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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 am 72 with the same problems for years. About 8 years ago my then doctor recommended that 14" of colon be removed and I had it removed. I was left with continued severe constipation and ultimately became enema dependent. I read on this site how a woman was experiencing with the same issues until she found OTC Prunelax. I purchased it from Amazon and have been using it daily. For me, 2 and 1/4tablets work combined with 1/2 ducolax. I had to cxperiment to find the right dosage for me. Good luck.
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1 ReactionSo, Cleanse More by Renew Life and Magnesium O7 are both just Magnesium Oxide. I just take the vitamin form of Magnesium Oxide, works for me and costs much less. I do also follow a vegan diet and gluten-free diet. The only gluten-free thing I eat is homemade gluten-free pumpkin muffins. I eat no bread or flour products except I use Wasa crackers to put my black bean burger on for lunch.
So, many more expensive products contain Magnesium Oxide. I just take the vitamin form of Magnesium Oxide, works for me and costs much less. I do also follow a vegan diet and gluten-free diet. The only gluten-free thing I eat is homemade gluten-free pumpkin muffins. I eat no bread or flour products except I use Wasa crackers to put my black bean burger on for lunch.
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1 ReactionPrunelax (OTC) is good for constipation and not as expensive as Trulance or Linzess!
Then ordering it from Amazon and not getting it at CVS or Walgreens is even cheaper !!!
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1 ReactionKjn72.
Do you know if the wavy part of the colon was removed ?
I don’t understand why it wouldn’t alleviate the passage and speed of food ?
Regards
Sheila
I supposedly have a severely redundant colon (just a nicer way to say it) and have had constipation for a good long time. Lately (I am 68), I have found that meat slows transit time, which leads to constipation, so I just eat fish (not much), egg whites, pea protein powder, and Lactaid nonfat milk as protein sources as I am intolerant to a legion of other protein sources (as well as FODMAP intolerant and grain intolerant). I add Bragg apple cider vinegar to each meal (the regular vinegar) or one can take the Bragg pill form. I find that helps with my redundant colon constipation. If you don't have enough stomach acid, your system can't prepare the food material to "move along." It has been a game changer. In addition, I don't eat regular-sized meals, but may six smaller ones, depending on my appetite. I also use mineral oil as my laxative. I find that, as a "mere" lubricant, it works better (and gentler) than the OTC softeners and stimulants. I take it at bedtime, away from food (supposed to do that as the oil can interfere with vitamin/mineral absorption from food otherwise). I don't need it often as the apple cider vinegar prevents constipation (via better digestion). I also notice that I tend toward constipation if I don't get adequate sleep. Rest to digest, perhaps. I hope you get some mileage out of these ideas, which I note one seldom, if ever, hears from MDs.
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2 ReactionsI just turned 73 in July and have had severe constipation for years.Had numerous colonoscopies for polyps and nothing helps then constipation. Going to try prunelax because I do not want to do linzess....hope it works ..hoping we all stay healthy
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1 ReactionHi Sheila, why didn't it work, unclear. Perhaps scar tissue formation, other issues,
it just did not work
Obviously, just my non-medical input, but though Prune Lax sounds like it would be a “natural” way to solve your constipation, it is actually senna. Do some research if you plan to take on a daily basis or consult your gi. Senna is an osmotic laxative and can actually cause changes in your colon. Like I said, just an opinion here but my gi only recommends 2 a week at most.
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2 ReactionsTry papaya, lots of it if you are allowed to eat them. And you can always massage your stomach, start from bottom right and go up and down to left. Put a little pressure on it as you are messaging. By doing this,you are moving the stool from bottom left to to bottom right where it comes out. Also, try drinking warm water first thing in the morning. The problem with enemas and pills is that your body gets used to these and is never going back to normal. Good luck.