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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I have the same problem and can go for a week without going. Fortunately I don’t have any stomach pain. Have you noticed if crackers or dense crusty bread makes it worse? Those will cause bloating and mucous discharge and really bad constipation to me.
My husband thinks he knows what is best for me…he thinks I need to be on some kind of a special diet. Really he doesn’t understand this tortuous colon. I think I will try to eliminate coffee…I can’t imagine that that is constipating me, but I will try that. I wonder if tea is better…
Hi, I have a torturous colon and have had bouts of constipation, some diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea. I am taking Konsyl Daily Psyllium fiber capsules, Florastor Probiotic, and MiraLax when constipated for a few days. I take ondansetron for nausea. (Prescription). About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with SIBO, but that was treated with a special antibiotic and was on a strict diet. That is gone now. I took Iberogast which helps with motility last spring…was great for awhile, but ended up with diarrhea. I recently was constipated for 6 days…that was scary, but finally was able to have a bowel movement. Now I am being careful and making sure I am able to go at least every 3 days…though, my bowel movements are round pebbles, but at least I am going. I do drink coffee every day, but had not heard that it is constipating. I will try to avoid it. I am 77 years old and do not want to have surgery. I am very tired of the symptoms and not feeling well and looking for a bathroom. Trying to enjoy life, but with this it is not easy….
The Monash Food App is a life-saver for the FODMAP diet.
I started with diverticulosis and now have divirticulitis. I’ve had to go to the emergency room it colitis. I’m so compassionate for people who are sick I’ve been through so much in my life 11 surgeries later for different things
Thank you for insight into your self help tips. I will try and incorporate them. Unfortunately though it’s been recommended to me I haven’t been following the fodmap diet but things are so problematic now that I most definitely will need to revise my food choices. Thank you. And I hope things continue working well for you.
I have a redundant colon for the past six years. Constipation is rarely an issue. Standing is though. One twist is at my right hip bone and very painful when even normal bowel material passes through and I’m on my feet for more than 10 minutes, standing or moving slowly. Another spot must be near the vagina, as it happens there as well. I Have to sit way back in a chair or go lay down to take the pressure off. Sometimes I know it’s coming, but want to finish what I’m doing or at a store- if I take too long to move to a recuperative position, it’s so painful to walk or even in the act of lying down. Recently my left aide has begun to bother me. Wondering if this is yet more….
CT results this week to see.
Sigh
Hello,
I had a redundant large intestine, which caused constipation, no matter what I ate or how many caps of Miralax I used, typically four or more a day, I would get constipated and be in severe pain. I had my large intestine removed, except for the final 6 inches so I could have a rectum with control, that has been such a game changer for me and I wish I would’ve known about it and done it sooner. I think it is an individual issue and each person is different. Meaning what works for someone may not work for someone else. I had issues my whole life with this and after failing the SitzMark rings test twice And trying large amounts of Miralax and different diets, I decided to just go ahead and have the procedure. For me personally, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I have a redundant colon and have had so much pain over the years (I'm 62 now and I remember pain as far back as 3rd grade). I've tried every diet I could read about, had every test and tried lots of treatments. Until 3 months ago, I was usually in bed by 4pm because the pain got worse over the day. Finally a GI doc prescribed Dicyclomine, 10mg. If I take a pill 30 minutes before eating I have no pain. I cry thinking about it because it has been such a long journey and finally something works! My understanding is that Dicyclomine relaxes the muscles in the colon from the effort of getting food through such a circuitous path. This in turn reduces cramping. Simple as that. I also take Mirilax to keep from being constipated, which can be a whole other problem for many people. I know this won't work for everyone but it's worth knowing about and maybe asking your GI doctor about.
I tried gluten free and it bloated me the same because some contain cheekpea which is a grain with fiber