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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Virginia, I'm glad that making changes to your diet is working for you. I hadn't heard of the Plant Paradox diet, so I had to look it up. Here is some information from the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic about it:
- Why Weight Loss on the Plant Paradox Diet Is Itself a Paradox https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-weight-loss-on-the-plant-paradox-diet-is-itself-a-paradox/
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: What are dietary lectins and should you avoid eating them? https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-what-are-dietary-lectins-and-should-you-avoid-eating-them/
You might also enjoy this blog post and video on Connect:
- Know Your Lectins https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/newsfeed-post/know-your-lectins-1/
Virginia, what dietary changes have you made so far that seem to be having a positive effect?
I recently tried a new way to deal with my redundant colon/IBS symptoms and it is going quite well. My niece gave me a copy of the book "The Plant Paradox" by Steven Gundry, M.D. I've been reading it very carefully and started with just a few of his dietary change ideas and I have already seen marked improvement of my symptoms of pain, cramping, diarrhea, etc. I'm sure his book is not the solution for everyone, but I plan to follow his recommendations for a few months and see how it goes.
It's interesting to me that when I last posted in May I was contemplating surgery. Now it seems that a medical solution will work quite well for me, and actually help me get off some of the drugs. I particularly dislike the dicylomine because it makes me shaky and confused.
There is a website for the Plant Paradox method. Maybe it's worth checking out.
Hello. I also have a redundant colon. I am 51 yrs and have been constipated all my life. Thought it was normal to have a bm every week-10days. as I became an adult I started experiencing excruciating pain in the abdomen. Noticed it alway happened after eating certain foods like pasta, pizza, etc. I would just suck it up and deal with the pain. I started seeing my doctor about the chronic constipation and pain. He had me try several different meds and combinations of meds. After learning that my Grandmother who died of colon cancer at age 42 (before I was born) I went in for a colonoscopy. Thats when I was told I have a redundant colon and I was probably born with it. I have been seeing a couple different specialists at Stanford GI. Had a second colonoscopy and many embarrassing tests. I just started taking Trulance and I don't think it is doing anything for me. I now have been referred to a Motility specialist and awaiting the appointment. I will also be starting my 3 round of Physical Therapy to try to strengthen my pelvic floor muscles.
I wish I had some advise for everyone on this forum because it is a truly tortuous condition to have. I can say that if you cannot find a treatment that helps, don't give up! Make a list of all your symptoms and ask your doctor. Keep the pressure on him. If he doesn't know how to treat it, ask for a referral to a specialist like a motility specialist. Please keep posting to this site so we can learn from each others experiences.
Thanks, is surgery an option? Any help would be more than appreciated, I also have several health problems including Heart Failure, Diabetes, copd on and on . Totally helpless. Thank God for God and Family.
Hi which probiotic did you use? Have you heard of Peptiva? Thanks Lesley
Hi Just finally got colonoscopy have redundant/tortuorouse colon, Lost 50lbs. Needed to anyway, pain always, constipation, spasms, bloated, looks like I'm carrying twins. horrible situation, daily basis. Going to get second gastroentologist. Sleepy, dizzy, not functioning well, Any suggestions help would be appreciated? Lesley
Hi @lotsofpain,
You may notice that I moved your message to this "Redundant / Tortuous Colon” discussion as many of the members have posted about pain in the colon;
I thought it would be beneficial for you to connect with them and read about their experiences.
Could you share more details? Have you been diagnosed with any digestive conditions?
These days I find that I get more Colon Pain after passing stool any thoughts
Hi. I have the same problem, in 2012 at 58 years old. I had a colonoscopy for having belly pain, the colonoscopy was normal without problems, now in March I had the second one, it was so painful that I promised never to get one again, if I do not have general anesthesia, and the diagnosis was
was that l have Tortuous Colon, the doctor's they do not know why, nor I, and they do not agree, my family doctor tells me to eat normal but with more fibers, and try not to be constipated, it is dangerous.
The Gastroenterologist Dr. tells me "or that is nothing, you have a nervous colon, relax and take medicine for depression, this will help you"
I started my medication two weeks ago, I do not know what happened, but it really, really depressing that nobody can help you, I take Metamusil every day, I will tell you how I feel, in a month. I hope you are better, and maybe this will help you, take care of yourself.
Similar situation here -- had 1st colonoscopy at about 55 and just had second one at 70. Nothing deemed "wrong" either time except that now, at 70, I was told I have a redundant or tortuous colon. Who knew? I thought this was a congenital and rare condition, not something somehow acquired over the years. Interesting that you, too, seem to have 'acquired' the tortuous colon. What is going on?
My problem is that suddenly, months ago, I started having constipation, like I had as a youngster, so I had the 2nd colonoscopy to see if there was a problem. But, like you, I can have 'normal' BMs too. Trouble is, I get "backed up" and then have the opposite problem: huge loose BMs accompanied by loads of lower region cramping/pain. Not fun.
I don't remember this happening since those episodes of more than 35 years ago. I'm seeing the GI doc this week but I'm sure he will say it's IBS and throw Miralax packets at me. I also have GERD so feel like I've got double-trouble.
Oh, and my gall bladder was removed in '04 due to horrible pain attacks and 'sludge,' not stones, but I never got the post-cholecystectomy 'dumping' (frequent diarrhea) syndrome that so many experience after that surgery. I have heard that many years later problems crop up for some people for the first time. Perhaps I'm one of those people and will now be plagued with this into old age.
Hope you are feeling better and have gotten some answers to your own questions.