Connect
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
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Connect
In my last colonscopy, my gastro doc (knowing I didn't clear out prior but not knowing I had a redundant colon) just added an additional day of liquids for me, which wasn't enough of a change for a clear-out.
Others on this forum have suggested:
1. Laxative before (1) six days before the Suprep stop eating all the listed "stop foods." four days before Suprep clear liquids only. Then the Suprep.
2. One week before, a half cap of Miralax with your normal supplements and medications. A few days before eat just jow fiber, and the day before and day of use the prep and drink clear liquids.
I will likely try No. 1 as Miralax doesn't work for me (other than making me nauseous).
Opening to hearing other prep ideas.
Thank you for sharing that information. I was diagnosed with Tortuous colon a year ago and not finding a real good diet plan. My DRs just want to prescribe more drugs and I’ve learned that the Metamucil and other brands are not what helps. Can you tell me more about the cleaning product and is it safe? Thank you.
Sheri
What is extensive about your prep, if you don't mind me asking? Mine was discovered during my first colonoscopy and I'm wondering if my prep next time will be different.
Thank you!
I have this condition but the only time it bothers me is once every three years when I have a colonoscopy. My prep is very extensive. Otherwise, I don’t think about it. We eat a lot of fruit and vegetables at our house and walk five miles every morning.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionAustralian licorice is usually sold in gourmet type candy stores. Looks similar to American licorice, but is much softer and has incredibly strong flavor. Not suggested for people who have high blood pressure, which I do, so I only eat it when I have to. 2 or 3 pieces help, but I don’t know if it will affect your herd or hiatal hernia.
Best of luck to you
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you darcystaples. Has the Cleanse More caused you any emergency bathroom situations? I just might give this a try.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionIs Australian black licorice something you eat or in pill form? Also, I have gerd and hiatal hernia so I have to be careful about what foods trigger an extreme discomfort episode.
I was diagnosed with tortuous colon 2 years ago and after a lot of trial and error found that working with elimination of food triggers as well as food that has slow transit time like meat helps. Also stomach massage in the morning before getting out of bed in a clockwise manner. The supplements I take nightly are magnesium O7 and Cleanse More by Renew Life. It has also been my experience that stress plays a big part of this issue. Good luck. My background is nutrition and massage therapy. Metamucil just clogged me up and caused painful gas. I am 70
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI was informed of my tortuous/redundant colon after 1st colonoscopy many years ago, but have had several colonoscopies since then. Assume the process may take a bit more time to navigate camera through the colon.
Last procedure removed some polyps but 2 were in deep folds, requiring special surgeon to remove.
Interesting comment about feeling full after eating a small amount! Same here, with no explanation. Will ask my Gastro doctor about the colon possibility.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction