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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 for the encouragement. Your life sounds a lot like mine (but I have NOT experienced CDiff). Sometimes it's nice just to know I'm not alone. Merry Christmas to you.
I'm a 70 year old female and have dealt with a tortuous colon and constipation all my life. I'm active and have always been athletic. I exercise 6 days a week. (just some background). I am not sedentary. In the past 9 months I've also been recovering from C-diff, which was due to taking Clydamycin for a dental procedure. That was AWFUL and, truthfully, we weren't sure if I was going to make it but God pulled me through. That being said, because of that I ended up on this site where I learned about Prunelax, which has helped me keep regular, more than I have ever been in my lifetime. I also use psyllium powder, sprinkled over my oatmeal (8mg), occasionally use Metamucil fiber crackers, drink 4 large glasses of water a day, minimum, plus a couple large cups of coffee, maybe a diet soda, fruits at breakfast and lunch and sometimes dinner, bran flakes for cereal, or as part of the cereal. I'm finding (for me), since I found the Prunelax, I can eat what I like but I do follow the above. I have a routine and stick to it and also watch the quantity of what I eat. I never gorge myself. I even eat ice cream and/or frozen yogurt in small quantities, and sometimes not small if I have a special waffle cone a few times a YEAR. I hope this helps. I find that we're all individuals and we have to find what works for our own bodies. I wish there was a cut and dried script to follow but there isn't. It's a journey and a long process but keep the faith that you will find what works best for you. I've cried many times because I've been miserable, or embarrassed because I was running to the bathroom because of laxatives,.................I truly understand. Don't give up and say your prayers. The answers will come, one step at a time. Merry Christmas to you. I wish you all the best and I"m always open to sharing my own experiences and hope it helps someone else. Jacque
@cristinaespejo Hi Cristina. I'm sorry, but I don't have tortuous colon, just awful IBS. Lol.
I hope possibly another Connect member might contact you with some help with your diet. I imagine it would be a different diet than mine. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a HEALTHY 2022, Cristina!
Could you shared what kind of diet helped you with your tortuous colon symthoms?
I have the same thing but no one has ever mentioned surgery to me. I alternate between constipation and diarrhea. Sometimes I have a few good weeks between. I take 1/2 capful of Miralax in a very tall glass of water every night. If I get constipated, I increase it to a full capful. I also drink a lot of water every day and eat fruit and chopped walnuts for breakfast ( or oatmeal with with apple and chopped walnuts ). This usually keeps me regular. I do vomit a good bit for unknown reasons. I try not to eat starches, mostly meat and veggies for dinner. I tend to be overweight. Do you have that problem? I think it s because everything stays in my colon for so long.
I have the same comment from GI docs and have heard many other patients mention this. I have come to think that this is almost the norm from the number of people who have commented. Do we really know what is within the Bell curve of normal?
Talk to your Dr about it.
I haven’t heard of that, I live in Massachusetts
Have you tried Motegrity. I changed GI Drs and the new one gave me this drug that's only been out 3 years and has worked wonders for me. What state are you in?
Does anyone here have experience with having surgery for this? My GI is acting as if it isn’t an option at all. Every laxative he’s given me has worked at first, but after a while it just stops. I go through phases of bad abdominal pain, to the point that it horribly hurts to stand. At this point I’m so sick of having to worry and deal with all of this, but because of my GI, I’m unsure if surgery would ever be recommended for me.