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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I had severe left side pain last year from June into January of this year. Numerous ER visits with C/T scans and X-rays. No one ever determined actual cause. Then suddenly woke up one day and it was gone. Nothing different. Colonoscopy in February was when my gi said extremely tortuous colon. Secret, don’t get constipated. So I’ve been doing relatively well. Then a week ago, BAM, pain is back! I am in misery. I do not get it. Nothing different. Not constipated. And my dang pcp will not order an X-ray . My gi can’t because my hospital won’t accept orders from out of state. I tried qcare and she said I’d have to have my pcp order it. I’m dying here. I don’t want to go to er. My 3 grandsons are due here in a few hrs to stay for 3 days.

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At my last Colonoscopy my colon was described as redundant also. It was explained to me that it wasn’t pathological, more of an anatomical anomaly. And it can lead to constipation and other awful symptoms. There are many natural avenues of dealing with constipation and also pelvic floor remedies if that’s the problem. But a surgical intervention/ resection? Lucky for you the surgeon was not a greedy bastard. ( last part was commentary only).

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Profile picture for sickofbeinsick1. AKA Tina @sickofbeinsick1

Oh. I just wanted to say to be careful taking those laxatives..OTC or not, they should only be used for a short period of time…your body can get used to them & mess everything up…like not being to “go” w/out them…& dehydration

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Epsom salt does not have this issue as the body processes it as Magnesium. It is not a stimulant laxative, therefore, no need to worry about your intestines to stop functioning over time. It is generally safe and quite effective.

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Just some clarifications here--my 86ish lb.
weight loss was very gradual and intentional, over 14 months. At 254 lbs it was a necessity for me. My doctor warned me of senna and stool softeners and doesn't want me on those on a regular basis. I was told that miralax and my magnesium chloride are fine to take every day in small amounts forever. But yes the body can get dependent on senna products. I appreciate everyone's support! I have yet another stupid colonoscopy on September 7 and I'll let you know if it actually works.

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Profile picture for sickofbeinsick1. AKA Tina @sickofbeinsick1

1st, congrats on weight loss…if it was intended. I’m not sure what good a colonoscopy can be if cancer isn’t a chance. These “GI” clinics are popping up all over, & that is ALL they do. If anyone on this site had a colonoscopy that actually found something besides ‘roids , polyps or diverticula, I’d be surprised if it’s more than a handful. It’s like colonoscopies are the big $$ maker now days

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Oh. I just wanted to say to be careful taking those laxatives..OTC or not, they should only be used for a short period of time…your body can get used to them & mess everything up…like not being to “go” w/out them…& dehydration

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Profile picture for kalbin @kalbin

I just wanted to share/vent here with you guys. I had an appointment this morning with one of the g.i. docs, and of course after 2 unsuccessful Colonoscopies their only answer is to do another one with a double balloon something or other at a hospital. Even a barium enema with 3 bags of barium didn't work. I also of course have a terrible time getting cleaned out enough. He also kind of implied that my successful weight loss could indicate cancer and that happened to his brother. I told him that my weight loss has been gradual, healthy and intentional and I don't ever remember telling anyone that losing 86 lbs over the last 14 months has been EASY. It still seemed to keep getting implied that the weight loss is due to something being wrong with me.

I've had blood tests twice in the past 6 months, a mammogram and a wellness check. Absolutely nothing wrong with me still but blood in my stool but it's been going on for a long time. Not anemic or anything. With otc laxative every day I've even gotten my life long constipation under control. This is all so weird. Any experience with something like this please let me know. Thanks!!!
So I reluctantly had to schedule this most likely useless colonoscopy for September. What if that doesn't work either?

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1st, congrats on weight loss…if it was intended. I’m not sure what good a colonoscopy can be if cancer isn’t a chance. These “GI” clinics are popping up all over, & that is ALL they do. If anyone on this site had a colonoscopy that actually found something besides ‘roids , polyps or diverticula, I’d be surprised if it’s more than a handful. It’s like colonoscopies are the big $$ maker now days

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You may want to check out some of my previous posts regarding the low-fiber diet, especially if you are eating a high-fiber diet or taking fiber supplements hoping it will help. Again, this has been helpful for ME, but may not necessarily be the answer for you. But most on this group have found that drs aren’t often very helpful with ideas for this condition and we’ve gotten better advice from each other.
Note: caution with Smooth Move Tea! High senna content! May prefer to try Prunelax mini tabs first. Or just regular senna tablets. I learned this the hard way!

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I have been diagnosed with torturous colon. Several digestive tests were negative; I tried the fodmap diet for a month with no change. My only symptom is an enlarging stomach that I first felt about 2 years ago. It is still expanding, and now up to the waist. The gastroenterologist reported there is nothing that can be done.

I am puzzled about why a torturous colon results in an expanding stomach. I don't have much gas, nor bowel or digestive problems. There is no pain, but increasing discomfort.
Has anyone had this problem and gotten help for it?

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Profile picture for hello1234 @hello1234

Hi @sickofbeinsick1 😊
Wow, it sounds like your gastro doc added everything but the kitchen sick on your colonoscopy results! Do you feel okay or do you have symptoms? Do you have problems with constipation or so far, so good?

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Oh, I forgot…no, I’m not constipated, leaning towards the other way, which is (was) my normal up until…?

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Profile picture for hello1234 @hello1234

Hi @sickofbeinsick1 😊
Wow, it sounds like your gastro doc added everything but the kitchen sick on your colonoscopy results! Do you feel okay or do you have symptoms? Do you have problems with constipation or so far, so good?

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I have symptoms from hell! I can’t eat solid food, I’ve been on a soft diet for going on 3 years. The thing is, after 5-6 colonoscopies, they diagnose all, but don’t give any treatment…other than “stop dairy”, FODMAP, hi fiber low fiber. It’s getting so bad, I had 4 bites of a fried chicken breast…spread out over about 2 hours, I was driving. By the time I got home, I was in excruciating pain & ended up vomiting 🤮. THATS a 1st…for me. Needless to say, I won’t do that again. I did have a whole breast just over a year ago, & I was ok 🤷‍♀️
I’m so lost & don’t know what to do. Soft diet is getting old

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