Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

Posted by onaquest @onaquest, Nov 7, 2018

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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Profile picture for kdecola @kdecola

I have complained for years that I can feel food to feces travel through my intestines. With doctors smiling and knodding like I'm nuts. Suffering with abnormal unexplained abdominal pain. For over two decades I have been thinking I was crazy for having pain that simply could not be explained. Which takes a toll not only physically but mentally as well. Come to find out I was previously diagnosed with a redundant tortuous colon in 2017, during my second unsuccessful colonoscopy. Which I am just learning in 2023 after having a positive Cologuard test. Come to find out I'm not crazy. All these years I have been reveling in redunt colon symptoms. With nine different episodes of severe vomiting for 3 or 4 days respectfully with each bout. My constipation is extreme and I carry massive amounts of stool. I have used everything, stool softeners, laxatives, metamucil, magnesium citrate, prep kits. I am currently using two laxatives daily to keep me going every two days. So, I am still searching for answers. Which has brought me here. Praying one of you experts has found something that works.
Currently, I'm just full of shit!

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How horrible for you. I know what works for one person may not help another, but the only thing that breaks thru for me is Australian black licorice. Works better for me than miralax.

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Hi. I have the same issue. I eat healthy, drink water, exercise, walk and practice yoga. I'm only 5'2" and have the longest colon with many twists and turns. I can't have a colonoscopy because if this. I usually do well if I stick to my routine at home. I think I get triggered from stress and traveling. Chia seeds work well for me. I've tried all the remedies the docs prescribe. None of them work. I take a magnesium supplement (magnesium oxide) also. Magnesium citrate doesn't work for me.

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I too have a redundant/tortuous colon. I get so tired of trying to get people to understand why I eat the way I do and why a laxative or whatever doesn't work for me - but you look so good(they say!) This all started after my appendectomy when I was 9. By 16 I was covered with abdominal adhesions and had emergency surgery resulting in a too long and twisted colon. Add on 3 more surgeries for Ovarian Cancer and a colonoscopy diagnosing a tortuous colon. After my last surgery in 2016 (8 hours of cutting out scar tissue & cancer) my gynecologic oncologist said "no more colonoscopies or surgeries, it's too dangerous." I have tried it all: hi fiber/low fiber, no flour products, no meat and everything on the market including prescription (Linzess was a total failure). I also have chemo induced peripheral neuropathy in my whole body. I exercise daily. Since 2014 I have lost 30 pounds and medical documents identify me as having anorexia (not anorexic). Gastroenterologists ask, "What do you want me to do, look at your medical history." So, yes, I have a redundant/ tortuous colon. I can't travel and I only eat salads (occasional soup) when we go out to eat. I get so excited on days I don't have to use a suppository or an enema and actually have a bowel movement on my own:)
Seems like I've said too much. It is good to know that others have these problems.

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I just read I have one too. Any tips ? 44 M

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Profile picture for cipnsue @cipnsue

I too have a redundant/tortuous colon. I get so tired of trying to get people to understand why I eat the way I do and why a laxative or whatever doesn't work for me - but you look so good(they say!) This all started after my appendectomy when I was 9. By 16 I was covered with abdominal adhesions and had emergency surgery resulting in a too long and twisted colon. Add on 3 more surgeries for Ovarian Cancer and a colonoscopy diagnosing a tortuous colon. After my last surgery in 2016 (8 hours of cutting out scar tissue & cancer) my gynecologic oncologist said "no more colonoscopies or surgeries, it's too dangerous." I have tried it all: hi fiber/low fiber, no flour products, no meat and everything on the market including prescription (Linzess was a total failure). I also have chemo induced peripheral neuropathy in my whole body. I exercise daily. Since 2014 I have lost 30 pounds and medical documents identify me as having anorexia (not anorexic). Gastroenterologists ask, "What do you want me to do, look at your medical history." So, yes, I have a redundant/ tortuous colon. I can't travel and I only eat salads (occasional soup) when we go out to eat. I get so excited on days I don't have to use a suppository or an enema and actually have a bowel movement on my own:)
Seems like I've said too much. It is good to know that others have these problems.

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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.

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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.

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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 🙂

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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.

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Profile picture for kjn72 @kjn72

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

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How do you deal with redundant colon/ severe constipation?

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Profile picture for jboe @jboe

How do you deal with redundant colon/ severe constipation?

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I had bowel resection but don't recommend it unless you become completely blocked.

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