Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

Posted by onaquest @onaquest, Nov 7, 2018

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 this condition and used to have problems with constipation, bloating and abdominal discomfort. I tried taking a Metamucil-type (generic) fiber powder in water each day and it's made all the difference! I have regular bowel movements and feel greet. My GI doc has me undergo a colonoscopy every 18 months, as he's found a number of polyps and I have a family history of colon cancer.

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Hi @onaquest @flguy @carcar,

A redundant colon is an abnormally long colon, especially in the final section (called descending colon). A redundant colon also has additional loops or twists. Other names for a redundant colon include tortuous colon or elongated colon. https://www.healthline.com/health/redundant-colon
I’m tagging @darlia and @rsinger22 who've written about redundant colon, and they may be able to share their experiences.

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@flguy

Hello. Sorry to hear about your diagnosed condition. Although I have not been diagnosed with your diagnosis I have had constipation problems, even had to go to the Emergency Room recently.
A seemingly simple suggestion is to make sure by way of a daily routine of drinking water so that your minimum is 40-50 ozs.--or more--EVERY day. It is extremely important for Crohn's Disease--which I have had since birth--since water passes through more with such IBDs. I tried other osmotic laxatives at my family doctor's suggestion but find it gives me a very significant rash so I have discontinued any such osmotic products (e.g., MiraLAX). Although water is contained in fruit, soup, coffee, many products, etc., there is nothing as good as straight water even if you want to say "in addition to" the other amounts of water from indirect sources. I recommend using a daily Reminder with an alert system to which you can cumulatively insert the on-going quantity total of water intake as the day progresses. Using time periods, for example, such as 8AM-1PM, 1PM-6PM, & 6PM-11PM where you can see how you are doing throughout the day, otherwise you may wind up drinking a large amount late in the day which is not the most beneficial way as compared to watching it in an on-going manner. The same water bottle or container of which you know the quantity is best rather then making many entries of amounts from various containers. It should be an easy-to-estimate by eye quantity measuring event (just take a guess at the amount) so it is not burdensome and therefore inclined to be resistant to getting it accomplished. Good luck.

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Good ideas. I do push fluids, and I do notice when I don’t, I suffer. Alarms are a good idea for people like us. Thank you.

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@carcar

Is this the same condition as Diverticulitis?

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No it is not. Redundant and tortured colon means you have extra colon (redundant) and twisted (tortured). I do have some diverticulosis, but I haven’t had diverticulitis.

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Hello. Sorry to hear about your diagnosed condition. Although I have not been diagnosed with your diagnosis I have had constipation problems, even had to go to the Emergency Room recently.
A seemingly simple suggestion is to make sure by way of a daily routine of drinking water so that your minimum is 40-50 ozs.--or more--EVERY day. It is extremely important for Crohn's Disease--which I have had since birth--since water passes through more with such IBDs. I tried other osmotic laxatives at my family doctor's suggestion but find it gives me a very significant rash so I have discontinued any such osmotic products (e.g., MiraLAX). Although water is contained in fruit, soup, coffee, many products, etc., there is nothing as good as straight water even if you want to say "in addition to" the other amounts of water from indirect sources. I recommend using a daily Reminder with an alert system to which you can cumulatively insert the on-going quantity total of water intake as the day progresses. Using time periods, for example, such as 8AM-1PM, 1PM-6PM, & 6PM-11PM where you can see how you are doing throughout the day, otherwise you may wind up drinking a large amount late in the day which is not the most beneficial way as compared to watching it in an on-going manner. The same water bottle or container of which you know the quantity is best rather then making many entries of amounts from various containers. It should be an easy-to-estimate by eye quantity measuring event (just take a guess at the amount) so it is not burdensome and therefore inclined to be resistant to getting it accomplished. Good luck.

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Is this the same condition as Diverticulitis?

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