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 was diagnosed in May of 2021 after a routine colonoscopy and never had problems until October of 2022. For the next year - it changed my life. I was experiencing periodic severe diarrhea which went on for months. Six months later after the second colonoscopy I was told I had a "severely" tortuous and redundant colon. Laxatives and fiber never really helped bring any normalcy back to my life and I did not like taking them, especially long term. I did not want to be dependent on them. I tried drinking more and increasing fiber which I have since decided were not the right choices for me. My only problem is what I stated above. To my knowledge I do not have any other digestive/colon issues. Why would I want to put more fiber into a system that has problems eliminating daily and has more places for it to hide or stick around longer. I decided to try a product I saw on Facebook, Emma. If you want, check it out. Be sure to check all the ingredients. I am sure it is not for everyone. But for me it has made a real difference. I am able to go daily, easier, and less gas. I did also contact the company with my specific problem and asked when should I be taking it and can I take more that 2 pills a day. I received a prompt response which has been helpful in my situation. I can take up to 4, but by adding gradually. I should be taking it with 8 ounces of water "after" a meal. Good to know. I have never taken 4 but on occasion I have take one extra capsule. I was choosing to use Smooth Move Tea about once a month, if needed but I hope that won't be necessary now. I have been taking Emma since the middle of October. Healing takes time and healing won't make the tortuous redundant colon go away but hopefully the real problem won't control my daily activities and I will feel confident to go out and do things again. Occasionally I still get pain in the center of my abdomen right under my rib cage that feels like something is stuck or having difficulty moving so I use heat and massage to help. But it is not nearly as often as before. Eating smaller meals is also helpful for me, especially in the evening. Maybe this will help someone.

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Profile picture for thinkfirst20020 @thinkfirst20020

I just learned I too have a "a tortuous colon" after having a routine colonoscopy. I've also been told (long ago) I ahve a "tilted pelvis" ; something exercise also does not change. I am very short-waisted and short (5'2) as well. I am wondering if those of us who are short waisted are at an increased risk for having "a tortuous colon". No matter how in shape I am and how little I weight, I can't reduced my waist. I buldge a bit where I have a lateral c-section scar. Yet, I run and do other exercises, eat well, maintain a low body weight, etc. Yet have what looks like a flabby abdomen. I am wondering if my being short waisted and short contributes. Seems like it world. How about others with " tortuous colon" any very tall people have a tortuous colon?

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It may be one possibility. I’m not short waisted though and was not told this after a previous colonoscopy, nor did I feel the effects until shortly before this last one.
I believe this was caused by the incessant powders a functional dr had prescribed. Even when I reported the concerns, she did not wish to change the protocol and attributed the situation to other possibilities, sending me to other drs. Although I stopped her specific protocols when it didn’t appear she was listening, the damage was done.
So I believe there are different reasons for this to evolve.

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Profile picture for thinkfirst20020 @thinkfirst20020

I just learned I too have a "a tortuous colon" after having a routine colonoscopy. I've also been told (long ago) I ahve a "tilted pelvis" ; something exercise also does not change. I am very short-waisted and short (5'2) as well. I am wondering if those of us who are short waisted are at an increased risk for having "a tortuous colon". No matter how in shape I am and how little I weight, I can't reduced my waist. I buldge a bit where I have a lateral c-section scar. Yet, I run and do other exercises, eat well, maintain a low body weight, etc. Yet have what looks like a flabby abdomen. I am wondering if my being short waisted and short contributes. Seems like it world. How about others with " tortuous colon" any very tall people have a tortuous colon?

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Yes. I have tortuous colon. Unfortunately, I had lap band and later reversal. Bad decision. Now I am struggling with shortness of breath. Working hard to reduce. Gastroenterologist told me I may have partial blockage of blood getting to abdomen.
Scheduled to do Hydrogen breath test, CT abdomen, c rays and another test.
Yes. I am tall, short waisted and overweight, but I am trying to get better like others.
Tks for your thoughts.

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I just learned I too have a "a tortuous colon" after having a routine colonoscopy. I've also been told (long ago) I ahve a "tilted pelvis" ; something exercise also does not change. I am very short-waisted and short (5'2) as well. I am wondering if those of us who are short waisted are at an increased risk for having "a tortuous colon". No matter how in shape I am and how little I weight, I can't reduced my waist. I buldge a bit where I have a lateral c-section scar. Yet, I run and do other exercises, eat well, maintain a low body weight, etc. Yet have what looks like a flabby abdomen. I am wondering if my being short waisted and short contributes. Seems like it world. How about others with " tortuous colon" any very tall people have a tortuous colon?

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Profile picture for lesliedenny @lesliedenny

I was just diagnosed after a painful colonoscopy. Unfortunately, the doctor didn’t stop to talk aboutit so I am doing my own research. For the last several years, since my last coloscopy, I have had episodes where I cannot relieve myself then it feels like I am going to pass out, followed by a drop in blood pressure with cold sweats. These episodes take up to 30 minutes to finish and I have to lie down afterward. I am wondering if they are related. I certainly appreciate everyone’s experience and input.

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I kept telling doctors that it’s not IBS. It’s closer to 7cm dilated. Sweats and contraction like pain.

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Profile picture for priyanshuh @priyanshuh

Hi, I am to suffering from the same condition
I am too having severe constipation.

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I have read on this blog that many people have benefited from magnesium supplements for constipation.

I have a "severely" redundant colon but no twisting and no pain. I have IBS-C that is caused by most types of food as well as general anxiety.

I have found that a magnesium supplement helps with both the constipation and the general anxiety -- magnesium is "proven" to actually be good for both.

As my system is sensitive. I use a gentle, low dose brand recommended by one of my doctors. Hilma Gentle Bowel Movement Support.

I take one capsule at the end of each of my three main meals, based on a study of its effect on constipation. Following the bottle's direction to take two at night didn't seem useful.

One needs to drink enough drink water when taking magnesium supplements.

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Hi, I am to suffering from the same condition
I am too having severe constipation.

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Profile picture for christine5 @christine5

Hi, the surgery went very well, helped a lot, mine was caused by chronic constipation which I still have. I had it in 2010. I'm sure technology has come a long way since then. I know it's scary but it really helped, no more trips to er for having that much pain because of it. Hope this helps

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Thank you for sharing. This is most likely the cause of mine as well.

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Profile picture for kamommy @kamommy

I’m uncomfortable with the surgical option. But, it’s hard when the pain hits and interferes with situations.
How long ago did you have it done and results- pro or con, please?

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Hi, the surgery went very well, helped a lot, mine was caused by chronic constipation which I still have. I had it in 2010. I'm sure technology has come a long way since then. I know it's scary but it really helped, no more trips to er for having that much pain because of it. Hope this helps

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Profile picture for christine5 @christine5

I had surgery to correct mine, spent 5 days inpatient. Helped a ton w spams, pain, trips to er and such. They only took 24 inches, it was looped up over my liver. Best wishes

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