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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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My pain usually starts in lower left abdomen. I have been told by many this is a common area for diverticulosis pockets to form.
Constipation for me often develops into a diverticulitis attack and sometimes hospital visit to get appropriate antibiotic meds to treat the infection. It comes on fast and strong so do not fool around with constipation. I was first diagnosed with diverticulosis (a condition that can turn into an infection diverticulitis), followed with tortuous/ redundant colon through a routine colonoscopy. Constipation is usually always the onset for me. After 3 hospital visits I now know that popcorn and constipation are the enemy for me. I take metamucil fiber before going to bed. If for some reason I start to get constipated I take an extra dose during the day. It keeps me perfect and have gone hospital free for almost 2 years now....
I was diagnosed in 2010 with tortuous colon which was discovered during a routine colonoscopy. I have had very few problems until the beginning of 2019 when I began developing severe muscle spasms in my lower left abdomen and lower left back. I cannot think any other reason why these spasms would occur other than a result from the tortuous colon. I have also had severe constipation which I cannot find relief for. Has anyone else had anything similar happen?
Agree on flax seed. Chia seeds also seem to have same effect for me.
I don’t know if it will help or not but I’ve found that 100mg of 5-HTP first thing in the morning and before bed help with my motility. And like @tiss I take 450-100mg of magnesium citrate or oxide daily. I have tortured colon and have suffered with chronic constipation my entire life. There are also some probiotic strands that help with motility.
Need Help with my Redudant Colon
Makes sense. I’ve had an elongated colon for a number of years, but it was never a problem until I started getting constipated from my medication. One doesn’t cause the other, but they’re a troublesome combo, I find. Hard stool gets hung up in the twists and turns. No picnic.
I read on a Harvard website that the length of the colon does not matter regarding constipation and not to remove a section of the colon. The article was from 2014. (You must sign up for a paid account to read the article. You might be able to read the article the first time but subsequent attempts require an account. Google for this website called health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Chronic_constipation_reconsidered) Any thoughts?
"Length doesn't matter
Doctors used to think that having an extra-long colon led to constipation. It doesn't. Study results vary, but the normal length seems to range from 4 to 6 feet.
In early 2005, a group of specialists debunked myths and misconceptions about constipation in an article written for the American Journal of Gastroenterology. Here is some of what they had to say:
1. Constipation isn't caused by an extra-long colon. People used to have their colons surgically shortened and sometimes removed entirely because doctors thought an elongated colon caused constipation. The theory was that a long colon would prolong "stool residence time." It was wrong and doctors stopped performing the operations decades ago, but the idea that colon length is associated with constipation still lingers."
Dear @gibssy174: i am faced with your exact situation but I am 74 years old: to have to go through this at your age should never happen you have all my sympathy. Because of the risks involved with the procedure & the lack of guaranty that my symptoms will disappear I have decided to first try & work with a nutritionniste it is a lot of work to keep track of everything you eat every day to find out what you react to but it is better than surgery which would mean you would end up with a new anatomy which is the unknown & not necessary better.. could be worst! You must remember that stress plays a big role with IBS for sufferers such as ourselves. So stress reduction must be part of the solution (meditation exercise etc. etc.). After you have given a good try to these things if they do not work (I bet they will..) then you may consider surgery after knowing PRECISELY what you are getting into. The best of luck & keep us posted I will do the same
Sure sir , thankyou.