Anyone else have a Redundant/Tortuous Colon?

I had surgery in June 2022 for a mobile cecum. The right colon had moved to the left quadrant of my abdomen and created an obstruction. Surgeon just moved the right colon back in place. I just had a CT scan (July 2024) with contrast that showed the ileocecal valve is in the left quadrant, not the right. The radiologist didn’t even mention it as an incidental finding. But I constantly have bloating, constipation, etc. Anyone else have this happen? I had never heard of the ileocecal valve. Does Mayo perform cecoplexy? My surgeon told me in 2022 they don’t work and was thinking of removing the right colon before he moved it back in place. . Looking for viable options if there are any - hoping cecoplexy is a possibility.

Gastro. New dr? Keep going til you get some answers.
It seems as though drs don’t want to deal with this. We need to be more assertive!
Good luck to you!!!

I have not heard of apple pectin, I have tried EVERY OTC for constipation, to no avail, as well as milk o magnesia, magnesium citrate (which historically has worked, always)…but i don’t feel constipated, in fact, no urge at all. Sometimes, after long periods of not going, I’ve noticed there is NO noise…no normal gut sounds at all. I also had swelling in lower back over hip with crippling pain…was on my cane for 3-4 days , then pain stopped. So I’m walking normal now. Not to mention, brain fog. I use that term loosely, because my memory is so bad…I only notice when I do remember something. I’m tired of being in bed & crying for weeks at a time.

I’d say a gastro first. It appears we need to be straightforward and assertive with the drs.
Have you tried apple pectin? It’s a natural fiber, plus. Prunes? I can change the dosage as needed. Rhubarb, sweet potatoes, at least half your body weight in ounces of water?
Sure hope you find relief!

I’m back, after a little over a year? I go 2 wks w/out BM’s..I can’t go w/out some help..I used to be able to drink “Smooth Move” herbal tea, prune juice…after 2 weeks with no results, would take Linzess. But the pain is unbearable anymore.
I don’t know what to do…I may have said this previously, not sure, (forgive repeat if so). Had lots of pain pre rev, now it’s unbearable. I remembered the other day that my GI Dr. I had seen for 4-5 yrs told me the last time I saw her that she thought my gut issues were related to my hip implant, (at that time, it was m.o.m.)
Here I am 4yrs later & it’s just worse!
Should I see another GI or orthopedic?
Help
@sickofbeinsick

Hi JN, I am a young 63 and also have similar issues; I have a redundant colon with 13 extra inches. I have had severe constipation for 50 years. If one more doctor or therapist tells me to eat more fiber and drink more water, I am going to scream. A redundant, or tortuous colon is a "defect" in anatomy. Our colon twists and swirls and crowds in to fit. I am finally going to see a colorectal surgeon/ specialist to discuss options but thinking a colectomy will be the best, most sustainable option for me.
When you had the 14 inches of colon removed, is that the same surgery as a colectomy? Are you considering having a second colectomy?
Forgive my questions, though this has been a lifetime disorder for me, I am knew to actually trying to get real help!
Take care!
Robyn808

I had a tortuous redundant colon. I had a partial colectomy where they took out the part that was looped over my liver. I have not been back to the ER since, (for my stomach). before that I was in the ER 3 times a month with terrible pain. If your pain continues through today, I would call your doctor.

Hi! I’m so happy I found this site! I had a colonoscopy yesterday. I’m told I have a tortuous colon. Halfway into the colon the scope broke and they had to use a pediatric scope. Today I am so sore. I have been have a problem with bloating and I think it is from my colon. I was looking at the foods you shouldn’t eat and I eat all of them thinking I’m eating healthy. I go back to the doctor in a few weeks and I am going to see what he recommends. Thank you for the info I have already learned from all of you

Good luck @katey122, I found that working through the worry of always being constipated helped me too. Relaxation along with good physical activity helps and PT to learn best sitting and breathing. Also knowing coffee and smooth move are handy back ups for me helps me relax. My ND's words, "it is a condition that will need continuous intervention." It needs our attention even when we figure out our best regularity plan. The reality again is we have a longer than average pipe with proper osmotic gradient or moisture so blockage doesn't happen.
To health and regularity,
@farmersmith

Hi Jayne,
Disclaimer: This is my experience going natural. I have used organic, integrative, functional, holistic Naturopathic doctor's advice along with my MD’s since the early 1980's. There is science in alternatives too. Because I work closely with my ND, he told me to study the Migrating Motor Complex and Osmotic Gradient and he bet that I would find what worked for me. I had a longer thank normal pipe that needed consistent moisture….

I have tried laxatives and they are not consistent and have side effects like bloating, etc. And all say for occasional use. They disrupt the system if take continuously. I liked a response from a co-redundant colon person: “It’s physical” so regular constipation suggestions may not work.

Last Dec the doc had me do non sedated colonoscopy. He could get through my colon as I watched on TV. I had had a baby years ago (natural and could stand pain) so figured I could stand it – it was no big deal. Most people in world don't get put out. Very interesting and it helped allow the scope to get through because I relaxed. No wonder I had been constipation on and off starting in my teens. I’m now in my early 70’s.

OptiMag and K2+Potassium are great supps. I take them when I go to bed and once if I get up to pee. Be sure to eat prunes, winter squash, sweet potatoes, rhubarb etc in your diet. I like to grind 2T chia, T of sesame seeds and 2 T flax seeds, then soak in prune juice overnight. Take half in the morning and half at night. Throw sugar out, processed and refined foods. Drink lots of water starting with a quart of hot water in the morning - boyscouts. I start my day with regularity for BM. Coffee and Smooth Move are my back ups. I don't like coffee and never have drunk it much but it usually works for me in a pinch. Thankfully I only need coffee a few times a month.

Research of biological processes that take place in our gut is helpful:
- Migrating Motor complex which is the electroactivity in the GI tract during meals and fasting
- Osmotic gradient. If too much water is pulled into the colon, diarrhea results. If not enough water is pulled into the colon constipation results. Balance of minerals is important. Magnesium, potassium and sodium brings water into the colon. I have found balancing these help prevent constipated. I have to watch my calcium intake because it tends to encourage constipation. Calcium carbonate seems to be the most constipating. I depend on blood work from time to time to make sure my minerals are balanced.
It took me a little over 4 months to be regular and wow is it great. Good luck you can do it, @farmersmith