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 annbk @annbk

I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read that I have a "loopy" colon. My lifelong chronic constipation suddenly made sense. For the past 20 years, I have successfully treated the problem (without knowing the cause) by eating at least 1/4 cup of amaranth per day. It works amazingly well. If anyone wants to try it and would like recipes, let me know.

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Sorry..typing stinks.

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In reply to @dedhambeth "Yes. About a cup." + (show)
Profile picture for dedhambeth @dedhambeth

Yes. About a cup.

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Yes, please. Not fsmiluar with this; woild like recipes.
LindaThomas

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Have you thought about going to Mayo? I asked because you will need a focused group of specialists I think. I hope you find help.

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Hi there,
I just found out I have this too. For the past few years I have had a terrible time digesting anything. I’m hardly ever regular. It’s either constipation or diarrhea. I had my gallbladder taken out in 2021 and it has just gotten worse. I also have other medical issues but this one hurts every day just like my failed back surgery. I felt it was important to let you know you weren’t alone. Kind regards.

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Profile picture for ssnlsh @ssnlsh

Does that work well? How much and how often?

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Yes. About a cup.

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Profile picture for annbk @annbk

I recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read that I have a "loopy" colon. My lifelong chronic constipation suddenly made sense. For the past 20 years, I have successfully treated the problem (without knowing the cause) by eating at least 1/4 cup of amaranth per day. It works amazingly well. If anyone wants to try it and would like recipes, let me know.

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Inulin, from Holland and Barret is miraculous.
It’s almost pure fibre , a dessert spoonful daily on cereal or any meal actually works wonders…
Along with a daily sachet of CosmoCol ….👌
Hope it helps , it’s taken me 60 years to find this solution…
Best,
Sheila x

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Profile picture for ssnlsh @ssnlsh

Motility Activator 3 in a.m.+2 bedtime, Mirilax twice daily, magnesium, and Atrantil, digestive enzymes, Biocidin for GI issues.

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Thank you!!!!!

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Profile picture for dedhambeth @dedhambeth

I buy a granola with amaranth and other grains in it. Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grain Granola

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Does that work well? How much and how often?

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Profile picture for heyjoe415 @heyjoe415

How have you been treating your CIC? Thanks!

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Motility Activator 3 in a.m.+2 bedtime, Mirilax twice daily, magnesium, and Atrantil, digestive enzymes, Biocidin for GI issues.

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Profile picture for ssnlsh @ssnlsh

Yes to recipes! I’ve had chronic constipation for as long as I can remember.

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How have you been treating your CIC? Thanks!

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