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
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I'm just finding out I have this. according to my radiologist who read my xray to look at a kidney stone. I was shocked and I'm clueless about this thing.
redundant/tortuous colon definition - if your colon measures longer than five feet, it will contort itself so that it can fit into your abdomen. The extra loops and bends that form result in a condition known as tortuous or redundant colon. You may have some digestive discomfort such as constipation and cramping, but often there are no issues. So, you may be the "often no issues" or if you have issues a gastroenterologist can tell the severity of it from an xray or scan that you had done or will have one done. Not to panic, but important to know what a gastroenterologist diagnoses.
Well, the surgeon should be the expert on whether surgery is needed, but other gastro/surgeon opinions would be good to hear. Some doctors lean toward procedures; others don't.
I was told that I have a severe redundant colon (I do not like the "T" word). So besides adjusting my diet as others noted (and I do much more), I added Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar to my routine. I take it with food, sprinkled on it (my dose is 1/2 teaspoon, but my system is sensitive and I usually need less of what everyone else takes). For me, it moves things along in my super long colon (really well). It is a lifesaver and is noted online for IBS-C (which I also have). The vinegar perhaps softens the stool by adding more acid to my perhaps low-acid gut and digesting my food better/quicker. Note it doesn't work as well in water or after the meal (if I forgot to use it). When I get constipated, I take mineral oil at night; old-fashioned, but it adds the "slip" I need when I run afoul of my eating regime (and more noted products don't really work). Oh, and I am better without Lifeboost coffee (and I was grinding just a tablespoon of beans, 2X a day and drinking decaf). Glad it works for some 🙂
I also recently found out I have a redundant colon with a fixed closed Bend in the sigmoid. I've had one surgeon blow me off and tell me that either increase fiber or full colostomy bag. I know there has to be other options so I'm seeking a second opinion. I suffer with bladder issues due to the constant pressure. I struggle daily with getting things moving and the urinary issues.
I hear ya! I have a redundant colon and I suppose IBS-C. I keep gaining weight though yet I eat well, work out, tons of water. But I am lucky if I go once a week. Miralax/fiber/ that stuff does nothing for me. I have tried Linzess. Didn’t work. If anything made my problem worse. Was on vacation last week. Had the whole bottle of magnesium citrate. No movement til 3 days later.
I’m not sure what I can do and trying without long term side affects. Hence how I got to these lovely conversations. But the fitting in clothes and relationship issues I am with you 100%. Nice to not feel so alone since no one I know goes through any of it.
Ive had these same col9n peoblems for almost 30 years now. Im looking for help too. Ive been to 2 different may clinics and all they do is ignore all my tests and paperwork and refuse to do anything all while playing dumb. I finally after over a year of tests and appointments had a surgeon aggree to operate and look for the problem. As soon as that happened my insurance was no long good in az and i couldnt get help. So i moved to florida hoping to get surgery in mayo jacksonville but the surgeon there rufused and help. Got bounced around and surgeon and gi refused to send any supporting info to insurance at all. Lots of bills. Im looking to try and travel overseas for surgery since 30 years in the USA all i got were surgeons lying and playing dumb.
Anyone done any research on overseas colon surgery. Im hoping they just find a hernia and adhesions and solve my problems. I havent seen a dr in about 6 years bc all they do is drain my wallet and refuse service. Help help help!
Can anyone tell me what surgery is like for a redundant tortuous colon please?
How long are you in the hospital? What’s the recovery like. I live alone so wondering if I need someone with me awhile. Thanks
I had surgery 3 years ago. I learned the redundant colon had caused the rectocele I had repaired several years earlier. When I hear urinary issue it sounds like possible rectocele. Sadly in my area 2 different surgeons do the two surgeries.
Make no mistake although Robotic surgery lessons scar tissues and healing time incision wise its still a major! surgery. Good luck!
I have a redundant colon too( noted on colonoscopy)... Not sure if that had given me constipation over the years or not... Interestingly enough I had a rectocele which I just had repaired last summer... I attribute that more to having 3 children.. I'm about 5 '0 and weigh 100 lbs .... but I also strained and had a lot of constipation for a lot of my life.. I was never told anything was abnormal about the redundant colon but assume it takes longer for waste to travel... One thing I use that is natural and really helps is a mixture of 1 cup applesauce, 1 cup prune juice, 1 cup wheat bran. I take a couple of TBS per day and it keeps things moving...
Consider trying humble mineral oil. I have what you have.