Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

I talked to a general surgeon and urologist this last month and they explained that in seniors the small and large bowel tend to sag as we get older. The tissues that hold our organs in place start to lose their integrity. This is exacerbated by surgeries. In women the uterus shrinks and allows the bowels fill that space. In women who have had a hysterectomy, the rearrangement can be quite pronounced. The major place that a kink can occur is where the rectum and sigmoid join. All this things can lead to pressure on the bladder as well. The urologist said the number one cause of inability to urinate in older women is chronic constipation pushing on the urethra. In men, prostate problems and the inability to urinate can put pressure on this same area. So basically, there is a train wreck in our lower left abdomen.
What I have figured out for myself because I do not want to become dependent on laxatives or their side effects, is to give myself a 250 ml enema with warm plain water every evening before I take a shower. I found on the internet a small "bucket" enema with a very small tube for insertion into the rectum. This is far less difficult to use and to clean than the standard enema bottle and large wand. I am guessing that by clearing out and adding moisture to this area, I am relieving this "kink" area. With this method, I always have a large bowel movement every morning upon rising and sometimes a second in late afternoon. It also solves the problem of incomplete emptying. I have almost completely eliminated the agonizing left-sided pain that I have had since January of 2022. Of course, I also eat lots of vegies and fruits and whole grains etc, etc. It generally takes about 20 minutes to complete all the task including clean up. I hope that this continues to work.

I had severe left side pain last year from June into January of this year. Numerous ER visits with C/T scans and X-rays. No one ever determined actual cause. Then suddenly woke up one day and it was gone. Nothing different. Colonoscopy in February was when my gi said extremely tortuous colon. Secret, don’t get constipated. So I’ve been doing relatively well. Then a week ago, BAM, pain is back! I am in misery. I do not get it. Nothing different. Not constipated. And my dang pcp will not order an X-ray . My gi can’t because my hospital won’t accept orders from out of state. I tried qcare and she said I’d have to have my pcp order it. I’m dying here. I don’t want to go to er. My 3 grandsons are due here in a few hrs to stay for 3 days.

At my last Colonoscopy my colon was described as redundant also. It was explained to me that it wasn’t pathological, more of an anatomical anomaly. And it can lead to constipation and other awful symptoms. There are many natural avenues of dealing with constipation and also pelvic floor remedies if that’s the problem. But a surgical intervention/ resection? Lucky for you the surgeon was not a greedy bastard. ( last part was commentary only).

Epsom salt does not have this issue as the body processes it as Magnesium. It is not a stimulant laxative, therefore, no need to worry about your intestines to stop functioning over time. It is generally safe and quite effective.

Just some clarifications here--my 86ish lb.
weight loss was very gradual and intentional, over 14 months. At 254 lbs it was a necessity for me. My doctor warned me of senna and stool softeners and doesn't want me on those on a regular basis. I was told that miralax and my magnesium chloride are fine to take every day in small amounts forever. But yes the body can get dependent on senna products. I appreciate everyone's support! I have yet another stupid colonoscopy on September 7 and I'll let you know if it actually works.

Oh. I just wanted to say to be careful taking those laxatives..OTC or not, they should only be used for a short period of time…your body can get used to them & mess everything up…like not being to “go” w/out them…& dehydration

1st, congrats on weight loss…if it was intended. I’m not sure what good a colonoscopy can be if cancer isn’t a chance. These “GI” clinics are popping up all over, & that is ALL they do. If anyone on this site had a colonoscopy that actually found something besides ‘roids , polyps or diverticula, I’d be surprised if it’s more than a handful. It’s like colonoscopies are the big $$ maker now days

You may want to check out some of my previous posts regarding the low-fiber diet, especially if you are eating a high-fiber diet or taking fiber supplements hoping it will help. Again, this has been helpful for ME, but may not necessarily be the answer for you. But most on this group have found that drs aren’t often very helpful with ideas for this condition and we’ve gotten better advice from each other.
Note: caution with Smooth Move Tea! High senna content! May prefer to try Prunelax mini tabs first. Or just regular senna tablets. I learned this the hard way!

I have been diagnosed with torturous colon. Several digestive tests were negative; I tried the fodmap diet for a month with no change. My only symptom is an enlarging stomach that I first felt about 2 years ago. It is still expanding, and now up to the waist. The gastroenterologist reported there is nothing that can be done.

I am puzzled about why a torturous colon results in an expanding stomach. I don't have much gas, nor bowel or digestive problems. There is no pain, but increasing discomfort.
Has anyone had this problem and gotten help for it?

Oh, I forgot…no, I’m not constipated, leaning towards the other way, which is (was) my normal up until…?