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Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?
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 had 2 colonoscopy this year in April and June neither could be complete because of this extra long colon. My problem is I wasn’t going to poo and I would have to take 2 laxatives on Tuesday to go on Wednesday. My family doctor put me on 4 8oz of Miralax, 2 stool softeners and 3 fiber daily. I was pooping like a little kitten after that. The gastroenterologist took me off all that put me on Linzess, said he would not suggest surgery at this time cause I have a lot of scar tissue after several surgery’s. Now I’m not going again.
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1 ReactionI have this, too. Seeking to find what works. Taking Linzess but very expensive. My doc said no fiber supplements. Thanks to all who comment.
DEA3
I take magnesium citrate at bedtime with because it may work best overnight to relieve constipation. However, I understand that if you have an allergy to histamine, acv can cause constipation and bloating. I think Dr. Will Bulsiewicz suggested this in his latest book.
Colace is a stool softener. I take those regularly, along with a probiotic daily. If things get sluggish, I will add psyllium fiber or Senokot tablets before bed. This regimen usually works well.
In cases where these aren’t working, I will add a low dose Prunelax. Yes, it is Senna extract, so if you may not need the tea. The Prunelax always gets me going in balance again.
Let me know how it works for you!
I am glad you're going to try swim therapy--I teach swimming lessons I find it to be both very mentally and physically helpful for my well being!
You have a lot going on, prayers for you feeling your best soon!
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1 ReactionHas anyone on this list tried apple cider vinegar at bedtime (several Tbs) or Magnesium citrate? I’ve heard that these can be helpful for the constipation side of this problem.
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1 ReactionCongratulations on your weight loss! Wow, what an amazing accomplishment! You are obviously very dedicated to lose 90 lbs in just over a year.
Being new to tortuous colon myself, I’m also reading and researching what to do about it. Ideally natural solutions are best! I’m simply getting through the immediate symptoms as I make adjustments in diet and find what works. I have tried some flavored water and added lime and lemon as you suggested. I have an alkaline water machine and I like the flavor of the water. It’s just an adjustment like anything else. Sounds like you do plenty of water. I’m surprised it doesn’t help more.
My pain is from a few sources. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2003. It knocked me off my feet! I was on disability within 2 years of the diagnosis. I had severe symptoms and it took me years to make necessary adjustments to deal with them. I’m doing much better but have bad days. After an injury, I began having back pain. Years later I have some serious problems with nerve compression in my spine, degenerative disk disease, bulging disks, etc. I do what I can to cope with pain but have decided to look into some treatment options. I want to see if they will provide enough relief to get me moving more so I can start swim therapy and be more mobile. I’m at the point I’m pretty limited due to pain. I’m in the process of stopping pain medication so withdrawal is a factor in this. Now the colon diagnosis!
I’m optimistic! I incorporate modern medicine and a holistic approach to my treatment plan! Balance in everything! It’s a life style change!
I’d enjoy hearing how you’re doing and what you find to help. I’m happy to share what helps me!
Clutch! What is Colace caplets? I just ordered Prunelax. I wonder if I should do Smooth Move tea AND Prunelax, they both have senna in them? So, you do Prunelax, Colace and probiotic? You are in as bad of a shape as I am. Sometimes I look at our countertop and all I see is poop stuff...(Miralax, Fiber, Smooth Move, Psyllium)...that's a lot of stuff I have. Now I'll add Prunelax. I'm becoming a collector!
Clutch...Thanks! I try anything. I'll give this a shot. I just don't understand my body, some days are good and others aren't and I can't figure what it is that makes the difference.
@jaleh ,
An added comment on Prunelax:
Prunelax recommended dosage is 1-3 tabs before bed. Both times I have used it, I only needed 1 tablet. Once regular, I can pretty much stay that way with excercise, plenty of water, a good probiotic, and Colace caplets (2).
If the balance gets out of kilter, I’m right there on it to get back in rhythm, as I stated in previous comments.
Let me know what works, or doesn’t.
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