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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Could you shared what kind of diet helped you with your tortuous colon symthoms?
I have the same thing but no one has ever mentioned surgery to me. I alternate between constipation and diarrhea. Sometimes I have a few good weeks between. I take 1/2 capful of Miralax in a very tall glass of water every night. If I get constipated, I increase it to a full capful. I also drink a lot of water every day and eat fruit and chopped walnuts for breakfast ( or oatmeal with with apple and chopped walnuts ). This usually keeps me regular. I do vomit a good bit for unknown reasons. I try not to eat starches, mostly meat and veggies for dinner. I tend to be overweight. Do you have that problem? I think it s because everything stays in my colon for so long.
I have the same comment from GI docs and have heard many other patients mention this. I have come to think that this is almost the norm from the number of people who have commented. Do we really know what is within the Bell curve of normal?
Talk to your Dr about it.
I haven’t heard of that, I live in Massachusetts
Have you tried Motegrity. I changed GI Drs and the new one gave me this drug that's only been out 3 years and has worked wonders for me. What state are you in?
Does anyone here have experience with having surgery for this? My GI is acting as if it isn’t an option at all. Every laxative he’s given me has worked at first, but after a while it just stops. I go through phases of bad abdominal pain, to the point that it horribly hurts to stand. At this point I’m so sick of having to worry and deal with all of this, but because of my GI, I’m unsure if surgery would ever be recommended for me.
Thank you everyone for your support! I think I'll try Prunelax first. Then I'll talk to my doctor about Motegrity.
I finally had a CT scan today. It was supposed to be ASAP two weeks ago but my doctor's office staff is so inefficient, even after my repeated phone calls, I wasn't scheduled until yesterday, Also, my doctor's office did not instruct me to drink barium at home before I went for the scan. So when I arrived for my appointment, they gave me barium to drink, wait a half hour, drink another cup, wait a half hour, then I finally had the test. Also had no idea it would involve an IV with iodine. But the technician was so nice and I'm glad the experience is behind me. Now I've taken my Senokot and am drinking Smooth Move and resting.
Panic. Exactly. Thank you!
@tropicbev
Have you tried OTC Prune-Lax? It’s worked for many of us on this site. Two strengths from Amazon.