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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Really? Wow! As a matter of fact, mine started when I switched from brand to generic Lamotrigine. But how could that do it? Who knows.
Kris, thanks for the info. I had a discussion on another thread about how going off of estrogen replacement effects the mucosa in the colon. I also researched it online, and there are a couple of solid studies on it. My problems started right about the time my doc took me off estrogen. I've had a tortuous colon since at least 2008, but problems just started 2 years ago...exactly when I went off estrogen. Going to ask the doc to let me go back on estrogen cream, at least.
Ask your doctor about it. You’ll still have the urgency and the diarrhea, but the cramps are a lot less intense once the medicine takes effect. I use it “as needed,” which is at the first sign of a killer cramp coming on.
Kriszill, I would like to hear more about that Levsin tablet. Sounds like something I may want to try. I've been in so many setting this past year where I have sudden attacks of cramps and urgency. It's SO discouraging and inconvenient.
Me too! And why can no one explain how a person can go along just fine with a redundant colon and then one day it starts causing all sorts of problems. I had an attack this morning when I was trying to get my wheelchair-bound daughter ready for the bus that takes her to her program. I immediately dissolved a Levsin tablet under my tongue to relax the spasms. I don’t know what I’d do without that medication! I’m sure I’d wind up with ischemic colitis every time.
I give you my condolences. It's a very hard surgery to go through, and dangerous. Glad we both lived through it!
The exact name was Cecal bascal which is another name for Cecal volvulous same problems with the affects of no ileocecal valve
Yes on pain being 10 and fainting. I fainted last weekend trying to go from bathroom to bedroom. Came to on the marble floor staring at the bottom of the draperies....very scary. I hate this!
Very wise!
Nova, Are you talking about a cecal volvulous? Cecum is abnormally rotated and it is a congenital abnormality. I had a 6 foot long, tortorous colon which gave me trouble with constipation all my life. At age 60 I developed an acute bowel obstruction from the rotated cecum, which I never knew I had. 3 years ago I had a right hemicolectomy which saved my life. I don't have constipation problems now but having part of your colon removed can cause other issues. Has taken me a long time to get over the surgery and I do have chronic SIBO now due to no ileocecal valve and wide open anastomoses at resection site. I take Xifaxan every day for the SIBO. It's been a godsend.