Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

Not really sure what works anymore. Where did you get this?

I was glad to hear that after your conversation with your husband, you had the hope and energy to keep searching for answers, as are we all here.

I read your contact with the motility specialist as she simply didn't have any answers so seized on the easy out of "It's all in your head." Is it possible that you have been written off as depressed in your medical record which reduces any effective intervention and the doctors can focus on easier cases with a clear conscience?

Reading Mayo Clinic's Drugs and Supplements very long entry for the Citalopram (Oral Route) she suggested is concerning.

My "NotMoff" name is based on Dr. Moff's laughing reply to my question as to how to reduce my obstipation impactions. He suggested I stand in front of the laxative aisle at Walgreens and try things randomly. He also commented casually that I had an incredibly tortuous colon (not in my medical records and news to me) as he rushed off to a waiting colonoscopy.

When I asked my internist for ideas, she said to try an out of Kaiser resource.

It doesn't appear to me there are many good answers out there. But I keep reading whatever I can find on the subject, walk daily to get my intestines moving, drink chia water, eat dried figs & prunes, take Miralax about 1/week, Smoothe Move about 2/month, do my own abdominal massage, and when my rectum is packed solid but reluctant to release, use manual extraction. I hope this isn't tmi.

As a relative newcomer to this group I wonder how many "graduates" there are . . .

Sure-I take about 1/8 of a teaspoon every evening.
I spent less than $10 on this container and I still have a ton left--I've had it since January.
I hope the pic comes through.
Does mag oxide work ok?

Thank you for your kind words. Was very despondent last night. Feeling a little better about everything today. Realized after talking with my husband that I basically have been managing this on my own anyway, so nothing really is any different. I guess I was just hoping this dr was going to be the one that would be more “hands on” with helping with that. I’m going to take some ideas I’ve gotten from this site and try adding them in a little at a time. I did find a new dr I’m going to call in am. Thanks again for your supportive words words. Means so much coming from those who truly get it!

Can you tell me how much magnesium chloride you are taking? I’ve been using mag oxide. Never heard of chloride.

Sorry, I wasn’t specific enough. I do eat carbs, pasta, potatoes and bread, etc. Colonoscopy showed lactose so had to cut cheeses, etc, Most of my foods are pretty soft, veggies, fruits, chicken, I find beef constipating..
Also, my Gastro had put me on a stool softener. But I no longer need it so I cut it out. Now I take a laxative stimulant, because of incomplete evacuation. IBS complicates life too.
Trial and error.

Just a few questions. Wondered with all “soft” foods, is there enough “bulk” to keep things moving? Also, I don’t see any carbs. Is there a reason for that?

Thank you Colleen for putting my message in the right place, I appreciate it! I have had success with the miralax and the magnesium chloride, but the magnesium chloride is literally the ONLY thing that's helped me have regular bowel movements every day like normal people. The magnesium chloride was actually just recommended by an acquaintance who had digestive issues too. The doctors seem to have no idea why there is blood in the stool still, but seems it's suspected that it's due to all of the bends in my colon. Odd thing though is it's never done that bleeding thing until around December 2021. It's a bit scary, but I am not sick in any other way. They also say that the colon is enlarged due to a lot of gas in there. I have always had a lot of gas and I usually feel bloated most of the time even though I've lost 88 lbs ( yes intentionally and slowly!)
Any advice or words of experience are helpful on this even if it's not exactly the same I'd appreciate hearing from people thank you!!!

I completely understand your frustration, mostly because we are in the same boat with the redundant colon. I also have a side order of Crohn's disease, which makes things interesting. I too have had experience with certain "expert" doctors who don't seem to have a clue, sometimes the one we've waited the longest to see. It's especially infuriating when they treat you like you don't know what your own body is telling you, isn't it ? Many of us have had that same experience, and It's easy to feel like we've somehow slipped through the cracks of the medical system. There are many days that I feel like I am treating myself with the help of Dr. Google and an occasional tele-med visit with my GI doctor, who is in another city. He's pretty good, but he doesn't have all the answers either. I wish I had some words of wisdom for you other than "hang in there" or "thoughts and prayers" and that kind of stuff. I will say that I have learned a lot from forums such as this one. Some of it worked for me and some of it didn't. But it's hard to separate the good from the not so good. So I keep plugging away. My current strategy is a combination of things I've learned from other people, along with an Rx from my GI doc. Mostly it works, but it seems like I'm always tweaking it. Don't give up. And don't give up on finding the right doctor for you. There are some out there.......

I certainly understand why you’re ready for answers and help! I’m going through something similar right now with my health. It can be frustrating to be patient dealing with our medical system. So much has changed since Covid. And I’ve had to wait months to get an appointment with a specialist. In February I found myself at the emergency dept one night after 11 days without a BM. It took 9 weeks to get into see my gastroenterologist then a week for the colonoscopy. I was diagnosed with Tortuous colon in May. I’ve had IBS for years also.

What is happening with your colonoscopy prep that you’re not clear for your colonoscopy? I know that’s really necessary for a look at your colon. Does your Dr have any idea why your bleeding? Are you waiting to get those questions answered?

I’m just now figuring out what to do for Tortuous colon. I’ve been reading about it online. This is a great place for information and support. I’ve been reading about food and natural ways to keep things moving! I’ve increased my water intake. I’m taking softeners every evening right now. My stomach is pretty bloated and some days I’m not as comfortable as others, that’s for sure!

Personally, I would call my drs office if I’ve waited several days for them to call me. If you need an appointment, kindly remind them you’d like to schedule it. I consider it advocating for myself! Unless there is a reason for the wait?

I’m glad you reached out! It really helped me to share my concerns about this diagnosis!