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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christine5 | @christine5 | Nov 20, 2023
In reply to @mcsalaverria "Hello! I was 44 when I was diagnosed with redundant colon three years ago but doctor..." + (show)
@mcsalaverria

Hello! I was 44 when I was diagnosed with redundant colon three years ago but doctor never pointed out the cause of my chronic abdominal pain was related. I changed my diet completely: no lactose, no gluten (wheat, corn, oats, etc), no sugar.. i included green juice and giger-curcuma infusion on daily basis also, i started activities to handle the stress: meditation, yoga and substitute the swimming training because pandemic closed my pool for biking ... It helps a lot. However, i had another crisis two years ago and i decided to check out the ovaries and uterus the gynecologist did a exploratory laparoscopy and it was needed a gastro because they found adherences and it was need it to clean them up. I didn't have previous surgieres which it is the most common cause as fas as i have read... after that i was better... being very careful with my diet ... however, i am having a new crisis I went out of the strict diet and i am planning to go back to full gluten free detox (bye bye popcorn) i started Yoga at home again (my pool is being fix so i am again without swimming training) ... but I honestly will like to go to doctor and tell him: open me and reduce the colon and clean everything up again... otherwise i will do my self. I am the only income of my family and i don't get sick leave for this... and it is really hard to work with constant pain and discomfort
Hope, science finds a solution for this... Let you know how my new detox goes...

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I had surgery to correct mine, spent 5 days inpatient. Helped a ton w spams, pain, trips to er and such. They only took 24 inches, it was looped up over my liver. Best wishes

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1 reply
kamommy | @kamommy | Nov 21, 2023

I’m uncomfortable with the surgical option. But, it’s hard when the pain hits and interferes with situations.
How long ago did you have it done and results- pro or con, please?

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1 reply
kamommy | @kamommy | Nov 21, 2023
In reply to @christine5 "I had surgery to correct mine, spent 5 days inpatient. Helped a ton w spams, pain,..." + (show)
@christine5

I had surgery to correct mine, spent 5 days inpatient. Helped a ton w spams, pain, trips to er and such. They only took 24 inches, it was looped up over my liver. Best wishes

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https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/968491/
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christine5 | @christine5 | Nov 21, 2023
In reply to @kamommy "I’m uncomfortable with the surgical option. But, it’s hard when the pain hits and interferes with..." + (show)
@kamommy

I’m uncomfortable with the surgical option. But, it’s hard when the pain hits and interferes with situations.
How long ago did you have it done and results- pro or con, please?

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Hi, the surgery went very well, helped a lot, mine was caused by chronic constipation which I still have. I had it in 2010. I'm sure technology has come a long way since then. I know it's scary but it really helped, no more trips to er for having that much pain because of it. Hope this helps

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2 replies
kamommy | @kamommy | Nov 21, 2023
In reply to @christine5 "Hi, the surgery went very well, helped a lot, mine was caused by chronic constipation which..." + (show)
@christine5

Hi, the surgery went very well, helped a lot, mine was caused by chronic constipation which I still have. I had it in 2010. I'm sure technology has come a long way since then. I know it's scary but it really helped, no more trips to er for having that much pain because of it. Hope this helps

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Thank you for sharing. This is most likely the cause of mine as well.

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priyanshuh | @priyanshuh | Nov 30, 2023

Hi, I am to suffering from the same condition
I am too having severe constipation.

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1 reply
researchmaven | @researchmaven | Dec 1, 2023
In reply to @priyanshuh "Hi, I am to suffering from the same condition I am too having severe constipation." + (show)
@priyanshuh

Hi, I am to suffering from the same condition
I am too having severe constipation.

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I have read on this blog that many people have benefited from magnesium supplements for constipation.

I have a "severely" redundant colon but no twisting and no pain. I have IBS-C that is caused by most types of food as well as general anxiety.

I have found that a magnesium supplement helps with both the constipation and the general anxiety -- magnesium is "proven" to actually be good for both.

As my system is sensitive. I use a gentle, low dose brand recommended by one of my doctors. Hilma Gentle Bowel Movement Support.

I take one capsule at the end of each of my three main meals, based on a study of its effect on constipation. Following the bottle's direction to take two at night didn't seem useful.

One needs to drink enough drink water when taking magnesium supplements.

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golladiane | @golladiane | Dec 1, 2023
In reply to @lesliedenny "I was just diagnosed after a painful colonoscopy. Unfortunately, the doctor didn’t stop to talk aboutit..." + (show)
@lesliedenny

I was just diagnosed after a painful colonoscopy. Unfortunately, the doctor didn’t stop to talk aboutit so I am doing my own research. For the last several years, since my last coloscopy, I have had episodes where I cannot relieve myself then it feels like I am going to pass out, followed by a drop in blood pressure with cold sweats. These episodes take up to 30 minutes to finish and I have to lie down afterward. I am wondering if they are related. I certainly appreciate everyone’s experience and input.

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I kept telling doctors that it’s not IBS. It’s closer to 7cm dilated. Sweats and contraction like pain.

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thinkfirst20020 | @thinkfirst20020 | Dec 2, 2023

I just learned I too have a "a tortuous colon" after having a routine colonoscopy. I've also been told (long ago) I ahve a "tilted pelvis" ; something exercise also does not change. I am very short-waisted and short (5'2) as well. I am wondering if those of us who are short waisted are at an increased risk for having "a tortuous colon". No matter how in shape I am and how little I weight, I can't reduced my waist. I buldge a bit where I have a lateral c-section scar. Yet, I run and do other exercises, eat well, maintain a low body weight, etc. Yet have what looks like a flabby abdomen. I am wondering if my being short waisted and short contributes. Seems like it world. How about others with " tortuous colon" any very tall people have a tortuous colon?

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2 replies
babswel1 | @babswel1 | Dec 3, 2023
In reply to @thinkfirst20020 "I just learned I too have a "a tortuous colon" after having a routine colonoscopy. I've..." + (show)
@thinkfirst20020

I just learned I too have a "a tortuous colon" after having a routine colonoscopy. I've also been told (long ago) I ahve a "tilted pelvis" ; something exercise also does not change. I am very short-waisted and short (5'2) as well. I am wondering if those of us who are short waisted are at an increased risk for having "a tortuous colon". No matter how in shape I am and how little I weight, I can't reduced my waist. I buldge a bit where I have a lateral c-section scar. Yet, I run and do other exercises, eat well, maintain a low body weight, etc. Yet have what looks like a flabby abdomen. I am wondering if my being short waisted and short contributes. Seems like it world. How about others with " tortuous colon" any very tall people have a tortuous colon?

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Yes. I have tortuous colon. Unfortunately, I had lap band and later reversal. Bad decision. Now I am struggling with shortness of breath. Working hard to reduce. Gastroenterologist told me I may have partial blockage of blood getting to abdomen.
Scheduled to do Hydrogen breath test, CT abdomen, c rays and another test.
Yes. I am tall, short waisted and overweight, but I am trying to get better like others.
Tks for your thoughts.

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