Connect
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
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Connect
And my same sentiments to your doctor that I shared with @astaingegerdm, above. We sick folks should not have to endure such immature, unprofessional behavior!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsExactly! @astaingegerdm, there is no excuse for a doctor to exhibit that kind of behavior towards a patient, even in the worst scenario, much less yours. How unprofessional can one be?? Good Lord! That person should be reported. Rant over!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsYes! My surgeon was very put out with me. When he finally re-did it, he told me that I'd thrown his back out.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@maykatcooper - I have hade the same experience, flunking colonoscopy prep. It is so embarrassing. The first time, years ago, the doctor also got very angry. It happened in July again, had a 2 day prep later and apparently still not perfect.
However, the reason we are there is because we have a problem.
I noticed in my twenties that I would regularly not go for a week… then for two days I’d have multiple movements. I received my first colonoscopy at 50 and flunked it. I didn’t even begin to potty until 5am, twelve hours after the prep began. The surgical nurses tried five FLEET enemas and still the surgeon was furious. He diagnosed the tortuous colon and had me do a two day prep six months later. Diverticulosis was diagnosed. I’m now 70 and just got out of eleven days in the hospital with newly diagnosed diverticulitis on the duodenum, actually at the very base of my stomach - not my colon.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionDon’t really know the answer to that but I see 3 days a lot of places. However I think it depends on the individual and how they feel. For some people 3 days may be their regular and they feel fine. Others may go a week and feel fine. I know if I miss a day I start feeling not so good.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI'm interested in more information, e.g., how long should one go without a bowel movement before resorting to laxatives?
I know you posted this a while ago but is anyone still talking on this subject?
I keep 2 12 oz bottles of water in my car and I too fill a 64 oz. pitcher in Am and make sure it's all gone by evening. I have been, at times, drinking water too late in the PM so I'm up 3 x's a night to pee. I'm glad there is a moderator in the group!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionBobbie, my favorite testimonial to the effectiveness of the Squatty Potty is @cahnny's serious but fun post here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/106972/
I'm also guilty of not drinking enough and I really pay for it when I don't. I found tracking my water intake on an app to be tedious, but it showed me how little I was drinking. Now I use a different method. I have a pitcher of water and make sure it is empty by day's end. What do you do to remind yourself to drink more water?