Redundant Colon: What helps avoid surgery?

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.

We 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.

Similar 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.

Hi. Sorry you’re having such a hard time with this. I believe it is absolutely essential that one structure their life to make health #1 priority. I have redundant colon and have suffered with constipation since childhood. I find the following things helpful: drink at least 2 L of water every day. Try to get 25–30 g of fiber in diet every day. Have a hot beverage in the morning. Allow relaxation time in the morning in order to have a bowel movement. I find I need 1 1/2 to 2 hours in the morning. I cannot rush. If I rush, no bowel movement. I have changed my work hours to allow this type of schedule. It’s so important to have time to “rest and digest “. And I have dealt with my anxiety. There is a very strong link between your mental state and gut health. By doing this, I have had an entire year of less pain and more regular bowel movements. This is a condition that will not be ignored so you must make it a priority. Wishing you the best of luck

Yes!! A high fiber diet causes more issues. I’m concerned about the problems a low fiber diet will cause over time but need to live now. Drs. will not suggest AnYtHiNg this far. I use prunes and mct oil to keep things moving, but if I’m off the pain is a totally debilitating situation, Bad enough at home, but when I’m out…. 😢
So I guess we’re stuck with this??

My dr suggested no fiber after nothing was helping. I didn’t notice a huge difference. Everything just gets stuck. Then 6 days later I’m screaming in the bathroom for hours. I’ve started a semi liquid diet… I just can’t keep doing this. Not fair to my family.
Or neighborhood 😝

Oh my gosh! That’s horrible!
What does your doctor recommend?
I use prunes to keep mine from being too solid - everything seems to move ok. I have to avoid standing for sometimes even just 10 minutes. It’s as though if its full in certain areas it presses against things causing pain in two places. Sometimes one, sometimes the other, and sometimes both. Lightening the load of my body on it seems to help. Grands were up from AZ last week. I lost my last couple of hours with them due to an “event” and 40 minutes from home.

I don’t like to leave the house…
My gastroenterologist, very nice man, kinda just happened to mention at my last visit something about a redundant colon as if I knew I had one…I’ve had three colonoscopies, and I’m finding this out in my fifties? Maybe because he thought I certainly knew.
It was the news! There is something wrong. I was giddy.
At least I’m not a hypochondriac or this is some kind of psychosomatic problem.

I knew I wasn’t the only person on the planet with this!!’ I
Am sorry you are going through this as well.