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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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Slippery elm inner bark powder. Where do you get this product? Sounds extremely beneficial. Thanks
mskaren2009,
What helps me is slippery elm inner bark powder. I eat some with every meal and snack by dissolving it in warm or hot liquid, adding to pancakes or hot cereal, etc.
My dose is 1/8 teaspoon each time, but I am sensitive to everything and always use less than others.
Give it a try if you like. It supports the mucosa and that why I think I benefit. It helps stool move through my severely redundant colon. Note that I have no pain to date; I am just extremely constipation-prone.
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2 ReactionsI know this is old, but I am wfpb and my redundant colon didn't bother me at all(3-4 bowel movements a day) until February 2022. My wfpb doctor thinks my colon twisted and turned to a different position. I had excruciating pain for a solid 2 months. My high fiber diet has done nothing for me. The only time I'm good is if I consistently eat 2-3 servings of fruit a day. I've gained 30 lbs over the last almost 3 years. Part of the gain is from the colon issue and part of it is from eating more foods with oil.
I've posted here before given I have a redundant colon, and am going through a tough time right now with a lot of discomfort/constipation/bloating. I am cycling through the typical medications without any lasting relief, and feel like I just can't get completely emptied out. For example, I had a salad from crisp and green tonight and feel like I had a 5 course meal. My GI brought up the possibility of having an epigastric enema if nothing else seems to clean me out. My diagnosis came when I had take a double colonoscopy prep solution and still had to be cleaned out before the procedure. Also, the gas I pass with this....it clears the room the smell is so potent. Which again I don't have when things are going well. Any feedback on getting this kind of enema?
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2 ReactionsYou must be in because you’re included in this conversation! 👍
Try changing your diet, dfloyd1133, surgery is crazy for a bit of mucus! It could be an IBS-type symptom from a particular food item.
I have a tortuous colon. I don't think it's that uncommon. I recently had a sigmoid colonoscopy and afterwards the g.i. told a few of his patients have same problem. After emailing multiple times about how I was evacuating fecus he said if I was interested he would give me a name of a surgeon who performs sigmoid colon resection. After reading some articles I was afraid and canceled the appt w surgeon. I am elderly woman.
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1 ReactionYes I was diagnosed with BAM. My prescription has been changed. I am now taking Colesevelam for
bile acid malabsorption.
Were you told you have bile acid malabsorption (BAM)? I ask because that is the main reason to take this medication.
I got my results and I have both gastritis and collagenous colitis. I have been prescribed Budesonide and my doctor expects great improvement before I follow up Tuesday. I have already limited my diet immensely, to mainly chicken and rice, softer foods. But I have always been a picky eater but this is taking it to a whole new level.