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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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Hi it's Lesley 2436. Finally seeing colon surgeon Thursday. Does anyone have thoughts on surgery. I have stopped poop normally. Only strong laxatives empty me.
I've had several surgeries for small intestine blockages after RNY bypass. Mostly caused by adhesions The blockages continued. The head of bariatric surgery at columbia hospital in NYC did the surgery himself and found involulus colon. I probably misspelled it. It's where the colon is twisted, pushed into the area of abdomin where's it should not be and telescoped into itself. He took out piece of colon, Cecil valve, piece of small intestine and appendix
That solve blockage and constipation problem but brought about Explosive diarrea (SIBO). Working that out now Feels like adhesions coming back now
But that is for another day
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1 ReactionHi les, since you asked for “ any thoughts on surgery “ I will first say that each case is different. In my case, while hospitalized the doctor assigned to me cane in with my nurse who knew me from being my nurse for three days. She was standing behind to doctor who came in and without much emotion said to me: we think that this small bowel obstruction is do to an adhesion from your appendectomy but we don’t know for sure. We would like to do exploratory surgery but need your approval first. My nurse was shaking her head in the “ NO “ direction. So I told the doctor no not at this time. After the doctor was gone the nurse came back and told me why she was saying no. She told me that she has been following every aspect of my stay and since the doctor said they didn’t know for sure and it was “ exploratory surgery “ she suggested that I modify my diet and to keep a journal of what goes in and what comes out and take notes on the details of all things that might be telling. I thought that she made sense and that’s what I’ve been doing.
Today I’m going for an X-ray and ultrasound. That this is scheduled almost two weeks after the episode seems to not make sense but they tell me it doesn’t matter if I’m not having an attack.
I’m doing as much research before I agree to surgery. The research led me to this site
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1 ReactionHello, I'm going for consultation only. Will ask for ultrasound? I'm on month 8-10 . A lot of research. Not going poop on my own. Keep in touch. Have a great day
Well guys, The surgeon consultation didn't go as well as I hoped for. Doctor was quick and said either threat with medication, meaning housebound at 53 years young. or complete colon removal. I have redundant colon in three spots transverse, desending, and sigmoid. Stopped going on my own. Looking into 2nd surgeon. if I can, On Medicaid in Florida, not good coverage, submitted my financial assistance to Mayo Clinic. Well see. Keep you'all posted. Good Night
Hi, I have had cancer and I have Heart Failure, and redundant colon in 3 areas, by far the worst condition I have ever had. I'm pleading to any doctors out there that can help all of us. Quality of Life gone....HELP
Nova, Are you talking about a cecal volvulous? Cecum is abnormally rotated and it is a congenital abnormality. I had a 6 foot long, tortorous colon which gave me trouble with constipation all my life. At age 60 I developed an acute bowel obstruction from the rotated cecum, which I never knew I had. 3 years ago I had a right hemicolectomy which saved my life. I don't have constipation problems now but having part of your colon removed can cause other issues. Has taken me a long time to get over the surgery and I do have chronic SIBO now due to no ileocecal valve and wide open anastomoses at resection site. I take Xifaxan every day for the SIBO. It's been a godsend.
Very wise!
Yes on pain being 10 and fainting. I fainted last weekend trying to go from bathroom to bedroom. Came to on the marble floor staring at the bottom of the draperies....very scary. I hate this!
The exact name was Cecal bascal which is another name for Cecal volvulous same problems with the affects of no ileocecal valve
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