Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

I’ve also been suffering same issue. Been told by number of doctors that removing “part” of colon is not solution to this problem. Used to this, but not current protocol. Have you had any testing done to see if you have slow motility, like a Smart Pill or bowel marker study? A few gi’s have also told me that most people, after years of constipation, will develop a redundant/tortuous colon from the straining. That alone will not cause symptoms. There are also prescription drugs, Amitiza, Linzess, Trulance, Motegrity. Have you tried any of these? Have you visited a skilled gi? Surgery would be your last resort when none of these things provides any relief. Then, I would be sure it’s a competent colo-rectal surgeon who will discuss all your options. Best of luck to you! Oh, and if you haven’t tried it, sometimes 1 tbsp of mineral oil at bedtime does help!

I hope so as it’s so frustrating. I don’t know if you had your surgery yet or not but hope it’s a success and no more problems for you. By the way - I love your profile pic.

Yes, and according to my doctors, I have a grossly redundant colon and a doctor suggested removing part of it and said it would help me have a normal life but I did not do that. We moved out of state and the new gastroenterologist said he would never remove part of a colon unless it was a medical reason to because of a problem, but not the case with me, and he told me to take MiraLAX every morning and drink plenty of water each day for the rest of my life. After a week, the MiraLAX did its job and continues to, and if I ever eat badly with not enough water and get stopped up then I do it (take miralax) in the morning and night for a day or two. I also just recently realized I eat faster than everyone and do not chew my food so I now take the time to do that before wolfing it down. Laxatives and fiber supplements never worked for me because they create more stool and MiraLAX just brings water in to the colon. Also, once a month or so I heat up in 8 ounce glass in the morning for five days of prune juice with pulp and drink it . I don’t know if that will help but I’m thinking your doctor can advise you. (I did not want part of my colon removed because my father had that done and it created scar tissue, which created its own problem when he had a blockage that needed emergency surgery, so the thought of doing that scares me unless of course, there is a Medical need.

I also suffer from an elongated colon . I have had constipation daily for almost 24 yrs now . This problem has gotten so bad that any kind of bowel movement is extremely difficult to impossible. Eating has become an absolute no no . Laxatives do nothing. Fiber does not help. Drinking lots of water just makes me urinate more. A colonoscopy is impossible. The colonoscopy prep kit that is supposed to clean you out does absolutely nothing. Doctors have taken a CT scan of my colon so they know what I'm dealing with, but won't do anything about it. So I'm pretty much on a liquid diet. So I know what you are going through.

Yes, I am 70 and JUST found out I have a redundant/tortuous colon from a colonoscopy! So crazy- it explains the lifelong constipation, TERRIBLE colonoscopy preps ( longer colon= up all night on the toilet instead of a few hours- and even then it’s not a clean colonoscopy).
I have always just managed this on my own with fiber capsules, a handful of almonds every day. No one has ever diagnosed it before now or helped me with it. It’s a very delicate balance eating-wise for me. Can’t eat too much fiber, must get enough.
Because of this, surgeries can really mess you up because anesthesia stops your colon. So in my life I’ve had rectal surgery (in my 30s) , and after a spinal fusion I developed a rectocele. A very kind Physician’s Assistant (Michele at Dr. Penenberg’s at Cedar’s Sinai- thank you!) gave me a prescription for Movantik to take the day of my first total knee replacement surgery a couple years ago and then a few days after. Miracle! Was able to go the next day. Usually it has taken as long as 12 days after a surgery!
Moral of the story is to be very careful not to let yourself get constipated, even if you need a glycerin suppository. I make sure I go every day and don’t really leave my house until I do. So inconvenient! But it keeps me out of trouble. Easier to schedule stuff later now that I’m older, harder when I had little kids. Hang in there! You can manage it without surgery- just be very diligent.

I too found out through a colonoscopy. Very torturous and redundant. I have found Metamucil plus vitamins with a hefty glass of water and sitting with coffee each morning keeps me on a regular schedule. Along with exercise.

Karen- I'm also Karen. I feel for you because I'm having increased issues as well. I would not eat white rice - that can actually cause constipation?
I'm new to this group and even though I've struggled with this for years. I'm just now realizing what it is. Now I don't feel crazy.

Thank you for the input. I have this condition. For some reason I tried Metamucil years ago and I didn't like it- I didn't think it helped, so I stopped trying. After reading your comments, I think I'll try it again, as this is really messing with my health. Thanks.

Thank you so much for your comments. I replied to another comment that I'm just now realizing this is what I e even struggling with for years.

Thank you for your insight