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Redundant colon and surgery?
Redundant Colon resulting in twist in sigmoid
I had an emergency sigmoidoscopy in October 2021 and further tests indicated a redundant colon. My consultant wanted me to get a bowel resection. To date I've avoided this and am trying to manage my diet. I am also on daily Laxido (a type of laxative that takes water into the bowel). I drink a lot of water and am very fit. I am trying to manage the problems of the redundant colon in order to avoid another incident. My diet is one option but some people have suggested acupuncture and I'm very interested in any feed back on this. I am also interested in know if a colonic irrigation would be safe and could help - my thoughts being it may clear out any old build up. Any help would be welcomed. I am a 58 year old healthy female weighing 65 kilos.
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I’m 65, but was actually diagnosed with this condition many years ago. My colon is extremely redundant or long with many loops and twists. Colonoscopy preps and the scopes themselves are always difficult. You will find varying opinions from GI’s and colo-rectal surgeons regarding this condition, at least I have! But most feel it is a result of years of straining from constipation and most, esp “older women” have it. They don’t take it too seriously unless you develop a “kink”. One gi just told me not to get constipated! I found that hysterical as that was the very reason I was seeing him!
Anyway, I’ve found that a “low fiber” works best for me which I know is contrary to everything you normally read. But high fiber foods and supplements tend to “jam up” in those loops. I don’t eat a lot of fresh fruit and veggies other than in smoothies or cooked, mostly eat chicken and seafood. Lots of liquids. I also have very slow motility so I’m on meds for that. Exercise. Add in mineral oil, if needed. Best of luck! Oh, most won’t do surgery for this anymore.
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2 ReactionsWe are "twins" in so many ways it is astounding. What meds (and doses) are you on for your slow motility? I am not using any of that yet. I recently discovered the benefits of mineral oil though.
I’ve failed all conventional gi meds so am currently on Mestinon and Miralax. So far it’s been working better than anything else I’ve tried with no apparent side effects. Just undergone more gi testing and will get tests next week. New dr great and really interested in exploring all avenues.
I’ve failed all conventional gi meds so am now on Mestinon and Miralax. Working better than anything else, so far. Just underwent more testing. New dr who is great and wants to explore all options.
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1 ReactionI've been taking Marshmallow root to help with the constipation, and it helps but is causing gas and intestinal distress. I've been looking into Slippery Elm to see if it will work but not cause the intestinal distress. Any thoughts?
I make a mixture of 1/2c unsweet applesauce, 1 healing tsp Mag Citrate powder, 1 heaping tap Marshmellow Root Powder, 1 heaping tsp Slippery Elm powder and 1 level tsp licorice Root powder. Add big pinch of organic psyllium Whole Husk. Mix well. Add 1 T of it to 8 oz filtered water. Stir well. Should work in 6 to 8 hrs.
Thank you. I need something I can take daily. I want to try Slippery Elm and wondered if it caused the bloating and discomfort that Marshmallow Root causes. I'm trying to continue to find natural solutions to my 23 years of constipation from 5 surgeries, adhesions, and Redundant Colon. I am vegan and gluten free. I exercise daily. I have NO BM stimulation at all on my own.
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1 ReactionI was recently hospitalized for a sigmoid volvulus. They got it under control and I left the hospital without the recommended resection of the redundant sigmoid. Did you end up getting the surgery? I am seeing another surgeon in 2 weeks for a second opinion. I have been told that leaving the volvulus untreated is very dangerous. It has caused a blockage for me twice now. The first episode was 6 years prior. If you should read this... Thank you.
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2 ReactionsI am in the same position. I have had two obstructions with NG tube in the past few months. I take stool softener and MiraLax daily. That is just so I can spit out a little diarrhea. I also have a mobile cecum. My GI doc says I always have a partial obstruction. I am mostly on a liquid diet.
The other issue is I have two incisional hernia meshes. Surgeons don’t like to work around the meshes. I live in Reno and multiple doctors and surgeons here say they don’t have the expertise to perform the surgery needed. The colorectal surgeon at Stanford says surgery will only make things worse. I understand this but wonder also if it is important to carry out my normal bodily functions. I am always monitoring my gas passage and what I eat. My insurance carrier and local doctors are working on a referral and authorization to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
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2 ReactionsSimilar to my condition, I am experiencing a severe constipation most of the time.
Its been almost 5 years with these condition. These things started to happen when I started living away from my home ( in boarding school). But I wasn't very sensitive to it as we had to do lot of physical moment.
Things become wrost during lockdown. From then on met different doctors but all said it will improve if I will good food, exercise regularly and wont take mental pressure then it will stop happening.
Tried many medication but still constipation is not going,
Any suggestions to improve quality of life.