Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

Yes, I do! Just had a colonoscopy and this time no problems. Found one pre-cancerous polyp.

If I eat the wrong foods, I can definitely have the pain you describe. I don't eat like everyone else. I drink a lot of my food -- blended or chunky vegetable soups, cooked hot cereal, nothing raw (too hard to digest), only fish, lactaid-free milk, egg whites and protein powder. And more, but I may have more issues than you. I always drink something, to help move things along in my extra-long redundant colon. Water is great for that - just sip throughout the day.

Consider a dietitian -- one that specializes in GI issues. A lot of virtual appointments are available now, so they don't have to be within driving distance. I don't use one, but if you are looking for expert advice, that may be a good source.

A normal colonoscopy takes about 20 minutes. I have a severely redundant colon and my gastro doctor took 60 minutes to do it. I also didn't clear out completely, even with an extra day of prep. Somehow it was dealth with.

Some folks in this discussion group have a longer prep procedure -- I will try that next time when I am due. With a history of colon cancer in your family, your doctor should be taking the extra time to navigate your colon.

Hi Jayne- I have it too- apparently many more than I ever knew of & were all looking to take care of ourselves without surgery! I don’t know how that doctor can say you’d regret not having it!

I manage extremely well on the regimen I follow- I’ve just posted it on this site, this group- but please don’t lose hope. You can Do This!! Self management is the key! ❤️❤️

@burghgrl, I expanded the title of your discussion to reflect your message. You might also be interested in connecting with others living with redundant colon in these related discussions:
- Redundant Colon: What helps avoid surgery?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/redundant-colon-resulting-in-twist-in-sigmoid/
- Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/redundant-tortured-colon/

Thank you for sharing. I appreciate the transparency and feel a bit better knowing that I’m not alone in this. I’m more so scared about the fact that I could actually get blocked. I will start to be more active in pressing my doctors.

I’ve found out this year about having a redundant colon. This is very traumatic for me. I’m usually sick the majority of the time dealing with constipation. The pain of bowel movement of any kind is truly torturous in every aspect of the condition. I’m needing a doctor that has the patience to listen and understand that I need help daily. Not just from meal to meal, but the entire digestive process, of which is painful to endure constantly.

My GI said that in observational studies have proven that it matters not whether you consume nuts & seeds- in fact the more fiber the better!I would think it’s purely individual- for me I consume a LOT of fiber and drink the 64 ounces of water. I take a capful of miralax every morning, one or two taps of Jerusalem artichoke powder a day in a liquid, whole grains legumes fruit, no meat- ground flaxseed every morning in cereal, - it all -Works for me! After two coffees in the morning I start on the water- I don’t leave the house until I’ve moved my bowels! This regimen- works. Hope I’ve been helpful with this advice.

I agree. I used to think they were just a scam. But now I love it. It makes so much sense.

I found this group as I googled “ how to increase colon transit in redundant colon”. I have been struggling with constipation since childhood. Few years back , had a CT colonography that showed redundant colon. I used to think I have IBS, redundant colon seemed a better diagnosis. I manage it by eating fiber foods, wheat bread, fruits, vegetables, decreased meat, try to drink enough water but forget, FODMAPs are not good. My problem is that it takes me an hour or more in the morning (sometimes 2-3 shorter bathroom trips) to empty my bowel. I want to be done in 10-15 minutes, I’m a fast pace person ( only thing slow about me is my colon) I do thank God that my problem is manageable ( read other people’s miseries) never needed to go to ER. But I’m a physician myself so maybe I don’t get alarmed as easily as others. My 3 siblings have same problem, so probably hereditary. Just found this medicine called Motegrity that can be used although it’s very expensive and has depression as a side effect , so not going to take it. I figured a while ago that laxatives are not a good solution. The right kind of foods - some fiber , water, a low stress life, physical activity- has made this liveable for me. If I find better solutions, I’ll share. Good luck !