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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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Wow, I'm surprised that a Dr would opt for surgery immediately. I've been told it's an option, one that I don't want to do unless I have to. My biggest fear is that I'll get a blockage. Web MD has some good info. on Redundant colon. But if you have IBS as well more fiber is not always the answer. In fact it can make things worse. Water, water, water.........
Great idea on the water!!! Trying to drink more and that's a great way to keep track!
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1 ReactionDo 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
Good Luck to you also! We will all get through this somehow.
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1 ReactionThanks for your reply, goatlady. Many of us fall into the category of not drinking enough water. I was that way too, until I met my new G.I. in November. He is a highly esteemed specialist in his field, and I feel so fortunate to be in his care. I'm very hopeful that my health will improve. It's been a long journey.
To make my water intake easier, I fill a one litre glass pitcher with water and keep it in the fridge. Once its empty, I refill it. I try to drink the first pitcher full by noon, and the second one by bedtime. True, you will pee often, but the results are worth it. And water is SO good for us!
Good luck, and happy drinking!
Laurie
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1 ReactionI need to drink more water. my son is always after me about that. Thank you for your reply!!
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1 ReactionI am a very lightweight! 93 lbs, I keep losing, just can't keep the weight on. that's all I wear oversized sweaters and leggings!! A friend suggested the pysillium also, I just started taking that. I tried miralax but that gave me watery diarrhea. I guess you just try things until you find something that works. I bought some the Almond Silk yogurt tonight, I love yogurt and it was really pretty good.
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2 ReactionsMy G.I. suggested Lax-a-Day (Canada)every day, plus 1 tsp Metamusil every day, plus FOR SURE 2 litres of water every day. I'm improving! Good luck!
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1 ReactionI was put on a regimen of pysillium plus Miralax in the a.m. and Miralax in the evening. (Plus a fodmap diet which is impossible to be on forever particularly when you are already a celiac. ) Contrary to its commercials, Miralax made me very bloated and gave me persistent cramping). My diagnosis is IBS-C (long time) but many of my symptoms overlap with redundant colon and SIBO so find it interesting to follow. My medications make my problem worse.
Magnesium does work but I need more than 500mg. 2 tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia is over 2000mg of magnesium hydroxide which does the trick. I have an arrythmia so have to be careful re ingesting excessive amounts of magnesium.
I did try linaclotide (linzess) but it gave me horrible impossible to live with pain. My doctor did prescribe another med not sure if its amitzia, different names in Canada but because this med could potential trigger palpitations my cardiologist told me better to stay away or if I do try it I must have a holter monitor test. Forget it. During this pandemic who wants to increase medical appointments. Prefer the side effects of over the counter laxatives. Right now, I am mainly using Senokot (I know it's not the best choice). It works.
This unsolvable constipation problem has led to a new painful humiliation. (Possible fissure: awaiting appointment 🥴). Saw your reference to a stool softener. Think I need that.
I am also a lightweight (under 110lb) so can totally relate to the gas and bloating. Its winter, oversized-sweaters with leggings works.🙃
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!