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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Profile picture for shelleyW @shelleyw

researchmaven,
Thanx for sharing.
Could I whip the egg whites into fluffy, then fold in at the end? Glad you mentioned the coconut oil, cuz I have issues with several nuts, walnuts are the worst. Heck, I will even pass up a chewy brownie if walnuts were even in the cupboard.
I do use a meal replacement protein, called Arbonne, my daughter needed some good protein while in the Air Force, so she did all the research on it. She found a prebiotic and something else that she said would be good for my stupid stomach.
Chia powder vs chia seeds, your recommendation? I have severe CIC, I tried the soaked seeds, then got scared of them burrowing into my intestines and never leaving.
Where do you buy the LiveKuna?
Thanx, so much for sharing. Thanx, for getting my 🤢‼️ ShelleyW
ShelleyW

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Hi ShelleyW,

Happy to hear back from you 🙂

Yes, you can certainly whip the egg whites. Consider trying egg whites in a carton -- once; they are thin compared to whole egg whites (so less gross?) and you'll have less wash-up than whipping whites.

Glad coconut oil works sounds yummy to you; there is avocado oil in your Arbonne mix (I checked), avocado oil is possible too, but maybe not as yummy. Note the saturated fat of coconut oil is between that of olive oil and butter in terms of health impact, but that may not be something you need to consider. It does taste good, even the smidgen I use (1/4-1/2 teaspoon).

I note that Azure Market (online/mail order) sells the pea protein isolate I use. It is $9.84 for 1 lb and 39.57 for 5 lb. Your Arbonne product, by volume, has that has its top ingredient.

And yes, try chia powder for fiber and whatever else is good in it. I use 1/2 teaspoon in my hot cereal mix as the quantity matters too and more than that may be harsh on my gut. I definitely avoid chia seeds due to the same concern you have.

LiveKuna Organic Plantain Flour is now solely sold on Amazon. I have to admit I love it and besides using it for hot cereal, it is my "flour" for other sweet things. I use another brand of plantain flour for savory baked goods. I have to buy 11 lb though; I get it from an online restaurant wholesaler.

All my best to you!

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Profile picture for shortiseltzer @shortiseltzer

Thank you, I am 43 and down to 108lbs, definitely underweight. I have limited my diet as I’m a server and cannot run to the bathroom in a moments notice. Beyond that, I hate having to plan my day around how close a restroom is. I have always been a “picky eater” but I have become extremely picky since dealing with this. Sometimes I give in to my food urges but end up paying for it in the long run. (No pun intended)

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💙💚🩷🩵💛love your pun.
Sometimes we just get tired of only eating healthy and simply want some not good for us goodies. ShelleyW

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Profile picture for researchmaven @researchmaven

ShellyW:

You are funny!

Yes, the plantain flour is gluten-free. A plantain is like an unsweet banana.

For a recipe, try 1/4 cup plantain flour (consider LiveKuna as it has a sweet taste and a whole-grain style appeal, and some brands have an off-taste), 2 T+ pea protein isolate, 1 cup Lactaid milk, 1/3 to 1/2 cup egg whites (you can buy a quart or pint of these), salt and your favorite sweetener and flavorings (vanilla, and more exotics like butterscotch or brandy; cocoa powder are nice), I can flavor it with a bit of pureed fruit, like blueberries.

I add 1/2 teaspoon chia powder for fiber, although the plantain flour has some. For fat, I eat a brazil nut and a walnut along side or I add a bit of coconut oil to my cereal.

Feel free to experiment. I just made up this recipe on the spot as I do not measure anything. It is hard to mess it up. You justif the egg whites still sound unappetizing, you can skip them; same for the protein powder. Protein is important though, especially to heal a difficult/inflamed gut, and egg whites are easy to digest.

I avoid commerical, blended protein powder as there is likely something in it that doesn't agree with me. I am also a "fruit and granola" person that likes to eat (and now needs to) as "purely" as I can, although everything but water in my "recipe" is processed.

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researchmaven,
Thanx for sharing.
Could I whip the egg whites into fluffy, then fold in at the end? Glad you mentioned the coconut oil, cuz I have issues with several nuts, walnuts are the worst. Heck, I will even pass up a chewy brownie if walnuts were even in the cupboard.
I do use a meal replacement protein, called Arbonne, my daughter needed some good protein while in the Air Force, so she did all the research on it. She found a prebiotic and something else that she said would be good for my stupid stomach.
Chia powder vs chia seeds, your recommendation? I have severe CIC, I tried the soaked seeds, then got scared of them burrowing into my intestines and never leaving.
Where do you buy the LiveKuna?
Thanx, so much for sharing. Thanx, for getting my 🤢‼️ ShelleyW
ShelleyW

REPLY
Profile picture for shelleyW @shelleyw

researchmaven,
I have to admit that your cereal ideas, respectfully, sound gross 🤢.
Hey, if it works for you, that's all that counts 😋 is the plantain flour, gluten free? If it is, would you share a simple recipe I could try.. once I get my nausea from my surgery under control. ShelleyW

Jump to this post

ShellyW:

You are funny!

Yes, the plantain flour is gluten-free. A plantain is like an unsweet banana.

For a recipe, try 1/4 cup plantain flour (consider LiveKuna as it has a sweet taste and a whole-grain style appeal, and some brands have an off-taste), 2 T+ pea protein isolate, 1 cup Lactaid milk, 1/3 to 1/2 cup egg whites (you can buy a quart or pint of these), salt and your favorite sweetener and flavorings (vanilla, and more exotics like butterscotch or brandy; cocoa powder are nice), I can flavor it with a bit of pureed fruit, like blueberries.

I add 1/2 teaspoon chia powder for fiber, although the plantain flour has some. For fat, I eat a brazil nut and a walnut along side or I add a bit of coconut oil to my cereal.

Feel free to experiment. I just made up this recipe on the spot as I do not measure anything. It is hard to mess it up. You justif the egg whites still sound unappetizing, you can skip them; same for the protein powder. Protein is important though, especially to heal a difficult/inflamed gut, and egg whites are easy to digest.

I avoid commerical, blended protein powder as there is likely something in it that doesn't agree with me. I am also a "fruit and granola" person that likes to eat (and now needs to) as "purely" as I can, although everything but water in my "recipe" is processed.

REPLY
Profile picture for shortiseltzer @shortiseltzer

I’ve been dealing with weight loss, diarrhea, bloating, gas feeling full and acid buildup. I had my first colonoscopy/ upper endoscopy and it revealed that I have a torturous colon.I’m currently taking anti diarrheal, acid reducer and nausea meds as needed.
I’m very interested to hear about what foods are easier with this issue/ issues. I have not had much luck with most foods except bland.

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Is the tortuous colon causing diarrhea or do you have that and IBS-D or another diagnosis as well. I have a tortuous colon but I have severe chronic constipation and digestive issues as well. This extra length twisted colon just makes it much harder for me to empty.
I do not eat sugar or dairy. I’m thinking you must have something else along with tortuous colon.

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Profile picture for researchmaven @researchmaven

Ditto on small portions. Comparing cereal plans, I use (because I have to) LiveKuna plantain flour for my hot cereal. I cook it with liquid egg whites, pea protein isolate powder and Lactaid milk and water. 100% Stevia to sweeten. I change it up with the spices and flavorings I can tolerate. I make it a variety of ways. The longer I do this, the easier it gets.

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researchmaven,
I have to admit that your cereal ideas, respectfully, sound gross 🤢.
Hey, if it works for you, that's all that counts 😋 is the plantain flour, gluten free? If it is, would you share a simple recipe I could try.. once I get my nausea from my surgery under control. ShelleyW

REPLY
Profile picture for shortiseltzer @shortiseltzer

I’ve been dealing with weight loss, diarrhea, bloating, gas feeling full and acid buildup. I had my first colonoscopy/ upper endoscopy and it revealed that I have a torturous colon.I’m currently taking anti diarrheal, acid reducer and nausea meds as needed.
I’m very interested to hear about what foods are easier with this issue/ issues. I have not had much luck with most foods except bland.

Jump to this post

Shortiseltzer -- And you don't have IBS-D, right? It doesn't have to be to tortuous colon, unless the evidence points to it (stool plug, pain, etc.). And it is not bacterial as they have checked that? I know my general anxiety can really set off my IBS, in addition to most foods. The gut-brain connection is really a thing for me. A doctor will often diagnose IBS after all other things are ruled out.

REPLY
Profile picture for researchmaven @researchmaven

I hope the MD finds a fix. If they do not, try changing how you eat if you haven't already. A liquidy diet for most meals helps me (I eat a lot of thin but nutritous, high protein hot cereals, smoothies and soups). Plus an extremely limited diet, which I believe is unique to me. While trying to find out what to do, I lost 25 lb and became underweight. I am now normal weight. Good luck and there is hope!

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Thank you, I am 43 and down to 108lbs, definitely underweight. I have limited my diet as I’m a server and cannot run to the bathroom in a moments notice. Beyond that, I hate having to plan my day around how close a restroom is. I have always been a “picky eater” but I have become extremely picky since dealing with this. Sometimes I give in to my food urges but end up paying for it in the long run. (No pun intended)

REPLY
Profile picture for slkanowitz @slkanowitz

A torturous redundant colon can cause diarrhea if your bowel get so full of stool that liquid stool is forced around the hard stool that cannot be passed. This causes weight loss because you cannot eat when your G.I. tract is so full. that’s what makes you feel so bloated and uncomfortable. A CT scan will show a large stool burden, if that is the case. A colonoscopy does not show this since you’re cleaned out prior to the procedure.

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Thank you for your reply. No one has explained it to me like this but it makes sense. I had a CT scan a few years ago for kidney stones and a tortuous colon was never mentioned. Should I ask about a new CT scan?

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Profile picture for vicscats @vicscats

Me too starting to affect my whole life at 70
Don’t know what to do!
Vic

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I hope you find answers as well and help. Wishing you the best!

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