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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 was given the directions to take two Metamucil capsules each morning with a big glass of water. I get up early just to be able to do that and drink a cup or two of coffee. This helps me have a BM before I go to work in the morning. I also drink as much water as I can during the day. In addition, I have found that doing Intermittent Fasting has helped along with chewing my food really well. I think it is because there is less food to be digested. I also watch how much carbohydrates and dairy I consume. This has worked well for me with very few flare ups.
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1 ReactionHello group. I just found this group and need help! I have tortuous colon that has caused severe constipation. However, I have a BM every day but do not fully defecate and have a lot of gas and bloating. My Gastroenterologist put me on a cleansing dosage of Miralax and told me to repeat as necessary. I did the routine twice but didn't feel a lot better. Then he put me on 3 capfuls (morning, mid-day and night) of the Miralax a day and told me to stay on that routine. This was causing bathroom emergencies and many times I did not make it. I then cut back to 2 capfuls, same problem, then 1 capful. The bathroom emergencies are much better but I cannot sleep at night. My stomach is constantly making noises and I have to get up several times during the night because it feels like I have to go but it's only gas. I have now cut back to a half a cap of Miralax but still noisy stomach and gas. I have read that some of you take Metamucil and it helps. I thought that too much fiber caused gas and already have too much gas. I am lost at what to do!
I hear ya! I have a redundant colon and I suppose IBS-C. I keep gaining weight though yet I eat well, work out, tons of water. But I am lucky if I go once a week. Miralax/fiber/ that stuff does nothing for me. I have tried Linzess. Didn’t work. If anything made my problem worse. Was on vacation last week. Had the whole bottle of magnesium citrate. No movement til 3 days later.
I’m not sure what I can do and trying without long term side affects. Hence how I got to these lovely conversations. But the fitting in clothes and relationship issues I am with you 100%. Nice to not feel so alone since no one I know goes through any of it.
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1 ReactionWelcome, @jboe. You're not alone in having to manage constipation with a redundant colon. I moved your post to this existing discussion:
- Redundant/Tortuous Colon & Severe Constipation: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/redundanttortuous-colon-severe-constipation/
I did this so you can read previous posts and connect with other members more easily.
What have you tried so far to deal with constipation?
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1 ReactionI had bowel resection but don't recommend it unless you become completely blocked.
How do you deal with redundant colon/ severe constipation?
I also recently found out I have a redundant colon with a fixed closed Bend in the sigmoid. I've had one surgeon blow me off and tell me that either increase fiber or full colostomy bag. I know there has to be other options so I'm seeking a second opinion. I suffer with bladder issues due to the constant pressure. I struggle daily with getting things moving and the urinary issues.
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1 ReactionWell, the surgeon should be the expert on whether surgery is needed, but other gastro/surgeon opinions would be good to hear. Some doctors lean toward procedures; others don't.
I was told that I have a severe redundant colon (I do not like the "T" word). So besides adjusting my diet as others noted (and I do much more), I added Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar to my routine. I take it with food, sprinkled on it (my dose is 1/2 teaspoon, but my system is sensitive and I usually need less of what everyone else takes). For me, it moves things along in my super long colon (really well). It is a lifesaver and is noted online for IBS-C (which I also have). The vinegar perhaps softens the stool by adding more acid to my perhaps low-acid gut and digesting my food better/quicker. Note it doesn't work as well in water or after the meal (if I forgot to use it). When I get constipated, I take mineral oil at night; old-fashioned, but it adds the "slip" I need when I run afoul of my eating regime (and more noted products don't really work). Oh, and I am better without Lifeboost coffee (and I was grinding just a tablespoon of beans, 2X a day and drinking decaf). Glad it works for some 🙂
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.
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2 ReactionsI'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.
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