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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I’ve been on this site awhile and always responded to posts. However, I cannot for the life of me figure out how to start a new post. Anyone give me advice?

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My gastro doctor has recommended I have a bowel resection due to chronic bouts of diverticulitis and diverticulosis. The last bout I had left me badly inflamed and in pain and tenderness long after the infection had cleared. I am hopeful this intervention will rectify this problem, which is a by product of my redundant colon. Anyone out there had bowel resection surgery?

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@danwg

I had the exact same diagnosis after my last colonoscopy two years ago. Never even spoke to the doctor after the procedure.I do have issues with occasional cramping. I have found that Metamucil and a cup of coffee in the morning works for me, but I never had a issue with constipation yet. In fact the opposite occasionally, not diarrhea but three to four bowel movements a day.

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Over the past year or so I've had issues with being gassy, bloated and often constipation. I had attributed the gas and bloating to menopause. There are times when I go once a day and others we I will go up to 4 days before finally having a bowel movement. I had already started drinking a tea called smooth move that has a gentle laxative effect that seems to keep me a bit more regular.

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@kizso

I just had my colonoscopy yesterday and was told the procedure was difficult due to significantly tortuous colon. That's it, they didn't say anything else about it, offer suggestions on how to deal with it, nothing. I did also have 2 polyps removed and they noted multiple diverticula throughout my colon. They did recommend my next scope happen in 3 years or sooner depending on the pathology report.
This was not the case with my last colonoscopy 5 years ago so the tortuous colon has developed over that time. In the last year or two I have had issues with constipation, bloating, gas, discomfort and weight gain. I am very concerned about the possibility of obstruction and committed to finding the best ways deal with this condition and reduce symptoms.
My thanks to all those sharing tips for what works best for you. I already drink lots of tea but plan to switch to plain water, add more fruits and vegetables, and possibly Benefiber to see if that helps.

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I had the exact same diagnosis after my last colonoscopy two years ago. Never even spoke to the doctor after the procedure.I do have issues with occasional cramping. I have found that Metamucil and a cup of coffee in the morning works for me, but I never had a issue with constipation yet. In fact the opposite occasionally, not diarrhea but three to four bowel movements a day.

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Individual, of course, but lots of fiber is not always best. I would increase gradually. Fiber can get “stuck” in the twists and turns as it is slow or doesn’t fully digest when reaching the colon. Research soluble vs insoluble fiber as that is a big difference. Again, very individual and you do what is best and works for “you”.

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@annewithane

Hi kiszo,
Sorry you also have this problem😢 I highly recommend you have a Bowel Transit Study done. It's an easy procedure, inexpensive and you will learn the shape of your colon - great to know where to do colon massage and the x-rays will show up any obstructions.
Molaxole is the most gentle laxative I've had in 35 years of this constipation problem. Apparently it has electrolytes in it which has to be good for you.
Wishing you all the best💞

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Thank you! I will definitely check into having a Bowel Transit Study!

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@kizso

I just had my colonoscopy yesterday and was told the procedure was difficult due to significantly tortuous colon. That's it, they didn't say anything else about it, offer suggestions on how to deal with it, nothing. I did also have 2 polyps removed and they noted multiple diverticula throughout my colon. They did recommend my next scope happen in 3 years or sooner depending on the pathology report.
This was not the case with my last colonoscopy 5 years ago so the tortuous colon has developed over that time. In the last year or two I have had issues with constipation, bloating, gas, discomfort and weight gain. I am very concerned about the possibility of obstruction and committed to finding the best ways deal with this condition and reduce symptoms.
My thanks to all those sharing tips for what works best for you. I already drink lots of tea but plan to switch to plain water, add more fruits and vegetables, and possibly Benefiber to see if that helps.

Jump to this post

Hi kiszo,
Sorry you also have this problem😢 I highly recommend you have a Bowel Transit Study done. It's an easy procedure, inexpensive and you will learn the shape of your colon - great to know where to do colon massage and the x-rays will show up any obstructions.
Molaxole is the most gentle laxative I've had in 35 years of this constipation problem. Apparently it has electrolytes in it which has to be good for you.
Wishing you all the best💞

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I just had my colonoscopy yesterday and was told the procedure was difficult due to significantly tortuous colon. That's it, they didn't say anything else about it, offer suggestions on how to deal with it, nothing. I did also have 2 polyps removed and they noted multiple diverticula throughout my colon. They did recommend my next scope happen in 3 years or sooner depending on the pathology report.
This was not the case with my last colonoscopy 5 years ago so the tortuous colon has developed over that time. In the last year or two I have had issues with constipation, bloating, gas, discomfort and weight gain. I am very concerned about the possibility of obstruction and committed to finding the best ways deal with this condition and reduce symptoms.
My thanks to all those sharing tips for what works best for you. I already drink lots of tea but plan to switch to plain water, add more fruits and vegetables, and possibly Benefiber to see if that helps.

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@trishh

@sallyw133 I so understand. My husband and I are separated, he got crazy and I had to leave my beloved Florida to move back to hills. So upsetting. Which makes health issues worse.
Anyway, I wish you the best. I am suffering so this morning where I had the endometrial biopsies. It may be November before they get me in to check for cancer! My GP told me to be patient yesterday as I couldn't get in any sooner elsewhere. I am so tired of it all. Feel like my tortuous colon is hurting in response to where they did biopsies???
Very sensitive to procedure due to small fiber neuropathy which affects organs too.
We got to hang on my friend, our health care system is a mess. I am disabled RN and sad at lack of care and nurses leaving.
Hugs... ❤️

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Hugs to you, as well!

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@anniez

Yes, I have it. Years ago surgery at 28 for exploratory lap. Had history exposure to chemicals in research lab. Saw this diagnosis on my CT colonography scan in 2017 after my new GI doc couldn’t get a regular or pediatric scope in. I’m in my 70s. I’m careful about food choices as I also have diverticuli. A damaged ileocecal valve from previous colonoscopy also makes things challenging. I would recommend the Monash university app as it is best I’ve found so far. It is often the quantity of certain things eaten. A strict fodmap diet can cause nutrition problems over a long haul. It is not free app, about $8. I’m retired NP and diabetes educator. I’ve seen the wide swings in dietary advice. It can be confusing. Different health care providers don’t always have good background in nutrition. Moderation in all things. Good luck.

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Thank you for the response and I hope you have more good days than bad. I'm just tired of being in pain and seeing my life pass by. This was definitely not the life I had in mind growing up lol. Gotta take one day at a time and enjoy the good days as much as possible.
Just turned 50 and boy do I miss working and doing all kinds of things that I can't do now. Best wishes for us all ❤️

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