1. < Digestive Health
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Anyone else have a Redundant/Tortuous Colon?

Posted by onaquest @onaquest, Nov 7, 2018

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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Profile picture for dlydailyhope
dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Jun 11, 2025
In reply to @dori925 "Has anyone linked having a redundant colon with excessive thirst? I’m constantly thirsty day and night...." + (show)
Profile picture for dori925 @dori925

Has anyone linked having a redundant colon with excessive thirst? I’m constantly thirsty day and night. If I eat anything substantial for dinner I wake up every few hours with a dehydration headache and have to drink 20 ounces of water. I can no longer drink alcohol because it makes me too thirsty. I’ve had MRIs, and every lab test there is and all are normal. My theory is I need a lot of water to move food through, especially after I’ve taken MiraLAX. I used to be very sensitive to caffeine and maybe that helped me in the past. Now caffeine doesn’t affect me much. I’ve had a long history of GI issues my whole life. Thanks for any insights.

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@dori925
Have you had your thyroid checked?
1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24050-polydipsia
2. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/reasons-why-you-may-be-feeling-really-thirsty
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/thirst-excessive
4. https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/why-am-i-feeling-thirsty-so-often-signs-factors

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dori925 | @dori925 | Jun 10, 2025
In reply to @marmoldav "Hello. I just had my first colonoscopy and the report on it says I have a..." + (show)
Profile picture for marmoldav @marmoldav

Hello. I just had my first colonoscopy and the report on it says I have a tortuous colon. For some time now I have complained to my doctor that I get full after eating very little. I had loads of test done that tested my stomach and at what speed it emptied. They said everything was fine. I still have the problem and, to be honest, it's worse since the colonoscopy. I have had no contact from the doctor since the colonoscopy about the results (tortuous colon and a tubular adenoma) which I find strange and if I don't here soon I'm going to ask my primary care doctor what to do. I'm wondering if the tortuous colon is the cause for the full feeling and how it will effect future colonoscopies because with the tubular adenoma I think I'm gonna need colonoscopy more than every 10 years. If anyone has a similar experience I'd like to hear about it.

Jump to this post

Has anyone linked having a redundant colon with excessive thirst? I’m constantly thirsty day and night. If I eat anything substantial for dinner I wake up every few hours with a dehydration headache and have to drink 20 ounces of water. I can no longer drink alcohol because it makes me too thirsty. I’ve had MRIs, and every lab test there is and all are normal. My theory is I need a lot of water to move food through, especially after I’ve taken MiraLAX. I used to be very sensitive to caffeine and maybe that helped me in the past. Now caffeine doesn’t affect me much. I’ve had a long history of GI issues my whole life. Thanks for any insights.

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1 reply
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maykatcooper | @maykatcooper | Jun 9, 2025
In reply to @sensationalsmilesinc "I have slow colon mobility. nothing works for me. I tried every fiber supplement and prescription..." + (show)
Profile picture for sensationalsmilesinc @sensationalsmilesinc

I have slow colon mobility. nothing works for me. I tried every fiber supplement and prescription know to man. My GI put me on an old fashioned remedy. Mineral Oil and Applesauce before bed. Please talk to your GI before use. I was bed for over a year because of this issue. I went from 128lbs to 93 lbs. The reason you feel full after eating is your colon does not empyt like it should and what is in your stomach has no where to go. I get horrible spasms beneath my ribs. Actually nothing you can do but keep your colon moving. The Gi is trying to keep me away from having surgery. Good Luck...

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My surgeon didn't add the applesauce but recommended that I use 1-2 tbs (start with 1) before bed. Miralax put me in the hospital with a micro-perforation ... I too have a tortuous colon. Diagnosed at 50. I'm 73!

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beenthere25 | @beenthere25 | Jun 9, 2025
In reply to @marmoldav "Hello. I just had my first colonoscopy and the report on it says I have a..." + (show)
Profile picture for marmoldav @marmoldav

Hello. I just had my first colonoscopy and the report on it says I have a tortuous colon. For some time now I have complained to my doctor that I get full after eating very little. I had loads of test done that tested my stomach and at what speed it emptied. They said everything was fine. I still have the problem and, to be honest, it's worse since the colonoscopy. I have had no contact from the doctor since the colonoscopy about the results (tortuous colon and a tubular adenoma) which I find strange and if I don't here soon I'm going to ask my primary care doctor what to do. I'm wondering if the tortuous colon is the cause for the full feeling and how it will effect future colonoscopies because with the tubular adenoma I think I'm gonna need colonoscopy more than every 10 years. If anyone has a similar experience I'd like to hear about it.

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I was diagnosed with colon angulation post back surgery. The IM doc thought it was because of adhesions/scar tissue attached to my colon and when they straightened the spine, the angulation happened. So far, my IM doc has me taking MiraLax 2x daily. It seemed to help for awhile but now I’m back to feeling bloated, unable to pass gas, nauseated and burping constantly. Has anyone had laparoscopic surgery to clean up adhesion on an angulated colon? Also I am without a gallbladder ☹️

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standinginfaith | @standinginfaith | Jun 8, 2025
In reply to @carolynj15 "I also was told I have a moderately tortuous colon at my last colonoscopy. Was not..." + (show)
Profile picture for carolynj15 @carolynj15

I also was told I have a moderately tortuous colon at my last colonoscopy. Was not given any info on it. I also have biliary dyskinesia. Not sure what is causing the early satiety feeling and bloating. I have never had a large abdomen until now. Have always had a problem with constipation so have been taking magnesium glycinate plus started taking MiraLAX. Wish there was a book on what to do or I guess it’s trial and error.

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Prayers for you!! I was diagnosed with it too.. it's horrible!! I've been constipated all my life too.. I use Trulance and Miralax and Vanilla Plant based Ensure (5mg fiber) and Thomas multigrain English muffins.. 8 mg fiber.. and no sucralose.. sucralose will kill your good gut bacteria..also take VSL3 probiotics..I went from 135 lbs to 98 ..and now overweight at 155.. but better..was in the hospital several times for it.. got colitis and ambulanced to hospital with a B/P 60 over 40.. just couldn't pass anything.. up or out..and sweated out all my fluids!! They used to bags to hydrated me on the 45 mile drive to the hospital.. sometimes I Miralax twice a day..and really watch what I eat.. lots of water and Kinderlite (not Pedilight or Gatorade ..haves sucralose).. I'll be praying for you to find exactly what works for you..I got on my knees and cried out to God.. standing on the healing scriptures!! Lifting you up to the Lord for healing!!

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Profile picture for sensationalsmilesinc
sensationalsmilesinc | @sensationalsmilesinc | Jun 7, 2025
In reply to @carolynj15 "I also was told I have a moderately tortuous colon at my last colonoscopy. Was not..." + (show)
Profile picture for carolynj15 @carolynj15

I also was told I have a moderately tortuous colon at my last colonoscopy. Was not given any info on it. I also have biliary dyskinesia. Not sure what is causing the early satiety feeling and bloating. I have never had a large abdomen until now. Have always had a problem with constipation so have been taking magnesium glycinate plus started taking MiraLAX. Wish there was a book on what to do or I guess it’s trial and error.

Jump to this post

I have slow colon mobility. nothing works for me. I tried every fiber supplement and prescription know to man. My GI put me on an old fashioned remedy. Mineral Oil and Applesauce before bed. Please talk to your GI before use. I was bed for over a year because of this issue. I went from 128lbs to 93 lbs. The reason you feel full after eating is your colon does not empyt like it should and what is in your stomach has no where to go. I get horrible spasms beneath my ribs. Actually nothing you can do but keep your colon moving. The Gi is trying to keep me away from having surgery. Good Luck...

REPLY
Profile picture for carolynj15
carolynj15 | @carolynj15 | Jun 6, 2025
In reply to @marmoldav "Hello. I just had my first colonoscopy and the report on it says I have a..." + (show)
Profile picture for marmoldav @marmoldav

Hello. I just had my first colonoscopy and the report on it says I have a tortuous colon. For some time now I have complained to my doctor that I get full after eating very little. I had loads of test done that tested my stomach and at what speed it emptied. They said everything was fine. I still have the problem and, to be honest, it's worse since the colonoscopy. I have had no contact from the doctor since the colonoscopy about the results (tortuous colon and a tubular adenoma) which I find strange and if I don't here soon I'm going to ask my primary care doctor what to do. I'm wondering if the tortuous colon is the cause for the full feeling and how it will effect future colonoscopies because with the tubular adenoma I think I'm gonna need colonoscopy more than every 10 years. If anyone has a similar experience I'd like to hear about it.

Jump to this post

I also was told I have a moderately tortuous colon at my last colonoscopy. Was not given any info on it. I also have biliary dyskinesia. Not sure what is causing the early satiety feeling and bloating. I have never had a large abdomen until now. Have always had a problem with constipation so have been taking magnesium glycinate plus started taking MiraLAX. Wish there was a book on what to do or I guess it’s trial and error.

REPLY
2 replies
Profile picture for blessedwildapplegirl
blessedwildapplegirl | @blessedwildapplegirl | May 25, 2025
In reply to @phxbarb "I have a tortuous colon. When I had a colonoscopy, the surgeon's nurse had to press..." + (show)
Profile picture for phxbarb @phxbarb

I have a tortuous colon. When I had a colonoscopy, the surgeon's nurse had to press extremely hard over my belly and when I woke up, I was black and blue there. The doc said he had to have help to get past the "twist".

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Wow, I’ve never heard of that. I mean the bruising part. You must have quite a twist in there! I hope it doesn’t cause you too many problems. 💕

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Profile picture for phxbarb
phxbarb | @phxbarb | May 25, 2025
In reply to @blessedwildapplegirl "My late husband had a tortuous colon. He ate healthy all of his life, but when..." + (show)
Profile picture for blessedwildapplegirl @blessedwildapplegirl

My late husband had a tortuous colon. He ate healthy all of his life, but when he was in his 50’s he had to start taking Benefiber every day. That seemed to work for him and he didn’t have any problems until, when he was 72, he had sudden onset Lewy body dementia with Parkinson’s, and I cared for him for four years before he died of it, and his constipation got worse. (long story involving a temporary stay at a facility.) After that, I gave him half a capful of Miralax every day and it kept him regular. He never had to have surgery or anything, for which I’m thankful. I hope you can find something that works for you. I guess he was lucky, well, not the last part. 😪💕

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I have a tortuous colon. When I had a colonoscopy, the surgeon's nurse had to press extremely hard over my belly and when I woke up, I was black and blue there. The doc said he had to have help to get past the "twist".

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for sensationalsmilesinc
sensationalsmilesinc | @sensationalsmilesinc | May 25, 2025
In reply to @marmoldav "Hello. I just had my first colonoscopy and the report on it says I have a..." + (show)
Profile picture for marmoldav @marmoldav

Hello. I just had my first colonoscopy and the report on it says I have a tortuous colon. For some time now I have complained to my doctor that I get full after eating very little. I had loads of test done that tested my stomach and at what speed it emptied. They said everything was fine. I still have the problem and, to be honest, it's worse since the colonoscopy. I have had no contact from the doctor since the colonoscopy about the results (tortuous colon and a tubular adenoma) which I find strange and if I don't here soon I'm going to ask my primary care doctor what to do. I'm wondering if the tortuous colon is the cause for the full feeling and how it will effect future colonoscopies because with the tubular adenoma I think I'm gonna need colonoscopy more than every 10 years. If anyone has a similar experience I'd like to hear about it.

Jump to this post

I have slow colon mobility. nothing works for me. I tried every fiber supplement and prescription know to man. My GI put me on an old fashioned remedy. Mineral Oil and Applesauce before bed. Please talk to your GI before use. I was bed for over a year because of this issue. I went from 128lbs to 93 lbs. The reason you feel full after eating is your colon does not empyt like it should and what is in your stomach has no where to go. I get horrible spasms beneath my ribs. Actually nothing you can do but keep your colon moving. The Gi is trying to keep me away from having surgery. Good Luck...

REPLY
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