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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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Have you been checked for Nutcracker syndrome?
I just was told from 2nd colonoscopy thatei now have redundant colon also.i feel as if I have a growth in my abdomen. Severe weight loss n pain in left groin.help! Would anyone no if ibgard would help?
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.
Thank you
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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1 ReactionI have always had chronic constipation. I have autonomic small fiber neuropathy and now my constipation is at a whole new level. What I have to take for a bowel movement is ridiculous. I am going for the smart pill next week. It’s the only thing that can see what’s going on in your small intestine. Also I am looking for a motility issue to see if the autonomic small fiber neuropathy is causing this.
I take the max dose of prune lax and unfortunately it has done nothing for me.
After my last colonoscopy, I read the report and it said I had a very redundant colon. Constipation has been a lifelong problem for me which I seem to have resolved over the past 5-10 years. I thought I had IBS so I began using a product called Heather's Tummy Fiber (Acacia Senegal) plus drinking lots 2-3 liters of water/day. That has worked very well for me in clearing up the constipation. I have a family history of issues with the colon, including my great-grandmother having an intestinal blockage and dying on the operating table. Both my cousin and my Aunt had a portion of their colon removed and my grandfather had a colostomy. So, it could be that I have a genetic predisposition to a redundant/torturous colon, not sure. I'm not experiencing symptoms now. I eat a high fiber diet that includes cruciferous vegetables as well as other vegetables, beans, fruits and avoids dairy and red meat. If I were having issues, I would probably push for surgery.
I hope it works well for you. Keep us posted. Jacque
I agree with Jacque, that is way too long. I have found that the longer i let it go on, the worse it becomes. After 2 days, if no movement i take a suppository.