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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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Thank you, I will try that.
Have you tried OTC called Prunelax? It’s worked for many members here when other products have not. Definitely worth a try.
Have a look at “Prescription Assistance, a company that is legit assistance for expensive prescriptions.
$50 bucks to apply and send in proof of income etc.
I couldn’t afford my prescription for Zenpep at $1200 per month!
I get it through this company and they have been great to work with.
I DO pay around $60 a month to this company.
The costs are based on your yearly income. I’m retired and no matter HOW well you plan for retirement NO ONE expects to pay $1200 a month for one prescription!
You have to reapply on a yearly basis, and that’s no big deal.
And yes I did go through the various “appeals” process to no avail both with Medicare and Medicare supplemental insurance.
It was a complete waste of time.
Check out Prescription Assistance, they even called to check on me after my first full month!!!
They have treated me with dignity and kindness.
I hope you give them a try!
Daily exercise, including 60-70 minute brisk walk, lots of fiber including whole grains, nuts, fruits and veggies. Behavior vs. pills is better.
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1 ReactionI was prescribed Linzass, but can't afford it. Trying to find something more natural then prescription. Just started trying Coconut oil, probiotics and bone broth.
Hi @kdroud and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am glad you finally found the answer as to why this was happening. You will see that I moved your new post to an ongoing discussion about redundant colon. I did this so you could connect with other members going through similar diagnoses.
Did your doctor prescribe anything for you to counteract the constipation?
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1 ReactionHello everyone! I found out last year that I have a redundant colon. I've had issue with constipation for several years so it was good to finally find out why. My question is what has worked for others to help elevate the constipation? Probiotics? Atrantil? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
i am also getting colonitis on the right side now. this all has been going on for a few years but march till present has been hell for diverticulitis. PLEASE I NEED ADVICE. i hardly eat and dont eat seeds, popcorn etc that could irritate. starting to lose weight as i have no appetite from pain killers. need help and advice on what to do. SURGERY OR NOT FOR A RISKY PATIENT
hi. i connected with this site to find a GI surgeon who will give me info as i have diverticular disease and flare ups of diverticulitis every few weeks and antibiotics which dont really take away the pain anymore. i had a pik line inserted and was on antibiotics for 11 weeks. fine for a bit and pain has come back. consults with surgeons and they say i need surgery but i could get sepsis and die. i need to have surgery and scared and no surgeon will touch me i am so upset, depressed, no quality of life and tired of excruciating pain. the sigmoid colon is rotting i am sure. PLUS i have a mobile cecum bowel what do i do?????
I had one a couple yrs ago and have a tortuous colon. Then doctor told me it was so twisted I could never have surgery then left. I joined this group to learn more. My tummy is so swollen, i wish I knew how to stop that if possible. Im 62 and look pregnant. Cant exercise much due to let of osteoarthritis and recent hip replacement.