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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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bxavier1 | @bxavier1 | Jan 8, 2025
In reply to @annbk "I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read..." + (show)
Profile picture for annbk @annbk

I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read that I have a "loopy" colon. My lifelong chronic constipation suddenly made sense. For the past 20 years, I have successfully treated the problem (without knowing the cause) by eating at least 1/4 cup of amaranth per day. It works amazingly well. If anyone wants to try it and would like recipes, let me know.

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Hello. I have terrible constipation as well. Does amaranth have stimulant effect or bulk forming?
Thanks

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researchmaven | @researchmaven | Jan 7, 2025
In reply to @ssnlsh "Yes to recipes! I’ve had chronic constipation for as long as I can remember." + (show)
Profile picture for ssnlsh @ssnlsh

Yes to recipes! I’ve had chronic constipation for as long as I can remember.

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With my extremely sensitive gut, I eat easy-to-digest foods, stay hydrated, use a magnesium supp at night (I use Gentle Bowel Support by Hilma), use slippery elm powder - inner bark with every meal, which is key (I use Frontier's brand); the powder can be incorporated into food or added to a hot liquid or cold smoothie - the powder adds slip which moves the stool; I think it also protects and soothes the colon. There are capsules available, but that dose is too large for me. My gut does not tolerate OTC fiber/prescription laxative products.

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farmersmith | @farmersmith | Jan 6, 2025
In reply to @annbk "I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read..." + (show)
Profile picture for annbk @annbk

I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read that I have a "loopy" colon. My lifelong chronic constipation suddenly made sense. For the past 20 years, I have successfully treated the problem (without knowing the cause) by eating at least 1/4 cup of amaranth per day. It works amazingly well. If anyone wants to try it and would like recipes, let me know.

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Good morning all,
Great to hear natural regularity solutions! I've shared my success in the past but want to share a list of drinks I just saw, some of which I have used. Back up plan or variation make sense. I look forward to testing more amaranth in my diet also. Exercise, hydration, walking, meditation/mindfulness aid regularity too

Here's the list:
- chia seeds, flax seeds - soaked overnight, ground insoluble fiber (I like soaked in prune juice or plain yogurt
- orange juice - be aware of high sugar content
- ginger tea - anti-inflammatory, relaxing, helps circulation can irritate some people
- coconut water - has electrolytes to help balance body fluid, OK on empty stomach
- coffee - may help gut but don't drink on empty stomach
- pear juice - natural sorbitol attracts water so aids in regularity, can be sensitive to sorbitol
- apple cider vinegar - moderation
- prune juice - basic
- fennel tea, if allergic to carrot and celery family could be an issue
- warm water with lemon - best with straw to avoid hurting teeth
< https://youtu.be/LZyR1YqQtPs;

Best of luck to all, it is so nice to have regularity for about a year now, after so many challenging years
@farmersmith, early 70's

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busylady | @busylady | Jan 6, 2025
In reply to @annbk "I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read..." + (show)
Profile picture for annbk @annbk

I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read that I have a "loopy" colon. My lifelong chronic constipation suddenly made sense. For the past 20 years, I have successfully treated the problem (without knowing the cause) by eating at least 1/4 cup of amaranth per day. It works amazingly well. If anyone wants to try it and would like recipes, let me know.

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Has anyone tried castor oil? Not taken internally but half capful in naval? I have seen where this has worked for many people and thought of trying it. Anyone have any experience with this?

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busylady | @busylady | Jan 6, 2025
In reply to @sheilagreen "Inulin, from Holland and Barret is miraculous. It’s almost pure fibre , a dessert spoonful daily..." + (show)
Profile picture for sheilagreen @sheilagreen

Inulin, from Holland and Barret is miraculous.
It’s almost pure fibre , a dessert spoonful daily on cereal or any meal actually works wonders…
Along with a daily sachet of CosmoCol ….👌
Hope it helps , it’s taken me 60 years to find this solution…
Best,
Sheila x

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I have tied the Inulin. Worked well for constipation but caused me to have lots of uncontrollable gas. I only tried less than 1/4 teaspoon. YIKES! Potent stuff!

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lonestarinitaly | @lonestarinitaly | Jan 5, 2025
In reply to @annbk "I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read..." + (show)
Profile picture for annbk @annbk

I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read that I have a "loopy" colon. My lifelong chronic constipation suddenly made sense. For the past 20 years, I have successfully treated the problem (without knowing the cause) by eating at least 1/4 cup of amaranth per day. It works amazingly well. If anyone wants to try it and would like recipes, let me know.

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Yes, please. Need help.

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doors4ever | @doors4ever | Dec 29, 2024
In reply to @kjn72 "JN: I am a 72y/o woman with severe constipation & a redundant colon. 7 years ago..." + (show)
Profile picture for kjn72 @kjn72

JN: I am a 72y/o woman with severe constipation & a redundant colon. 7 years ago I had 14" of colon removed and 3 additional surgeries for a rectocele, entrocele and another bowel prolapse. I have been severely constipated before and after surgeries. I have tried evert kind of otc med, laxatives, fibers and many prescribed meds, drink 1/2 gallon of water, swim 4-5 times weekly, do zumba nothing works. I have thrown up after 6 days of not going. I have pains in right upper and left lower abdominal areas. I am enema dependent to empty my bowels, it is a painful process and can last for 3 hours every time I do it. 2 surgeons recommended colectomy, 1 did not. 1 GI recommended surgery, 2 did not. I am a young 72 and want to continue living actively with less difficulty. Anyone have surgery that worked, and what kind to eliminate this problem? I have been told that colectomy can also produce bloating, gas, things I am already dealing with. Thank you for your help
JN

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Look up A.C.E. or M.A.C.E surgery online. Small tube with one way valve inserted just under belly button allows you to flush from top down using an enema. Removable if things get going on their own. You do it when you want to. Daily, every otherday, etc. Pioneered by Johns Hopkins.

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longcolin | @longcolin | Dec 29, 2024
In reply to @sheilagreen "My experience is that I’ve had a constipation problem all my life and I’m now 73...." + (show)
Profile picture for sheilagreen @sheilagreen

My experience is that I’ve had a constipation problem all my life and I’m now 73.
I have sorted the At last …, it is a long and tortuous colon or redundant colon as it is often called.
I take a cosmocol sachet every day which draws water into the colon and fibre every meal but at breakfast a spoonful of chicory root fibre, plus seeds nuts fruit…
Also have gone gluten free… so far , it’s several months now I’ve had normal bowel movements daily..
Amazing 😀 try it..🤞😘

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researchmaven | @researchmaven | Dec 28, 2024
In reply to @kjn72 "JN: I am a 72y/o woman with severe constipation & a redundant colon. 7 years ago..." + (show)
Profile picture for kjn72 @kjn72

JN: I am a 72y/o woman with severe constipation & a redundant colon. 7 years ago I had 14" of colon removed and 3 additional surgeries for a rectocele, entrocele and another bowel prolapse. I have been severely constipated before and after surgeries. I have tried evert kind of otc med, laxatives, fibers and many prescribed meds, drink 1/2 gallon of water, swim 4-5 times weekly, do zumba nothing works. I have thrown up after 6 days of not going. I have pains in right upper and left lower abdominal areas. I am enema dependent to empty my bowels, it is a painful process and can last for 3 hours every time I do it. 2 surgeons recommended colectomy, 1 did not. 1 GI recommended surgery, 2 did not. I am a young 72 and want to continue living actively with less difficulty. Anyone have surgery that worked, and what kind to eliminate this problem? I have been told that colectomy can also produce bloating, gas, things I am already dealing with. Thank you for your help
JN

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@shawnkthryn, we just have a lot in common and I am glad to be able to share what worke for me. Each month gets easier. Habits build; taste buds change. It becomes easier and easier. I am really glad you are doing better! All the best for 2025!

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shawnkthryn | @shawnkthryn | Dec 28, 2024
In reply to @researchmaven "That makes good sense, @shawnkthryn. Less is more. If it is something like gastroparesis and it..." + (show)
Profile picture for researchmaven @researchmaven

That makes good sense, @shawnkthryn. Less is more. If it is something like gastroparesis and it is acceptabley controlled by diet, that would be enough success for me. If I were in my eighties with weak muscle mass, I wouldn't want anything more invasive. I try to avoid as much medical intervention as possible. In my view, such only helps-- there is rarely a silver bullet. It seems like you are doing your homework by Googling.

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Happy New Year
@researchmaven
I want to thank you for patiently guiding me. There's been so many changes w diet since the 4th of July. I think my system went into shock since fasting day before Thanksgiving. @ that point, thank you for stepping up w positive reinforcements & excellent diet ideas. It's becoming an entirely different direction, not to be drawn to the Bakery. Meat dept & Produce- only for a lil bit. I've likely been in starvation mode w/o knowing. Realizing the deterioration of this 66yy muscles to zilch. 1st months progress report. I'm making homemade soup. Salmon patties. I could nurse on a patty all day. I'm trying to eat in peaceful environment. Egg beaters, egg whites took adjusting. But by golly, I'm w you. It is all in the diet. If you feel awful after you eat, my exp for 23y's. I'm sure my body was signaling Woe. Don't eat it. Lot of self discipline & commitment to ourselves, we won't allow this tormenting me anymore. I'm just to the point of putting a meal together. Took over a month to get that far. I've my own cupboard which works ideally. Don't have to see what I can't eat. & only open 1 cupboard, but that is my generator source. God love you & bless you for being so kind to me. Thank you

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