Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

At my initial visit, he advised starting it at one three times a day then second day go to two three times a day, Woow, Way too much. Called back. Here the fellow I met with first messed up what I was currently taking. So, now taking 1/2 tab 3 times a day. Also be sure to take on empty stomach. Told me I had to give it two weeks. If no BM after 4-5 days, use Dulcolax. Also use IBGuard every day.
Well, I’ve had mixed results. That alone isn’t enough. When I try to bump up dosage very much, side effects. Night sweats, insomnia, “brain zaps”. I’m ok at a whole one at mid-day, but no more. He says he thinks 3-4 BM’s a week are good. Not for me. If I don’t go most every day, I don’t feel good. But overall, this is the best I’ve felt in ages. I felt terrible on Motegrity, which was my previous dr’s go-to drug. Always nauseous. So I don’t want to give up on it yet. I’ve been adding in a little Miralax. A little mineral oil. Trying to avoid the big Dulcolax purge if possible, which will keep me in the house at least a day. I’ve had a call in to the gi since Monday for advice about adding something with it. Disappointed I still haven’t heard back yet. Thought this one was going to be better with that. Oh, I haven’t really noticed that I pee any more than normal, but I’m nearly 65 so I do pee a lot anyway, so it’s hard to
tell!

That what my gi is advising me to do for now. Probably not a good long-term solution, though.

Hi sally,

Your response was helpful. I'm a 68 y/o male and had both knees replaced this year. that went great but now I'm constipated, don't know why. My GI doc had me on Linzess which did nothing. Motegrity is next. I hope it works.

He told me to take Dulcolax after 4/5 day as well. How long can Dulcolax be taken? If it's ok to do it every 4/5 days that's ok I guess as nothing else works.

Thanks to anyone who can answer this question. Much appreciated!

Joe

At my initial visit, he advised starting it at one three times a day then second day go to two three times a day, Woow, Way too much. Called back. Here the fellow I met with first messed up what I was currently taking. So, now taking 1/2 tab 3 times a day. Also be sure to take on empty stomach. Told me I had to give it two weeks. If no BM after 4-5 days, use Dulcolax. Also use IBGuard every day.
Well, I’ve had mixed results. That alone isn’t enough. When I try to bump up dosage very much, side effects. Night sweats, insomnia, “brain zaps”. I’m ok at a whole one at mid-day, but no more. He says he thinks 3-4 BM’s a week are good. Not for me. If I don’t go most every day, I don’t feel good. But overall, this is the best I’ve felt in ages. I felt terrible on Motegrity, which was my previous dr’s go-to drug. Always nauseous. So I don’t want to give up on it yet. I’ve been adding in a little Miralax. A little mineral oil. Trying to avoid the big Dulcolax purge if possible, which will keep me in the house at least a day. I’ve had a call in to the gi since Monday for advice about adding something with it. Disappointed I still haven’t heard back yet. Thought this one was going to be better with that. Oh, I haven’t really noticed that I pee any more than normal, but I’m nearly 65 so I do pee a lot anyway, so it’s hard to
tell!

I had the exact same diagnosis after my last colonoscopy two years ago. Never even spoke to the doctor after the procedure.I do have issues with occasional cramping. I have found that Metamucil and a cup of coffee in the morning works for me, but I never had a issue with constipation yet. In fact the opposite occasionally, not diarrhea but three to four bowel movements a day.

I just had my colonoscopy yesterday and was told the procedure was difficult due to significantly tortuous colon. That's it, they didn't say anything else about it, offer suggestions on how to deal with it, nothing. I did also have 2 polyps removed and they noted multiple diverticula throughout my colon. They did recommend my next scope happen in 3 years or sooner depending on the pathology report.
This was not the case with my last colonoscopy 5 years ago so the tortuous colon has developed over that time. In the last year or two I have had issues with constipation, bloating, gas, discomfort and weight gain. I am very concerned about the possibility of obstruction and committed to finding the best ways deal with this condition and reduce symptoms.
My thanks to all those sharing tips for what works best for you. I already drink lots of tea but plan to switch to plain water, add more fruits and vegetables, and possibly Benefiber to see if that helps.

I'm familiar with Cleveland Clinic MyChart. Not for my Gastro doc, he's in Pittsburgh. But I do see a Hematologist and a Urology surgeon in Cleveland and I have no problems communicating with either one. And I've never had a problem calling the office and talking with a nurse.
They have a pretty good system.......or I've just been lucky !