1. < Digestive Health

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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debschmitt | @debschmitt | Aug 15, 2023

I’ve been suffering for two years with chronic constipation abdominal pain, loss of appetite, extreme weight, loss, fatigue, bloating, all which caused clinical depression. I was told that it was probably IBS – C. I’ve tried to manage with food , meditation and eliminating anxiety in my life. Laxatives don’t really work but cause nausea. Of course I have to do a clean out about once every 10 days usually with an enema, which hurts during and after. Finally, after going to 4 Gastroenterologist, several trips to the ER and urgent care center and finally changing my internal doctor, a diagnostic colonoscopy was performed. It revealed diverticulitis, diverticulosis, and a redundant tortuous colon. I am undergoing currently a colon transit test using.Sitz beads. I’m anxiously waiting the results as I’ve been told that Gastro surgery is highly likely. Has anybody else had surgery for this disorder please? I’m 70 years young and try to stay as active as this condition allowed with swimming, walking and paddle boarding. I’m so ready for a change. Thank you.

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2 replies
cipnsue | @cipnsue | Aug 17, 2023

I agree with the mineral oil - I always had to use 3 TB or no results. At this point it is probably best to wait for the test results. With diverticulitis and a Redundant colon test results are critical. I have a Redundant Colon as a result of emergency surgery when I was 16 (appendectomy caused adhesions). I've had Ovarian Cancer surgery 3 times.

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difrnt1 | @difrnt1 | Aug 22, 2023
In reply to @dilane67 "I have a redundant colon too( noted on colonoscopy)... Not sure if that had given me..." + (show)
@dilane67

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...

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I think my redundant colon was caused by Diverticulitis scarring. The Dr. Could no longer get the scope thru so I had to have 12" of my colon removed

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1 reply
curiousgirl | @curiousgirl | Aug 23, 2023

Please tell me if I'm wrong but I thought a redundant colon was something you're born with.
I never knew I had one until my first colonoscopy.

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1 reply
janejosephine | @janejosephine | Aug 23, 2023
In reply to @carcar "Is this the same condition as Diverticulitis?" + (show)
@carcar

Is this the same condition as Diverticulitis?

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Its my understanding diverticulitis is little pockets in the colon that trap food like nuts and popcorn. Its a bummer not to eat them, but a friend had it and had to have part of her colon removed.

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researchmaven | @researchmaven | Aug 23, 2023
In reply to @debschmitt "I’ve been suffering for two years with chronic constipation abdominal pain, loss of appetite, extreme weight,..." + (show)
@debschmitt

I’ve been suffering for two years with chronic constipation abdominal pain, loss of appetite, extreme weight, loss, fatigue, bloating, all which caused clinical depression. I was told that it was probably IBS – C. I’ve tried to manage with food , meditation and eliminating anxiety in my life. Laxatives don’t really work but cause nausea. Of course I have to do a clean out about once every 10 days usually with an enema, which hurts during and after. Finally, after going to 4 Gastroenterologist, several trips to the ER and urgent care center and finally changing my internal doctor, a diagnostic colonoscopy was performed. It revealed diverticulitis, diverticulosis, and a redundant tortuous colon. I am undergoing currently a colon transit test using.Sitz beads. I’m anxiously waiting the results as I’ve been told that Gastro surgery is highly likely. Has anybody else had surgery for this disorder please? I’m 70 years young and try to stay as active as this condition allowed with swimming, walking and paddle boarding. I’m so ready for a change. Thank you.

Jump to this post

Hi debschmitt, I have all those things too, except the diverticuli I was diagnosed with in my 30s seem to have closed. I live a near-normal life by controlling my food choices and working on my anxiety. Both trigger IBS-C and the severe redundant colon I have doesn't help. I am 68 and active.

Through trial and error I eat zero grain, zero FODMAP, Zero meat, etc. I am almost halfway through with hypnosis therapy to lessen my anxiety as an IBS-trigger. Mineral oil is my laxative of choice. I am trying magnesium as a regular supplement to prevent constipation. See attached for more details. I really believe changing what is going on in your head and what you are putting in your gut is the best solution (for me so far).

Shared files

My IBS routine 08222023 (My-IBS-routine-08222023.pdf)

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2 replies
cherawgirl | @cherawgirl | Aug 23, 2023
In reply to @debschmitt "I’ve been suffering for two years with chronic constipation abdominal pain, loss of appetite, extreme weight,..." + (show)
@debschmitt

I’ve been suffering for two years with chronic constipation abdominal pain, loss of appetite, extreme weight, loss, fatigue, bloating, all which caused clinical depression. I was told that it was probably IBS – C. I’ve tried to manage with food , meditation and eliminating anxiety in my life. Laxatives don’t really work but cause nausea. Of course I have to do a clean out about once every 10 days usually with an enema, which hurts during and after. Finally, after going to 4 Gastroenterologist, several trips to the ER and urgent care center and finally changing my internal doctor, a diagnostic colonoscopy was performed. It revealed diverticulitis, diverticulosis, and a redundant tortuous colon. I am undergoing currently a colon transit test using.Sitz beads. I’m anxiously waiting the results as I’ve been told that Gastro surgery is highly likely. Has anybody else had surgery for this disorder please? I’m 70 years young and try to stay as active as this condition allowed with swimming, walking and paddle boarding. I’m so ready for a change. Thank you.

Jump to this post

Have a stool test! I had similar symptoms for years! Turned out to be Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency ( pancreas not producing enough digestive enzymes).

I also have torturous colon. Only 2 of last 3 GI could complete colonoscopy. I keep being told it’s not possible for it to cause abdominal pain 😕

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2 replies
debschmitt | @debschmitt | Aug 23, 2023

Thanks for your response. I did have a stool test. It showed hormone deficiency. Well something in the colon IS painful. That’s the problem with an invisible disorder. People think it’s in your head.

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debschmitt | @debschmitt | Aug 23, 2023
In reply to @researchmaven "Hi debschmitt, I have all those things too, except the diverticuli I was diagnosed with in..." + (show)
@researchmaven

Hi debschmitt, I have all those things too, except the diverticuli I was diagnosed with in my 30s seem to have closed. I live a near-normal life by controlling my food choices and working on my anxiety. Both trigger IBS-C and the severe redundant colon I have doesn't help. I am 68 and active.

Through trial and error I eat zero grain, zero FODMAP, Zero meat, etc. I am almost halfway through with hypnosis therapy to lessen my anxiety as an IBS-trigger. Mineral oil is my laxative of choice. I am trying magnesium as a regular supplement to prevent constipation. See attached for more details. I really believe changing what is going on in your head and what you are putting in your gut is the best solution (for me so far).

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Thanks so much for the helpful suggestions. Good to know I’m not alone.

REPLY
cipnsue | @cipnsue | Aug 24, 2023
In reply to @researchmaven "Hi debschmitt, I have all those things too, except the diverticuli I was diagnosed with in..." + (show)
@researchmaven

Hi debschmitt, I have all those things too, except the diverticuli I was diagnosed with in my 30s seem to have closed. I live a near-normal life by controlling my food choices and working on my anxiety. Both trigger IBS-C and the severe redundant colon I have doesn't help. I am 68 and active.

Through trial and error I eat zero grain, zero FODMAP, Zero meat, etc. I am almost halfway through with hypnosis therapy to lessen my anxiety as an IBS-trigger. Mineral oil is my laxative of choice. I am trying magnesium as a regular supplement to prevent constipation. See attached for more details. I really believe changing what is going on in your head and what you are putting in your gut is the best solution (for me so far).

Jump to this post

Thanks for the attachment. I follow a similar diet, but you gave me some new ideas:)

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