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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 a tortuous colon also and suffered from constipation. I use 1 tbsp of Miralax a day and no more constipation.
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1 ReactionPrunelax is the only thing I have found that works for me.
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1 ReactionI had a colon resection one year ago for recurring diverticulitis . I’m happy to report I feel much better and, other than troublesome gas sometimes, I’m happy I had the surgery.
My son now needs the surgery, he’s in his late forties.
My question is to those who have had a portion of their bowel removed; are you happy with the results of your surgery? I’d like to report the answers to my son.
Wishing everyone a happy colon!
And I thought I was the only one! I only agreed to this last one because they are doing an endoscopy at the same time.
I understand! I wish you the best.
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1 ReactionBP meds Carvedilol and Lisonopril
Last colonoscopy showed tortuous colon. He said I could never have surgery as it its so twisted.
I am concerned as I will have total hip replacement on 11/8 and scared of constipation from sedation.
For those who gave tortuous colon and constipation, what do your take for bowel movement? I take stool softener and senna, but my doc said try OXY-POWDER cleanse. Anyone try this air have other suggestions? Thanks.
I have the same condition....they get half way then the hospital has to finish up what could not be reached. I am getting my last one next week and because I am 80....no more!!!
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1 ReactionI do have a tortuous intestine. I think my condition is different than yours but i wanted to share with you. Religiously I have followed the schedule for colonoscopies. This last time was my last. I understand it's important but I also think if there are concerns, there are other ways to do this procedure. Because of the "tortuous" intestine, (and I do have more intestine than I need for a person my size), I always run the risk of the colon being punctured or torn. This last procedure set me back and caused more harm than good. I told my gastro it was my last and she mentioned there are other methods available to "look inside". I'm 70 years old now and I hope I don't have to face another reason for a colonoscopy. I know the doctors want a repeat if you've had polyps, etc. The polyps they removed from me were benign and it put me in a lot of discomfort and resulting constipation issues (which I've had all my life, but this made it worse). Then I contracted C-diff after taking Clyndamycin and was very very ill. I'm still recovering 8 months later but doing much better. It has been a long recovery but it's also taught me some things. I have had more help on this site versus my own primary doctor and gastro. The support is wonderful and for me, some very helpful advice. I hope that by your persistant communication with people on here, you also find some answers. And I agree that it would be prudent to ask your doctor direct questions and as many as you can. We need to be our own advocate. I have found there are too many "pat answers" that are past out without looking at the individual. "Just follow this",............I trusted and ended up with more problems because I didn't question enough. We all need to think things through as best we can and do our own research. Especially now. I wish you all the best and keep reaching out on this site. Jacque
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1 ReactionI suffer from the same. What I don't understand is surgeons will cut out 20 inches of colon at the drop of a hat for someone with diverticulitis, put tell us there is nothing they can do. I'm going to a new GI doctor next week, I want to get a new set of eyes on my condition and maybe he has a surgeon on some different therapeutics.
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