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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After so many years of chronic constipation and severe gas and bloat and making lifestyle changes and begging for diagnostics, I had my first colonoscopy and found out I have a tortuous colon. It feels good to have an answer and I’m hopeful to connect with a specialist who appreciates how bad symptoms can be and wants to support a treatment plan for me. If anyone on here has specialists to recommend, whether they be for GI, dietetics, sleep therapy, pelvic floor therapy, mental health, or any others I’m not thinking of, I’d love to hear your recommendations. I also would love recommendations on resources. Hugs to all 💜
Thank you for the detailed post. I’m sorry to hear of your struggles. Many are very similar to my own 🙁 After so many years of chronic constipation and severe gas and bloat and making lifestyle changes and begging for diagnostics, I had my first colonoscopy and found out I have a tortuous colon. It feels good to have an answer and I’m hopeful to connect with a specialist who appreciates how bad symptoms can be and wants to support a treatment plan for me. If anyone on here has specialists to recommend, whether they be for GI, dietetics, sleep therapy, pelvic floor therapy, mental health, or any others I’m not thinking of, I’d love to hear your recommendations. I also would love recommendations on resources. Hugs to all 💜
I have a redundant colon; it likely slows transit time so I carry around more stool than the average person.
I eat cooked food (not raw) and always a drink in hand. I think cooking it "predigests" it.
Consider Betaine Hydrochloride for a digestive aid. Read up on it. I take mine to digest fish. Meat is still not a good choice for me. If I don't take it, I can feel the fish sitting in my gut.
I also drink slippery elm tea (inner bark) in the a.m., before I eat anything. It supports the mucous surface of my gut, which helps move things along.
It matters what I put in my mouth is key.
Fiber also needs to be taken into account. Not only is there the right fiber for your gut, but the right amount and the right time to take it (I avoid it when plugged up and rely on a laxative). There is a study stating that for folks that get no relief for their constipation, a surprising number benefit from a low fiber diet. Something to consider.
Getting adequate sleep is also essential for me. Avoiding stress is really important too. The body needs to be in its "natural state," rather than fight or flight, to work well.
Thank you!
I find if I can keep it somewhat solid- not liquid, but not considered “well formed”- it also helps. Just a fine line and hard to maintain.
All the best!!
Thank you kamommy,
In past couple years I’ve noticed a sharp, deep pain under my right lower breast that is relieved when repositioning. I’m now wondering if it’s my long sigmoid, as it’s happening more often. I’ll take your suggestions! Thank you! I want to avoid surgery!
Thank you!
I really feel everyone’s experiences are so different. I’ve not received a whole of information from my dr.
Mine “seems” to be affected by stress and consistency of material in the colon and body position There are times I can actually feel it externally just at my hipbone. Thought I had a hernia. Nope. Internally it will either press against my hipbone or something in my female parts, or….both. Often when standing between 10-30 minutes. It will get progressively worse if I don’t lay down or majorly scoot down in a chair to the point I cannot walk or even get onto my bed w/o very major pain. Of course, the sooner I take steps to minimize, the less time I need to mitigate it. If it goes too long, I need to be in position for a half hour.
Have missed a couple of significant occasions….
The only suggestion I can give is be sure to never be constipated. Lots of produce and water all throughout each day. I believe constipation is what got me here.
I did have a redundant colon, had a sigmoid colonectomy last March. Surgeon said I was close to having peritonitis. Ever since, multiple BMs/day - up to 15. Wake me every night.
However, tests showed inflamed intestines, am on anti-inflammatories, down to 7BMs/day.
Hello, I have redundant colon. I am trying to figure out how to eat also. I’ve never had a problem with constipation before. I had 4 months of liquid stools with 5 pound weight loss. Adding Miralax finally turned it around and I was back to normal.
Last week I suddenly became very bloated with abdominal tenderness. Plus I fill up fast with a small meal. I think this may be my colon rather than anything I’ve eaten?
I’m very concerned, almost scared that my colon will twist causing an emergent situation.
I will be talking to a GI Nurse Practitioner in 10 days.
I want to avoid surgery.
Any advise/hints on preventing this? I’m all ears!