Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

redundant/tortuous colon definition - if your colon measures longer than five feet, it will contort itself so that it can fit into your abdomen. The extra loops and bends that form result in a condition known as tortuous or redundant colon. You may have some digestive discomfort such as constipation and cramping, but often there are no issues. So, you may be the "often no issues" or if you have issues a gastroenterologist can tell the severity of it from an xray or scan that you had done or will have one done. Not to panic, but important to know what a gastroenterologist diagnoses.

I'm just finding out I have this. according to my radiologist who read my xray to look at a kidney stone. I was shocked and I'm clueless about this thing.

I just read I have one too. Any tips ? 44 M

I too have a redundant/tortuous colon. I get so tired of trying to get people to understand why I eat the way I do and why a laxative or whatever doesn't work for me - but you look so good(they say!) This all started after my appendectomy when I was 9. By 16 I was covered with abdominal adhesions and had emergency surgery resulting in a too long and twisted colon. Add on 3 more surgeries for Ovarian Cancer and a colonoscopy diagnosing a tortuous colon. After my last surgery in 2016 (8 hours of cutting out scar tissue & cancer) my gynecologic oncologist said "no more colonoscopies or surgeries, it's too dangerous." I have tried it all: hi fiber/low fiber, no flour products, no meat and everything on the market including prescription (Linzess was a total failure). I also have chemo induced peripheral neuropathy in my whole body. I exercise daily. Since 2014 I have lost 30 pounds and medical documents identify me as having anorexia (not anorexic). Gastroenterologists ask, "What do you want me to do, look at your medical history." So, yes, I have a redundant/ tortuous colon. I can't travel and I only eat salads (occasional soup) when we go out to eat. I get so excited on days I don't have to use a suppository or an enema and actually have a bowel movement on my own:)
Seems like I've said too much. It is good to know that others have these problems.

Hi. I have the same issue. I eat healthy, drink water, exercise, walk and practice yoga. I'm only 5'2" and have the longest colon with many twists and turns. I can't have a colonoscopy because if this. I usually do well if I stick to my routine at home. I think I get triggered from stress and traveling. Chia seeds work well for me. I've tried all the remedies the docs prescribe. None of them work. I take a magnesium supplement (magnesium oxide) also. Magnesium citrate doesn't work for me.

How horrible for you. I know what works for one person may not help another, but the only thing that breaks thru for me is Australian black licorice. Works better for me than miralax.

@jkarmazin i never liked over the counter "fiber". Found they absorbed all the water from my system instead of helping and adding it. I take magnesium aspartate at bedtime for overnight cramping. I also actually found that eating an apple a day added fiber!! Also dried apricots and prunes. I also occasionally take Betaine HCL with Pepsin to help my food metabolize since my sigmoid colon was taken during colostomy resect surgery and thyroid gone, I believe 2 out of the 3 mechanisms of metabolism, and a diagnosed rectal issue as well. Maybe you are not metabolizing your food and therefore not only hard to pass stool, not getting the nutrients you need from your food.

I really truly think the squatty potty (Squatty Potty Simple Bathroom Toilet Stool, White, 7" https://a.co/d/gCayJas) helps so much. The normal persons colon needs help getting in to the right position so people with extra colon really need help getting it in the right position and this is the thing to do it. If you're out and about, at restaurant or someone's house, look for something about the same height to use, a bathroom waste can usually works. You're already doing anything else I can think of suggesting.

I have complained for years that I can feel food to feces travel through my intestines. With doctors smiling and knodding like I'm nuts. Suffering with abnormal unexplained abdominal pain. For over two decades I have been thinking I was crazy for having pain that simply could not be explained. Which takes a toll not only physically but mentally as well. Come to find out I was previously diagnosed with a redundant tortuous colon in 2017, during my second unsuccessful colonoscopy. Which I am just learning in 2023 after having a positive Cologuard test. Come to find out I'm not crazy. All these years I have been reveling in redunt colon symptoms. With nine different episodes of severe vomiting for 3 or 4 days respectfully with each bout. My constipation is extreme and I carry massive amounts of stool. I have used everything, stool softeners, laxatives, metamucil, magnesium citrate, prep kits. I am currently using two laxatives daily to keep me going every two days. So, I am still searching for answers. Which has brought me here. Praying one of you experts has found something that works.
Currently, I'm just full of shit!

I found some abdominal massage videos on You Tube , and do them regularly. It helps. Your pamphlet from the NHS looks terrific….will try this system, which appears to be very thorough. Thank you!