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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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Having stool inside me despite doing the colon cleanse pre colonscopy was a surprise to the doc who did the procedure. They had to flush me out before they could do this. I was going all liquid for #2 6-7 hours before this and could not have imagined anything solid left in me. My next appointment is with a motility specialist here in Minneapolis, but my thinking is that I need to get a referral to Mayo since it is close, and their reputation in the GI sector. Perseverance is hard to keep up at times, but I have to see this through because as you said, I am too young to have to deal with this for another 15-20 years.
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3 ReactionsHope you can get some answers. If I lived in the U.S. I would certainly be leaning towards Mayo Clinic but I live in Canada.
Best I can tell from my redundant (long) colon is that it is not a problem when I am successfully tackling my IBS-C, which I do 100% now with my own "take" on using IBGuard, slippery elm (inner bark) tea, only a limited range of foods that don't cause problems including some Monash University App "green-light only" foods, a kiwi a night (you can find the study on stubborn constipation and kiwis), dietary enzymes for food intolerances (Intoleran brand) and pancreas enzymes, as well as both magnesium supplements and cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety that stemmed from a trauma and was out of control.
And when I do the above, my rectocele doesn't bother me either.
Your path will of course be different. If a drug works well for you, so much the easier, yes? But I didn't want to try a prescription medication unless food and lifestyle changes worked. Also, I don't have Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic in easy reach, travel-wise. My local Gastros are not confidence-inspiring and don't seem to focus on food or lifestyle changes, and I am definitely biased toward experimenting on my own and with food and what I deem (from experience/reading) as gentle supplements.
I also get up earlier in the morning so that I have enough bathroom time (sluggish colon still, but the kiwi is a game changer) to have a rather ordinary (good) day.
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3 ReactionsThe slippery elm bark I can find is rather expensive. What brand do you buy? How much do you consume?
I use 1/2 teaspoon in the morning, before I eat or drink anything else. I put it into a mug and whisk in hot water from my tea kettle. I buy Frontier brand. iherb.com sells a lb for $36.00.
https://www.iherb.com/pr/frontier-co-op-slippery-elm-inner-bark-16-oz-453-g/30737?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnv-vBhBdEiwABCYQAzMY0l8vj8duib_UIF7BbreEenGoWSKjcBakgdzeM8EkY5bOOQoNfxoCAw8QAvD_BwE
BUT, I have good luck with etsy and someone there sells 4 oz for $13. Maybe better to buy less to try it out.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/682055810/slippery-elm-inner-bark-powder-4oz-to?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_ps-d-home_and_living-food_and_drink-herbs_and_spices_and_seasonings-herbs_and_spices&utm_custom1=_k_CjwKCAjwnv-vBhBdEiwABCYQA3ejRB86qyY5oopsEyOObkOvwjgGqck6tFex_raWg6oXuetpK8vnaxoC7dYQAvD_BwE_k_&utm_content=go_12566097808_121162434682_507300252449_pla-306107311649_c__682055810_5298660991&utm_custom2=12566097808&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnv-vBhBdEiwABCYQA3ejRB86qyY5oopsEyOObkOvwjgGqck6tFex_raWg6oXuetpK8vnaxoC7dYQAvD_BwE
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1 ReactionI just finished the colonoscopy prep. I had to finish at midnight and I started at 4. How do you know if you’re cleaned out?
Do you have a redundant colon?
If so, your dr knows this and prescribed the best pre-colonoscopy clean out for you.
We have to trust something. Or call your dr’s office and ask this question.
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1 ReactionWhen everything flows out totally liquid and yellowish and then you stop needing to go, usually. At least that's how it's worked for me and it was what the doctors told me.
Yes you’re right. That’s exactly what happened. Thanks for your reply!
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1 ReactionI do have a redundant colon. I also have a rectocele which came back. I had surgery 2 years ago for that but it’s back.
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