1. < Digestive Health

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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clutch | @clutch | Nov 16, 2021
In reply to @milly12 "My doc has just told me I may have redundant colon/ ibs. Have suffered from chronic..." + (show)
@milly12

My doc has just told me I may have redundant colon/ ibs. Have suffered from chronic constipation all my life. I’m a 51 year old female. A year ago got pain in lower right part of abdominal. It’s been there since. Did colonoscopy but he could only do half of it due to constipation. Said he didn’t think any sinister. In the past few weeks I have nausea/ bloating/ excessive gas/ bloating. Feel really down. Have to take laxatives to go. I’m vegetarian and generally eat well. Had covid in September do haven’t been exercising like I was. I’m desperate to help myself as doctors keep downplaying it. Any ideas to get my bowel moving ... it’s sluggish and doc says it’s slow transit time . Thanks

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Have you tried Prune-Lax? Worked well for me and several others on this site. OTC from Amazon. Two different strengths.

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milly12 | @milly12 | Nov 16, 2021

My doc has just told me I may have redundant colon/ ibs. Have suffered from chronic constipation all my life. I’m a 51 year old female. A year ago got pain in lower right part of abdominal. It’s been there since. Did colonoscopy but he could only do half of it due to constipation. Said he didn’t think any sinister. In the past few weeks I have nausea/ bloating/ excessive gas/ bloating. Feel really down. Have to take laxatives to go. I’m vegetarian and generally eat well. Had covid in September do haven’t been exercising like I was. I’m desperate to help myself as doctors keep downplaying it. Any ideas to get my bowel moving ... it’s sluggish and doc says it’s slow transit time . Thanks

REPLY
4 replies
euqcaj | @euqcaj | Nov 2, 2021
In reply to @agordon50 "Do you have constant pain? Mine gets so intense. I end up nauseated. Most of my..." + (show)
@agordon50

Do you have constant pain? Mine gets so intense. I end up nauseated. Most of my bend is near the end of the colon.

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No, not constant pain but before I started the Prunelax, and trying everything, I would go for days without elimination and then I would have heartburn, and I would swell up and not be able to hold my stomach in, like I normally do without any problem. I would feel nauseated also. I'm not sure how my colon is configured but I know that it is tortuous. I run the risk of tearing it or puncturing it during a colonoscopy. Which I have decided that because of this risk and how hard it is on me afterward, I'm not going to have any more. There are other procedures apparently that can be done that i wouldn't be at such high risk of further damage to myself.

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toga4000 | @toga4000 | Nov 2, 2021

I have a redundant colon. I am "at risk" for colon cancer so colonoscopies have been frequent, but often required a barium enema to complete because the scope could not make it all the way. The last two times, the doctor used a pediatric scope, but it must have still been difficult because he has told me "no more." I'm 82 and have not had polyps the last couple of times, so hopefully I will be ok. I worry about a blockage or something, but no doctor has seemed concerned. I have had periods of constipation, but also periods of being very regular, like now. I don't have pain in my colon that I recognize - but a lot of indigestion - not sure the reason. I also have a lot of gas - probably SIBO. I also have functional reflux and a hiatal hernia. Digestive issues are "a pain."

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agordon50 | @agordon50 | Nov 2, 2021
In reply to @euqcaj "I'm sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, this is something all of us with this condition go..." + (show)
@euqcaj

I'm sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, this is something all of us with this condition go through. Trying, trying, trying something until we find something, a rhythm that works for us as individuals. We are all different. I know my system is touchy and it took awhile for my body to adjust to the prunelax. I would say a good week of steadily taking it. And some days I do not "go" as much as others but for the most part I've found it works great. I hope you give it a fair chance but I also understand if it doesn't work for you. Miralax does absolutely nothing for me. I understand. Jacque

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Do you have constant pain? Mine gets so intense. I end up nauseated. Most of my bend is near the end of the colon.

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1 reply
agordon50 | @agordon50 | Nov 2, 2021

Hello! I was searching about my twisted large intestine. Went to the doc today and she read it off my chart. I notice no matter the diet it’s still painful.

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jackieo67 | @jackieo67 | Oct 31, 2021

Thanks! I've been reading up on it....u may have found me an answer....

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lasirvent | @lasirvent | Oct 31, 2021
In reply to @jackieo67 "No, I have seen orthopedic surgeon..he did MRI to rule out any spinal tumor (since severe..." + (show)
@jackieo67

No, I have seen orthopedic surgeon..he did MRI to rule out any spinal tumor (since severe wght loss). Is this something he would check? I've upcoming appt w him.also vascular surgeon consult (for the 2nd time)due to general surgeon saying she believes it involves veins

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Have them check for vascular compression syndromes-there’s nine different ones-MALS, Smas, May-Thurner, Nutcracker, etc.

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thellman | @thellman | Oct 31, 2021
In reply to @njme "I have taken metamucil 3x a day for over 20 years because of tortuous colon. As..." + (show)
@njme

I have taken metamucil 3x a day for over 20 years because of tortuous colon. As a senior, that is not working. Have tried probiotics, no luck.
If you have not tried metamucil, it may work for you.

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Have you tried Motegrity?

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jackieo67 | @jackieo67 | Oct 31, 2021
In reply to @lasirvent "Have you been checked for Nutcracker syndrome?" + (show)
@lasirvent

Have you been checked for Nutcracker syndrome?

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No, I have seen orthopedic surgeon..he did MRI to rule out any spinal tumor (since severe wght loss). Is this something he would check? I've upcoming appt w him.also vascular surgeon consult (for the 2nd time)due to general surgeon saying she believes it involves veins

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