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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@notmoff ,
The two active ingredients are dried Selena leaf extract and dried Plum extract.
The regular strength worked very well for me and I did not even use the full recommended dosage.
Let me know what you try that does or doesn’t work.
@jaleh
Prunelax is an herbal, non-stimulant, supplement in tablet form. It is OTC and comes in regular and maximum strength. It helped me get regular when other supplements didn’t and many on Connect have tried it, successfully. It would not be for everyday use, but when things get sluggish and you need a big push, Prunelax comes through!
Easily accessible on Amazon. You might try it….nothing to lose! Let me know how things work out.
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I have redundant colon and chronic constipation. I am currently on the highest dose of Linzess in the morning and Miralax and stool softener at night. I have diarrhea in the morning and cannot leave the house until many hours after taking the Linzess so I try to take the Linzess as early as possible (4 am or 5 am). That way, I am usually done by 10 am or so.
This works for a while then I ultimately become constipated again. When I am constipated, I have many gassy "break-through" bowel movements resulting in very little stool. My gastro doctor said this is because only small amounts of stool can make its way through my colon when there is a large amount of stool in the colon. I have pain in my mid left abdomen under my rib cage all the time. At first I thought it was from constipation and then I thought it was because I take too many laxatives but it really doesn't seem to matter - it's there all the time.
Then, when I am constipated, I have to take Magnesium Citrate to empty out. That is hard to swallow, literally.
I am on a high fiber diet in addition to taking Benefiber twice a day. I see a lot of people suggest chia seeds and am thinking of adding that into my diet. I eat lots of fruits and vegetables but never raw vegetables - too much gas pain. VERY little sugar or carbs. I have lost about 20 pounds since this all started last July (not intentionally). I do not want to lose any more weight.
Honestly, I am tired of living like this. I know it's not a death sentence, but it affects every aspect of my life.
I really appreciate this platform. Thanks for listening.
Very sad to read the previous comments. Ive been there, finally diagnosed with the tortuous colon, after many gastro Dr's just kept telling me to take miralax. After being diagnosed, Dr. told me to eat rice and potatoes!! He put me on a prescription stool softener, a prescription for inflammation.
Instinctively I felt that his food recommendation didn't make sense, I went to a certified nutritionist and after meeting and discussing all issues, including IBS, she scheduled 6 meetings. I was given a folder with a very specific protocol of what to eat, menu's, smoothies with protein powder, and raw veggies and fruits, soups, softer foods. She added some supplements, and I have finished my 6 appointments with her.
After many a few months, I was able to stop the softener, but I do take an over the counter laxative/stimulant for incomplete evacuation. I am 81 yrs old and rectal muscles not up to par. I have a bowel movement every morning. I highly recommend finding a certified nutritionist.
Thank you for your reply and info! I appreciate hearing from people with the same type of circumstances.
I do drink a lot of water, actually 64-80 oz. a day at least. I have been on a weight loss program for a bit over a year and have lost about 90 lbs (so now apparently my colon doesn't fit in me anymore lol).
I know water is kind of boring, but maybe try a flavor with it like some lemon or lime?
I got an appointment to talk to the doctor but it's not until July 20! I just reminded them that I still have blood in my stool and asked if I should do anything else besides the laxatives and they said no. It's weird, but my health is very good except for that, so I'm lucky. I just don't want to become anemic. No signs though.
Does your chronic pain come from your colon problem or is that something else?
Best wishes! -Kathy
I just googled Prunelx and it has senna, which smooth move tea does also(I do it every night). I did metamucil AND smooth move for a while. What it did was that I would have really good BMs but then I feel bloated and awful after a few hours.
Can you tell me what regiment you do every day? How often? I feel like my body gets used to something and then rejects it.
clutch: I have tried everything. I go days that I feel great, then it stops. It feels like my body gets used to it and then wants it changed. I do Miralax and smooth move tea every day. I feel good in the morning after BM, then after a few hours I feel like sh.t! I did do prunes for a while but that didn't help either. What is prunelax? I don't how anyone can go for a day without having some kind of BM. I am thinking that I should go a major place like Mayo clinic to deal with this. It's overwhelming me and I don't like it.
Constant constpation can lead to Stercoral Ulcer. My wife has them , I can't find any answers accept Mira Lax once a day and Meta Mucil twice a day .It keeps her poop flowing Soft and Brown and includes frequent diaper changes . The only pain Med is maintain the right Diet that doesn't cause impaction and pain . Me I just eat a diet plan of approved foods list that was given to me by my Certified Licenced Holistic Naturo Pathic Doctor . Nothing prepared , bagged , or boxed . They can be raw or cooked and if I eat a little dirt that's OK TOO !
Just like MAMA used to make when I was a kid . Also cut out the salt and sugar get your tastebuds back . Don't try to live on just Meat & Potatoes & Cheeze . Three Quarters of my Plate or more is Green Veggy's with Beans & Chick Peas . Don't forget the Pro Biotics , Fermented Foods Kim Chi Etc . Limit or No Cow's Milk . A little Meat Protien adds to the flavor , I use only Spice & Herbs , Italian Herbs . Sage , Margerum , Cumin , Pepper , Curry Powder , Ginger , Turmeric , Both Raw or Dried ( raw is best )....
Now this don't work for everyone so watch what your doing . I say this works for me , and my Doctor / Dietitian worked with me to start out . MD Dietitians don't do diets the same as Naturo Paths Dietitians . You don't have to be a Vegan or Vegetarian . I also cut out Beef , Pork , Lamb ... I buy Raw Unprocessed Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts , Raw Salmon , Tuna (canned) , Cod , and other Fish , Limit Shell Fish , Shrimp , Etc ....
To answer your questions, no I haven't tried a stool softener or psyllium fiber. And I don't use Miralax or senna consistently.
Thank you for the suggestions.
I will check out the Prunelax.
Interesting that I don't see prunes in Prunelax ingredient list. Apparently the active ingredient is senna, which I also don't see (or recognize the name of).
Thanks for the idea. I think I will start with this super simple recipe mainly because I don't have any almond milk. I may add a smidgeon of cashew cream to improve its consistency and then add chopped strawberries, which I do have.
1/4 cup chia seeds
2/3 cup water