Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

I have had IBS-C issues for as long as I can remember, but about 7 years ago they became chronic to the point where I can go a week (or more) without any bowel movement if I'm not taking laxatives. I have had dozens of tests, and the only useful information I have received so far was from a visit to the Mayo clinic in Rochester a little over a year ago, where they discovered I have a "highly tortuous colon" and could barely complete a colonoscopy. The recommendations at that time included increasing my fiber, which doesn't help at all. Other tests have also revealed that I have a partially prolapsed lower colon, but not to the point where surgery would be a good idea. Taking fiber supplements makes me extremely bloated and becomes unbelievably painful, and Miralax makes me sick to my stomach and doesn't do too much to move things along. I've tried different things with my diet, and right now, I mostly eat white rice (brown is too hard to digest), vegetables, and small amounts of protein. I feel like i'm going a little crazy trying different things like eliminating dairy or other food restrictions, but I don't know what else to do. I completely avoid gluten. I've been very active my whole life...have run marathons and done lots of strength training and different types of endurance races, but recently I don't have the energy for the types of training that these events require. @karena65 Do you have a resource that you can share on the whole plant diet? Is there any other advice anyone can share?

Hi there @kalbran1 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! So glad you do not have any any food allergies because mixed with IBS and tortuous colon can definitely exacerbate that.
You will see that I moved your post to a long standing discussion about tortuous colon and a lot of members talk about IBS as well as pain. I encourage you to read over the multiple pages from these individuals so you can connect with them.

When they did the colonoscopy, did they mention a build up of stool at all?

I’m new to this group, but have been dealing with digestive issues for years. I do not have food allergies or celiac, but I do have some food sensitivities. I mostly deal with chronic constipation, cramps, bloating, etc. I was diagnosed with IBS many years ago. I also had Endometrial Cancer in 2019, which has been treated and there is currently no evidence of disease. For the last 6-8 months, I have had a lot of pain on my lower right side and back when I lay on that side. I recently had a colonoscopy where multiple polyps were removed and I was told that I have a tortuous colon. Is it possible the build up of stool could be causing the pain?

Hi
I was diagnosed today. Also he bottom bit is redundant. I've had problems my entire life, especially with urinary frequency as it's sitting on my bladder. Also gas and constipation. I blamed diabetes type 1 and codeine dependence (which don't help). Now I guess will try that diet.

I was just diagnosed after a painful colonoscopy. Unfortunately, the doctor didn’t stop to talk aboutit so I am doing my own research. For the last several years, since my last coloscopy, I have had episodes where I cannot relieve myself then it feels like I am going to pass out, followed by a drop in blood pressure with cold sweats. These episodes take up to 30 minutes to finish and I have to lie down afterward. I am wondering if they are related. I certainly appreciate everyone’s experience and input.

I have chronic constipation and have tried everything. I finally found a syrup called Lactulose that makes me “not chronically constipated”. It’s been a life saver. Your physician has to prescribe it.

Sounds like you are a whole lot worse off than me. I've been dealing with this for four years. Just had another colonoscopy on Monday and had one back in January. I used to be able to go about 8-9 months without constipation aftetwards. In January it lasted 2 weeks. The one on Monday lasted a day. I've tried linzess, amitiza, and trulance, but they stop working after a week. The only thing that works is massive amounts of Miralax. Then I get dehydrated from the water loss and it affects my kidney function. It's a never ending cycle. Looking for a surgeon to cut out the link. I've been to two and they said I wasn't bad enough. Very frustrating.

I just had my 2nd colonoscopy in a month after a trip to the ER Bc I got extremely sick. Of course the didn’t find anything and blamed it on my meds. But I was the one realized I was constipated for over 2 weeks. Which I have had a problem with for years. But I got an appointment with GI dr. and also was diagnosed with a tortuous colon. Everything I eat goes right through me . I feel like I missing out on so much , Bc i can’t be away from the bathroom. Is there a diet that will help? My dr. Put me on Linzess and miralax.
But this is a nightmare ! Any suggestions . Thanks
Tina