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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Very sad to read the previous comments. Ive been there, finally diagnosed with the tortuous colon, after many gastro Dr's just kept telling me to take miralax. After being diagnosed, Dr. told me to eat rice and potatoes!! He put me on a prescription stool softener, a prescription for inflammation.
Instinctively I felt that his food recommendation didn't make sense, I went to a certified nutritionist and after meeting and discussing all issues, including IBS, she scheduled 6 meetings. I was given a folder with a very specific protocol of what to eat, menu's, smoothies with protein powder, and raw veggies and fruits, soups, softer foods. She added some supplements, and I have finished my 6 appointments with her.
After many a few months, I was able to stop the softener, but I do take an over the counter laxative/stimulant for incomplete evacuation. I am 81 yrs old and rectal muscles not up to par. I have a bowel movement every morning. I highly recommend finding a certified nutritionist.

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Profile picture for anne4u @anne4u

I’m taking a Senna Lax, made by Good Neighbor Pharmacy. I found them on Amazon.com. I’ve been ordering on Amazon because I’m dealing with chronic pain and am not out everyday. I can order online and get them in 24 to 48 hours. They work good and I’m figuring out dosage now. I’m taking 2 or 3 at night. As long as I drink enough water, I have movement every morning. If I do go more than a few days, I have a scrip for Lactulose from prior to colonoscopy I can use at 15 to 30ml once a day. I’ve only had to use Lactulose a couple times. Lactulose is a liquid, like cough syrup. It’s a prescription and I won’t be using it long term. As I learn what foods to eat and what to avoid, I hope to adjust softeners too. Are you drinking enough water? I’ve had a hard time drinking enough water in the past. Upping my intake during this has helped a lot and has become easier for me. I don’t always drink 8 glasses a day, but I get that and more with a combination of coffee, juice and water, etc. daily. I know that’s super important!
I think you’re absolutely right about doing what we can on our own to live with these conditions. Doctors do what they can and it’s important to know what we’re dealing with, but much of our health is how we advocate for ourselves. Learn what you can do with diet, exercise and support! I also use stuff like meditation and distraction techniques for chronic pain. I can apply that to stress from other diagnosis! Stress works against me making improvements with physical health! Feel free to reach out!

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Thank you for your reply and info! I appreciate hearing from people with the same type of circumstances.
I do drink a lot of water, actually 64-80 oz. a day at least. I have been on a weight loss program for a bit over a year and have lost about 90 lbs (so now apparently my colon doesn't fit in me anymore lol).
I know water is kind of boring, but maybe try a flavor with it like some lemon or lime?
I got an appointment to talk to the doctor but it's not until July 20! I just reminded them that I still have blood in my stool and asked if I should do anything else besides the laxatives and they said no. It's weird, but my health is very good except for that, so I'm lucky. I just don't want to become anemic. No signs though.
Does your chronic pain come from your colon problem or is that something else?
Best wishes! -Kathy

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Profile picture for clutch @clutch

@jaleh
@notmoff
Have you tried adding a stool softener(Colace) or a psyllium fiber (Metamucil) in the mix ? Are you are taking senokot tablets and Mira lax consistently every day? If those combinations are not working after giving it a good try, vaying the dosages of each, and being consistent, etc., then on to something else!

I found, as others here on MCC, that the OTC Prunelax works very well to get things moving without being too harsh. There are two different strengths sold on Amazon.

If I were to go to a stronger, but non-stimulating laxative, I would try Dulcolax Liquid.

The above regimens always work for me. Let me know how it goes after trying something different.

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I just googled Prunelx and it has senna, which smooth move tea does also(I do it every night). I did metamucil AND smooth move for a while. What it did was that I would have really good BMs but then I feel bloated and awful after a few hours.

Can you tell me what regiment you do every day? How often? I feel like my body gets used to something and then rejects it.

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Profile picture for clutch @clutch

@jaleh
@notmoff
Have you tried adding a stool softener(Colace) or a psyllium fiber (Metamucil) in the mix ? Are you are taking senokot tablets and Mira lax consistently every day? If those combinations are not working after giving it a good try, vaying the dosages of each, and being consistent, etc., then on to something else!

I found, as others here on MCC, that the OTC Prunelax works very well to get things moving without being too harsh. There are two different strengths sold on Amazon.

If I were to go to a stronger, but non-stimulating laxative, I would try Dulcolax Liquid.

The above regimens always work for me. Let me know how it goes after trying something different.

Jump to this post

clutch: I have tried everything. I go days that I feel great, then it stops. It feels like my body gets used to it and then wants it changed. I do Miralax and smooth move tea every day. I feel good in the morning after BM, then after a few hours I feel like sh.t! I did do prunes for a while but that didn't help either. What is prunelax? I don't how anyone can go for a day without having some kind of BM. I am thinking that I should go a major place like Mayo clinic to deal with this. It's overwhelming me and I don't like it.

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Constant constpation can lead to Stercoral Ulcer. My wife has them , I can't find any answers accept Mira Lax once a day and Meta Mucil twice a day .It keeps her poop flowing Soft and Brown and includes frequent diaper changes . The only pain Med is maintain the right Diet that doesn't cause impaction and pain . Me I just eat a diet plan of approved foods list that was given to me by my Certified Licenced Holistic Naturo Pathic Doctor . Nothing prepared , bagged , or boxed . They can be raw or cooked and if I eat a little dirt that's OK TOO !
Just like MAMA used to make when I was a kid . Also cut out the salt and sugar get your tastebuds back . Don't try to live on just Meat & Potatoes & Cheeze . Three Quarters of my Plate or more is Green Veggy's with Beans & Chick Peas . Don't forget the Pro Biotics , Fermented Foods Kim Chi Etc . Limit or No Cow's Milk . A little Meat Protien adds to the flavor , I use only Spice & Herbs , Italian Herbs . Sage , Margerum , Cumin , Pepper , Curry Powder , Ginger , Turmeric , Both Raw or Dried ( raw is best )....
Now this don't work for everyone so watch what your doing . I say this works for me , and my Doctor / Dietitian worked with me to start out . MD Dietitians don't do diets the same as Naturo Paths Dietitians . You don't have to be a Vegan or Vegetarian . I also cut out Beef , Pork , Lamb ... I buy Raw Unprocessed Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts , Raw Salmon , Tuna (canned) , Cod , and other Fish , Limit Shell Fish , Shrimp , Etc ....

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Profile picture for clutch @clutch

@jaleh
@notmoff
Have you tried adding a stool softener(Colace) or a psyllium fiber (Metamucil) in the mix ? Are you are taking senokot tablets and Mira lax consistently every day? If those combinations are not working after giving it a good try, vaying the dosages of each, and being consistent, etc., then on to something else!

I found, as others here on MCC, that the OTC Prunelax works very well to get things moving without being too harsh. There are two different strengths sold on Amazon.

If I were to go to a stronger, but non-stimulating laxative, I would try Dulcolax Liquid.

The above regimens always work for me. Let me know how it goes after trying something different.

Jump to this post

To answer your questions, no I haven't tried a stool softener or psyllium fiber. And I don't use Miralax or senna consistently.
Thank you for the suggestions.
I will check out the Prunelax.
Interesting that I don't see prunes in Prunelax ingredient list. Apparently the active ingredient is senna, which I also don't see (or recognize the name of).

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Profile picture for sallyw133 @sallyw133

Have you tried chia pudding? I don’t remember proportions, but it’s chis seeds, almond milk and maybe some vanilla. Put in frig overnight. It becomes somewhat like tapioca pudding, if you like that. I think it’s pretty tasty myself. Might have to give it a try again.

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Thanks for the idea. I think I will start with this super simple recipe mainly because I don't have any almond milk. I may add a smidgeon of cashew cream to improve its consistency and then add chopped strawberries, which I do have.
1/4 cup chia seeds
2/3 cup water

REPLY

@jaleh
@notmoff
Have you tried adding a stool softener(Colace) or a psyllium fiber (Metamucil) in the mix ? Are you are taking senokot tablets and Mira lax consistently every day? If those combinations are not working after giving it a good try, vaying the dosages of each, and being consistent, etc., then on to something else!

I found, as others here on MCC, that the OTC Prunelax works very well to get things moving without being too harsh. There are two different strengths sold on Amazon.

If I were to go to a stronger, but non-stimulating laxative, I would try Dulcolax Liquid.

The above regimens always work for me. Let me know how it goes after trying something different.

REPLY
Profile picture for kalbin @kalbin

They did get me cleared out enough for the 2nd attempt at a colonoscopy, they just can't see the whole thing because of all of the loops.
During the barium enema, the Dr. still couldn't see that much of it and I literally heard him say "I don't what to do."
There has been a lot of time between these appointments. Nobody knows yet exactly why there's still blood in my stool.
It's almost like the whole tortuous colon is a rather unusual issue and nobody really knows exactly what to do with us, ya know?
May I ask what kind of softeners you use?
Thank you so much for your input!
-Kathy

Jump to this post

I’m taking a Senna Lax, made by Good Neighbor Pharmacy. I found them on Amazon.com. I’ve been ordering on Amazon because I’m dealing with chronic pain and am not out everyday. I can order online and get them in 24 to 48 hours. They work good and I’m figuring out dosage now. I’m taking 2 or 3 at night. As long as I drink enough water, I have movement every morning. If I do go more than a few days, I have a scrip for Lactulose from prior to colonoscopy I can use at 15 to 30ml once a day. I’ve only had to use Lactulose a couple times. Lactulose is a liquid, like cough syrup. It’s a prescription and I won’t be using it long term. As I learn what foods to eat and what to avoid, I hope to adjust softeners too. Are you drinking enough water? I’ve had a hard time drinking enough water in the past. Upping my intake during this has helped a lot and has become easier for me. I don’t always drink 8 glasses a day, but I get that and more with a combination of coffee, juice and water, etc. daily. I know that’s super important!
I think you’re absolutely right about doing what we can on our own to live with these conditions. Doctors do what they can and it’s important to know what we’re dealing with, but much of our health is how we advocate for ourselves. Learn what you can do with diet, exercise and support! I also use stuff like meditation and distraction techniques for chronic pain. I can apply that to stress from other diagnosis! Stress works against me making improvements with physical health! Feel free to reach out!

REPLY
Profile picture for Keith Moon @jcarndt

"I get the general impression that even gastro docs really don't want to deal with this issue."
I agree with you. My first GI doc never even told me I had a redundant colon until I happened to read it on a colonoscopy report. Seven years and many scopes after I started seeing him. It took me a year to get him to admit it "might" contribute to chronic constipation.....I believe it is the main cause. For me at least. I've had two other Doc's recommend having my colon removed if I didn't want to deal with it anymore.
They were serious. The "wizard of oz" effect is right on the money. I could go on and on, but I'm sure you have experienced it all. At this point my problem is that I have to take so much stuff to keep things moving, that I'm stuck in the house most of the day.
Anyway, I'll stop whining and go take my Linzess now.
Excellent post, by the way.

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Yes, totally agree. As I just found out at my apt on Friday, if it’s not a pill they can give, they are lost. Wouldn’t even discuss tortuous colon as being an issue. On my own again, except for all of you, to figure out how to deal with this.

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