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

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 24, 2023

In reply to @jboe "How do you deal with redundant colon/ severe constipation?" + (show)

Welcome, @jboe. You're not alone in having to manage constipation with a redundant colon. I moved your post to this existing discussion:
- Redundant/Tortuous Colon & Severe Constipation: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/redundanttortuous-colon-severe-constipation/

I did this so you can read previous posts and connect with other members more easily.

What have you tried so far to deal with constipation?

lashbomb | @lashbomb | Jul 27, 2023

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 hear ya! I have a redundant colon and I suppose IBS-C. I keep gaining weight though yet I eat well, work out, tons of water. But I am lucky if I go once a week. Miralax/fiber/ that stuff does nothing for me. I have tried Linzess. Didn’t work. If anything made my problem worse. Was on vacation last week. Had the whole bottle of magnesium citrate. No movement til 3 days later.
I’m not sure what I can do and trying without long term side affects. Hence how I got to these lovely conversations. But the fitting in clothes and relationship issues I am with you 100%. Nice to not feel so alone since no one I know goes through any of it.

marjoriem | @marjoriem | Aug 1, 2023

In reply to @dedhambeth "I have the lovely tortuous redundant colon, too. I have found two things that seem to..." + (show)

Hello group. I just found this group and need help! I have tortuous colon that has caused severe constipation. However, I have a BM every day but do not fully defecate and have a lot of gas and bloating. My Gastroenterologist put me on a cleansing dosage of Miralax and told me to repeat as necessary. I did the routine twice but didn't feel a lot better. Then he put me on 3 capfuls (morning, mid-day and night) of the Miralax a day and told me to stay on that routine. This was causing bathroom emergencies and many times I did not make it. I then cut back to 2 capfuls, same problem, then 1 capful. The bathroom emergencies are much better but I cannot sleep at night. My stomach is constantly making noises and I have to get up several times during the night because it feels like I have to go but it's only gas. I have now cut back to a half a cap of Miralax but still noisy stomach and gas. I have read that some of you take Metamucil and it helps. I thought that too much fiber caused gas and already have too much gas. I am lost at what to do!

dedhambeth | @dedhambeth | Aug 1, 2023

In reply to @marjoriem "Hello group. I just found this group and need help! I have tortuous colon that has..." + (show)

I was given the directions to take two Metamucil capsules each morning with a big glass of water. I get up early just to be able to do that and drink a cup or two of coffee. This helps me have a BM before I go to work in the morning. I also drink as much water as I can during the day. In addition, I have found that doing Intermittent Fasting has helped along with chewing my food really well. I think it is because there is less food to be digested. I also watch how much carbohydrates and dairy I consume. This has worked well for me with very few flare ups.

marmoldav | @marmoldav | Aug 1, 2023

In reply to @marjoriem "Hello group. I just found this group and need help! I have tortuous colon that has..." + (show)

A probiotic has helped me a lot. I use one called Unbloat. It's for women. Also magnesium helps with bm's. It draws water in to the colon. Take it at night and it also helps with sleep. A squatty potty has been a big big help. Also fiber supplements like fibercon or metamcuill will be much more gentle than miralax. I haven't had a problem with gas with fiber supplements but that's just me. I can't imagine taking something as powerful as miralax on a regular basis. In my opinion that should just be when you're desperate. Make sure to drink enough water and coffee makes me poop right on time every morning lol. Hope this helps.

marjoriem | @marjoriem | Aug 1, 2023

In reply to @dedhambeth "I was given the directions to take two Metamucil capsules each morning with a big glass..." + (show)

Thank you!

kt129 | @kt129 | Aug 1, 2023

In reply to @marmoldav "Hello. I just had my first colonoscopy and the report on it says I have a..." + (show)

I was informed of my tortuous/redundant colon after 1st colonoscopy many years ago, but have had several colonoscopies since then. Assume the process may take a bit more time to navigate camera through the colon.
Last procedure removed some polyps but 2 were in deep folds, requiring special surgeon to remove.
Interesting comment about feeling full after eating a small amount! Same here, with no explanation. Will ask my Gastro doctor about the colon possibility.

darcystaples | @darcystaples | Aug 2, 2023

In reply to @marmoldav "Hello. I just had my first colonoscopy and the report on it says I have a..." + (show)

I was diagnosed with tortuous colon 2 years ago and after a lot of trial and error found that working with elimination of food triggers as well as food that has slow transit time like meat helps. Also stomach massage in the morning before getting out of bed in a clockwise manner. The supplements I take nightly are magnesium O7 and Cleanse More by Renew Life. It has also been my experience that stress plays a big part of this issue. Good luck. My background is nutrition and massage therapy. Metamucil just clogged me up and caused painful gas. I am 70

marjoriem | @marjoriem | Aug 2, 2023

In reply to @reillyg1013 "How horrible for you. I know what works for one person may not help another, but..." + (show)

Is Australian black licorice something you eat or in pill form? Also, I have gerd and hiatal hernia so I have to be careful about what foods trigger an extreme discomfort episode.