?
Hello. Anyone else out there that has a redundant/ tortured colon? I was diagnosed with this a few years ago. I’m usually ok, but if I get constipated, I get sick for a week or two. Last year my gastroenterologist referred me to a surgeon for urgent surgery to remove some of my colon. The surgeon I ended up seeing (not on the recommended list by my gastro doc due to others not available for a long time) said he believed I could live with the redundant colon if I followed a low FODMAP diet. I tried the diet religiously, scientifically (I’m a scientist), and I found it’s not the food I eat that causes these bouts of constipation. The only item I’ve found that might cause the bouts is coffee every day. An occasional coffee seems fine. What has helped me stay regular in a big way is Benefiber (or any pure wheat dextrose generic) three times per day. Lots of fluid.
My gastro doc was upset with the surgeon and said I’d regret not having the surgery. He fears I will end up in an emergency situation. I have searched the Mayo site and don’t find anything about redundant/ tortured colon. Are any Mayo docs doing research or treat this condition? Anyone else suffer from this too?
Thank you! -Jayne
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Try not to worry about the more frequent colonoscopies since G.I. doctors do them all of the time and become expert at navigating tortuous colon. It is important to keep up on the schedule of screening for recurrent polyps so have your colonoscopy no later than the five year mark. I also have a torturous/redundant colon which developed because of chronic constipation. I drink at least 64 ounces of water a day, follow a healthy diet with lots of fiber, and use 1/2 cup of warm prune juice if I feel it starting to get constipated. Works like MiraLAX as an osmotic laxative. I don’t rush in the morning and have learned to manage my stress, since there is a very strong correlation with the brain and gut. As a last resort, you see a colorectal specialist and consider laparoscopic resection of part of colon. I find I can live with it since the lifestyle changes. Good luck!
Before I knew I had this problem I was complaining of stomach issues (nausea, feeling full quickly, I haven't had problems with constipation) and they did a bunch of tests and found no issues so on my own I started taking a probiotic/prebiotic and I really think it has helped. I'm literally scared to not take it lol. Since the colonoscopy I have also started a fiber supplement.
Fiber and probiotic make sense. Glad it’s helping you. Sometimes we think we aren’t constipated because we go every day, but it is not great quality BM. Look up Bristol stool chart. Your goal is a regular type 4 BM. Use squatty potty or similar 7-9 inch stool to get in right position for good BM. Helps to avoid straining. Hope those things help you. 🙂
I too have a torturous . Showed up on my last 2 colonoscopies, 2021 and 2023. But been causing problems since August of 2022. I drink more water, try to walk at least a mile a day, (was very sedentary), and increase my fiber. I too felt so uncomfortable after my evening meal, especially if I happened to eat more than normal. I do not like taking MiraLAX daily, and not sure adding fiber helps me. Especially when everything appears to get stuck right after I eat. I slept only on my left side for over 2 years, because of back issues, but have been sleeping on my back and right side a bit. Has not seemed to make it worse. I am looking for something more natural to work. May try the warm prune juice I saw recommended. My work schedule does not allow me to take MiraLAX every day - but I cannot seem to get completely away from it. I do use Smooth Move tea on occasion. I do like it but again, don't want to rely on it either. I feel like I can say this here, I feel like I have never pooped so much in my life since my colonoscopy and after having taken MiraLAX for 3-4 months before the colonoscopy. I had severe constipation as a child, but not so much or so bad as an adult. I massage my abdomen and put a heating pad on it some evenings right before bed. That feels so good. Still searching for natural helps other than what I am already doing. Best wishes for you.
I really feel like the probiotic has helped me. That's what I took when I started the full feeling before I even knew about my colon issues. I had all kinds of tests on the doctor couldn't tell me there was any reason for me feeling full so I had to try to figure out something on my own and I started a probiotic. The one I take is actually a probiotic and a prebiotic together. It's called unbloat. I take it everyday. I started taking fiber since the colonoscopy because the doctor recommended it. My Google searching has led me to believe that insoluble fiber is the way to go. And fibercon capsules are insoluble fiber so I've been taking two of them a day too. I'm not saying I know as much of a difference from that just as yet but I will say I do really think the probiotic has helped me a lot.
And I just purchased a squatty potty lol.
Hi there,
Miralax doesn't work for me and makes me nauseous. Smooth Move tea is fairly harsh on my system. Heating pads and massage of my sigmoid colon (left side) helps me.
Eating too much isn't good for me nor is being short-changed on sleep.
I have just tried an old-timely cure for constipation that I read about in a Harvard Health post. One tablespoon of mineral oil (a laxative) after lunch. It has worked twice to "move things along" that were stuck and seems to be gentle on my system with no mishaps. I also could not find negatives for its occasional use in studies and posts. I will continue trying it.
I feel that with my redundant colon, I will always need a home treatment that works for me.
(BTW, I also have IBS-C and must eat a mostly zero or trace FODMAP diet to manage that piece. I am being tested for SIBO, though SIBO is more connected to IBS-D. None of this helps my redundant colon, of course. It seems a crazy mix.)
I have the lovely tortuous redundant colon, too. I have found two things that seem to work. I take two Metamucil capsules with a big mug of water first thing in the morning. Then I follow my Intermittent Fasting program. It has been great. I also try not to eat huge amounts at any meal. It isn’t perfect but it makes life a lot better.
My gi says that mineral oil is benign and fine to use. Though you would assume Smooth Move tea would be gentle, it actually is much stronger than the Senoket tablets, especially if you steep it 15 minutes as directed. Not surprised at your result. A low fiber diet is also advised. Sounds like you are doing all the right things! Glad they are working for you!
What is your intermittent fasting schedule?
I assume you maintaining a healthy weight.
When I need a change, I will try the Metamucil capsules. Does the powder work for you too and you simply opt for the convenience of capsules?