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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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Oh my heart goes out to you all!! I have battled constipation all my life.. I remember my Mother giving me enemas as a 5 year old..(and running from the sight of her coming.....!!) So.. I even got so backed up, I had to take an ambulance to a hospital and they gave me a lactulose enema (not good.. intolerant of milk).. the next time I almost died.. went into a "sweat out" and sweated out so much fluid..completey soaked.. called the ambulance .. blood pressure 60 over 40 and it took him 10 min in the driveway to find a vein to start a drip.. used 2 bads on the 45 min drive to the hospital.. so constipation is something I have deep concerns over.. all that said.. I was diagnosed with a tortuous colon last fall.. and was referred to a surgeon..but 15 days prior.. I began to use the potty.. 3-5 times a day.. and continue to do so.. since Oct 15th 2024..I'm 71 now.. (I've been hospitalized atleast 3 times for colitis..) so.. the take away..I do use Trulance ..and Miralax (sometimes twice a day) and drink lots of water.. and drink 2 Vanilla plant based Ensures a day (5mg fava pea fiber) and eat 1 Thomas multi grain English muffin ..8 grams fiber a day..have to really watch what I eat.. hiatal hernia, gastritis, GERD..I feel your agony!! Not going to get "preachy here.. I attribute my bowel change to standing in faith.. the surgeon said "I don't know what you're doing.. biofeed back or what ever..but it's working..I said "The Word works"..still standing in faith for complete healing manifestation of digestive system..I hope some of these things might help someone else.. constipation is nothing to be scoffed at..it's real and it's painful in so many ways.. anxiety.. the whole thing.. I'll pray for you all!!