Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

I have a similar history and am also seeking answers. Have had five non-problematic colonoscopies in the past, but the most recent was deemed incomplete and I was given a virtual (CT) colonography, which revealed a tortuous colon. Wondering if this can issue can resolve, i.e., become non-tortuous again, or might it change over time?

I am a 66 year old women a reluctant colon. I just found out after colonoscopy. I noticed bloating in the last year and embarrassing gas. On numerous occasions I have had the urge to pass a BM immediately. I literally had to take a shit right then. I was in the woods so I had some privacy. It was not diarrhea. This has happened usually on long walks.
There is always a pain on my right side by the duodenum. I've had ultrasound that found no issues.
So, here I am asking after 20 or so colonoscopy why now know? I never was told this problem with elongated Colon. I had a difficult colonoscopy so the doctor told me. That doctor did one three years ago. I am asking the group to help me understand from a person point of few. I'm perplexed since I never heard of this condition nor has anyone I asked.

I had the exact same experience last year, report said difficult colonoscopy, significantly torturous colon, I have issues, this was a diagnostic colonoscopy, no follow up, doctor was out the door before I woke up.

Exact same experience -- no followup, no guidance. This site has provided the only info for me to date.

I am 70 years old and active and otherwise healthy, except for the tortuous intestine I've dealt with all my life. I wanted to share with you my decision to not have any more colonoscopies. The last one this past year was devastating on my body because of the difficulty for the Dr. to do the procedure with my colon. It left me "tortured" and I told her I was never going through this procedure again. ( She mentioned there are other ways to check for polyps etc. for preventative measures.) Possibly I will look into that down the road. But, as I said, with the tortuous intestine, you run the risks of the intestinal wall being punctured and then having more problems than you bargained for. My insides were so irritated it took weeks for the bulging to recede. I am not exaggerating. I will never (I really don't want to!) ever have a colonoscopy again with my long tortuous intestine. I just don't think it's the best thing in my case. And I believe there are many others out there like me. Please find a doctor that will listen and treat you as an individual and not just "follow the script". All the recommendations that were originally suggested for me, such as Miralax, more fiber (which isn't a bad idea), more water, probiotics, and on and on, didn't fit what I needed for me. Miralax didn't work. I followed everything I was told to do because I really wanted to improve this condition. It can make you feel so sick at times. It was on this site that other people had mentioned Prunelax to help with irregularity. It has worked great for me most of the time. I do use Bisacodyl every week or two to help the system really clean out. And this advice was through others on this site, not a doctor. It has been the best advice! Best wishes to you! Jacque

Fire him and find a new GI Dr.

I only learned about my "torturous colon" by reading the report from my colonoscopy, in which my doctor talked about how challenging it was to do the procedure. No mention to me, no follow up, even though he knows I've been having wacky GI symptoms for a while. I know the system is overloaded and weary. It's just very sad.

Welcome, seasalted!
You described my daily life so well that I printed your post and took it to my GI doctor appointment! I brought up the subject of resection surgery to remove some of the extra loops and twists, and she said that surgeons will not do that unless it is an emergency situation and there is a total obstruction or strangulation of colon (volvulus). I had emergency surgery for that condition when I was 30 years old, but they did not remove any of my colon. Just "flipped it back". So I've been struggling with this for 38 years now. I keep a food diary and am trying to get myself into a "regular" routine but I am either constipated or have diarrhea from laxatives. Some days are worse than others. I had no idea there were so many others like me until I joined Mayo Clinic Connect, which I found by accident just a few months ago. It is very helpful to me when I start feeling sorry for myself. Good luck, and I look forward to your future posts.

Thank you so very much, Jacque, for your thoughtful, detailed response. My GI doctor's office has been 'unavailable' to provide any guidance, so I am appreciative for this advice. I'm 68 years old and have had microscopic colitis up until a few years ago. That has now resolved, but apparently a tortuous colon is now the main issue, quite the opposite. I am going to implement your suggestion of Prunelax tabs -- I also am not responding to Miralax, and work to increase water and exercise. The internet advice I've googled seems to swing from no fiber to more fiber, so I am a bit confused there. Thank you again!

Hello I've had a tortuous intestine, and dealt with it's consequences, for all my 70 years here on this earth. I'm surprised that the Dr. didn't inform you of diet! But I'm also not surprised. And, I believe, it's different for all of us. It's a continual learning experience. For me, there has not been a "cut and dry" formula. Unfortunately, because it would have been ALOT easier! Originally, I was told, lots of water (min. of 6-12 oz. glasses) per day, lots of fiber, Miralax (which didn't work for me), stool softener, magnesium citrate, etc. I use Metamucil crackers occasionally when I'm needing the extra. I use psyllium (8 mg) sprinkled on oatmeal and cereal) daily. But currently, I found Prunelax to work very well, most of the time, depending on other factors, such as diet, sleep, etc. I am taking the mini tabs, (3 to 4) nightly. I have found that I need to use Bisacodyl once a week or every other week. I also plan on trying the extra strength Prunlax when I finish my supply of mini tabs. Prunelax has worked so much better for me than Miralax. I have been on this site for a year and what I see is different things work for different people. Doctors seem to have forgotten that, at least in my area. You, as an individual, have to keep trying different dosages, brands, etc. to find what works best for your body. Remember, with a tortuous intestine, we have a much slower transit time than "regular" folks and things can get backed up and much more difficult to pass. So exercise, water, trying different aids, such as Prunlax, not eating too much cheese, or certain types of food,..............all help in you finding what works best for you. It's a process and a frustrating one sometimes. Sometimes we don't feel good at all until we change what we're doing and try something else. It's been a journey. But thank God above, I'm still here and still learning. I wish the same for you. Jacque