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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artist01 | @artist01 | Feb 4, 2021
In reply to @goatlady "I don't understand why the GI doctor didn't say anything to me about my tortuous colon??..." + (show)
@goatlady

I don't understand why the GI doctor didn't say anything to me about my tortuous colon?? I read her notes on the colonoscopy and she stated that was difficult and complex because I had a tortuous colon. Never said a word, just told me everything was normal. Thank you all for all your help!!!

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Hello @goatlady. I do hope you've asked for a referral to a new GI. When you were able to read your present GI's report and saw the results, him telling you everything is "fine" is not fine! It's SO important that we can trust our medical professionals and get the care that we need and deserve.

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goatlady | @goatlady | Feb 3, 2021
In reply to @artist01 "Good luck, @goatlady! You can do this!" + (show)
@artist01

Good luck, @goatlady! You can do this!

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Well, I have gone three days on low Fodmap diet. Felt OK for the first two days and, for reason, today I am real gassy, not sure why. Have to look back and see what I ate yesterday. Also, I have a lot of mucus when I go to the bathroom. Is this normal? I think I need go back to my Primary Doctor and ask for another referral to a different GI doctor. The GI Doc that did my colonoscopy said everything was fine, but yet in her notes of the procedure said that she had a difficult time doing the colonoscopy because I had a tortuous colon.

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artist01 | @artist01 | Jan 31, 2021
In reply to @goatlady "Thank you!!! I am going to give a try today. I am so grateful that I..." + (show)
@goatlady

Thank you!!! I am going to give a try today. I am so grateful that I found this group!!! This is going to be hard, but my health is worth it. Thank you all for your support!

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Good luck, @goatlady! You can do this!

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1 reply
goatlady | @goatlady | Jan 31, 2021
In reply to @artist01 "Hi @goatlady. And remember, we've all had to give up many of the foods we love,..." + (show)
@artist01

Hi @goatlady. And remember, we've all had to give up many of the foods we love, in order to see our health improve.
Its SO worth it to get a better quality of life. And, misery loves company! lol. We're all in this journey together, and we have the full support of our fellow-sufferers on Mayo Connect.
My best to you.

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Thank you!!! I am going to give a try today. I am so grateful that I found this group!!! This is going to be hard, but my health is worth it. Thank you all for your support!

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1 reply
artist01 | @artist01 | Jan 31, 2021
In reply to @goatlady "thank you, that gives me a good starting, unfortunately I have to give up a lot..." + (show)
@goatlady

thank you, that gives me a good starting, unfortunately I have to give up a lot of the stuff I love! If it helps, it is worth it! Thank you again!

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Hi @goatlady. And remember, we've all had to give up many of the foods we love, in order to see our health improve.
Its SO worth it to get a better quality of life. And, misery loves company! lol. We're all in this journey together, and we have the full support of our fellow-sufferers on Mayo Connect.
My best to you.

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2 replies
artist01 | @artist01 | Jan 31, 2021
In reply to @goatlady "I am going to start drinking more water today and see if that helps." + (show)
@goatlady

I am going to start drinking more water today and see if that helps.

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Right ON, @fighter!!! You keep on that fightin' ! I wish you all the luck in the world!

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goatlady | @goatlady | Jan 31, 2021

I don't understand why the GI doctor didn't say anything to me about my tortuous colon?? I read her notes on the colonoscopy and she stated that was difficult and complex because I had a tortuous colon. Never said a word, just told me everything was normal. Thank you all for all your help!!!

REPLY
1 reply
goatlady | @goatlady | Jan 31, 2021
In reply to @sher71 "Great idea on the water!!! Trying to drink more and that's a great way to keep..." + (show)
@sher71

Great idea on the water!!! Trying to drink more and that's a great way to keep track!

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I am going to start drinking more water today and see if that helps.

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1 reply
fighter | @fighter | Jan 30, 2021
In reply to @sher71 "Do try the stool softeners. I take 2 every night with at least 6oz. of water...." + (show)
@sher71

Do try the stool softeners. I take 2 every night with at least 6oz. of water. The senokot, Dulcolax and Miralax all worked .... but left me having at least 2-3 BM's in the morning, not one was "complete elimination and I felt bloatly all day. My Dr. suggested taking the Miralax in the morning and stool softeners at night but that combo wasn't right either. I'm still working on a good combination, trying to keep it as natural as possible with out prescription side effects. ( I have enough to worry about !) So I'm on a trial with the 500 mg. magnesium and 2 stool softeners at night. Trying also to increase fluids to 60-80 oz. a day. THAT'S HARD!!! The journal helps. Have you tried soaking in a hot tub and massaging your lower abdomen in a clockwise motion to relieve gas? Works a bit for me about 70% of the time to pass gas. Isn't it awful to have to cover your gut with oversized sweaters etc. because your so slim but look about 3 months pregnant? I HATE IT!! At least we can conceal in winter. Swim suits are another issue. :o( Keep in touch! Might be nice to compare notes

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You might want to try Atrantil for the gas & bloating. You buy it on the web.

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fighter | @fighter | Jan 30, 2021
In reply to @sher71 "Hi Kanaaz, I'm new to this website and would like to introduce myself to everyone. Thought..." + (show)
@sher71

Hi Kanaaz, I'm new to this website and would like to introduce myself to everyone. Thought replying to you, the moderator, would be the best way. I was just told I have a redundant/fixed colon. Didn't surprise me much as I've suffered with IBS-C, dairy and gluten allergies all of my life. I've been through so many doctors and so many different opinions on what to eat, what not to eat and what drugs or supplements to take that it makes my head spin. This seems like such a great forum to discuss what works for you with others. The one solution I see most often commented on here is to take MiraLax everyday. That alone did not work for me. In combination with 2 stool softners every evening (taking the MiraLax in the am) worked to have a BM, but left me gassy and very bloated. Sadly, not good enough. I am currently working with a Nutritionist who is taking things very slowly, step by step to find a solution other than expensive drugs that cause massive side effects. Anyone out there try Linsess or Amitiza yet? If your thinking about it read the reviews!!! Stopped me dead in my tracks! I've been told this is my only solution short of surgery ever since they put this on the market. I refused to believe that. I'm tired of having to be home because my gut is so bad. I'm either bloated and can't wear my pants or I'm in pain and can't enjoy going out to dinner.
Currently, I'm trying keeping a food and liquid intake diary. Trying to increase liquid intake to at least 60 oz. a day. Helps to keep track. I've been told the Fodmap diet would not work for me. I'm currently trying low fiber because fiber makes me bloat. But here is the biggest experiment. 2 Stool softeners every night with 1-500mg Magnesium citrate tab. It's only been a week, but it's been a GOOD week! Some bloating, a bit gassy once in awhile but for the most part I can go every day and I'm not talking "nuggets" here!

If anyone out there would like to discuss issues and what's worked for them I'd love to hear it. I've struggled with constipation since I was 13 (that I remember being bad) I'm so tired of not being able to wear my clothes, the "HELP" I need sweat pants days. Of not being able to enjoy "relationship" time with my husband because I have a gut ache and feel "FAT".... I weigh 100lbs. :o(
I can't gain weight because I feel so full (bloated) I can't eat much. Trying to enjoy a vacation and worrying about how will I eat, what reaction will I have. Will I be stuck in a hotel room all bloated and gassy and can't go.

Ok...so I've vented. Anyone else ? Thanks and hope to hear from you all!!! Lets find solutions together!

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I don't know what I have really, but my old gastro told me I had an extra long colon. About 2 years ago my gut changed. Long story short I did try to Fodmap diet, but really didn't think too many foods are the culprit. I, too, have had chronic constipation, since I was a kid. I did try Linzess, and it was working, but then stopped. Magnesium 400 mg does nothing for me. I did a Fleet enema once, which really didn't work, and made me sick--legs shaking & felt like I was going to pass out. I was taking 3 Citrucel tablets a day, but that doesn't do much of anything. I think I took benefiter, metamucil in the past as well. Now I take Senokot-S every few days, which helps. My old gastro told me to buy Atrantil off the web. I took that for quite some time, and I believe it did help with my bloating. Might be something others could try for bloating & gas.

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