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

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Profile picture for shelleyW @shelleyw

misssuezq,
Mag citrate is the liquid that most people use for occasional constipation. It seems to have a wide range of times and thorough relief. I find it very harsh and explosive and often does little for me.
I take Mag carbonate, it is the cheapest, its effectiveness is random, it does aid me, a tiny tiny bit for sleep .
I need to change, I can now afford a better grade.
I have heard that mag glycinate, I think I have this right, is a combo of different types of Magnesium.
Chelated is also supposed to be beneficial, it seems it is more effectively absorbed.
You probably know this, keep your magnesium intake 2 hours before or after any other medications.
I guzzle miralax by the gallon 🤪🤪 ShelleyW

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I’m glad the Miralax worked for you. It caused cramping for me 😆. But I have POTS and visceral sensitivity so that could be why.

I take the magnesium citrate supplement, so in a capsule or tablet form, which is much less concentrated and intended to be used as a dietary supplement. But you’re right, the liquid form is a very strong laxative and not meant to be used regularly.

I’ve taken magnesium glycinate for sleep. I didn’t notice too much of a difference. My dietician told me it doesn’t have as much of a laxative effect because of the way it’s formulated whereas magnesium citrate draws more water into the colon, so that’s why it can help with constipation.

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Profile picture for misssuezq @misssuezq

Thank you. I love the chia seeds and kiwi!!!
Next month I have an appointment at the Pelvic Floor Center so hopefully I’ll learn some useful information.
I will check out the article

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I hope your appointment goes well and you’re able to find a regimen that works for you.

Haha I like kiwi too, but my favorites are the golden kiwi. But I was told green kiwi had the most research. Well, what do you know, they did a study on golden kiwi in 2022 lol: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9572406/.

Wishing you all the best.

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Profile picture for shelleyW @shelleyw

misssuezq,
Mag citrate is the liquid that most people use for occasional constipation. It seems to have a wide range of times and thorough relief. I find it very harsh and explosive and often does little for me.
I take Mag carbonate, it is the cheapest, its effectiveness is random, it does aid me, a tiny tiny bit for sleep .
I need to change, I can now afford a better grade.
I have heard that mag glycinate, I think I have this right, is a combo of different types of Magnesium.
Chelated is also supposed to be beneficial, it seems it is more effectively absorbed.
You probably know this, keep your magnesium intake 2 hours before or after any other medications.
I guzzle miralax by the gallon 🤪🤪 ShelleyW

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Shelley,

I did not know about keeping the magnesium from 2 hours before or after meditation I’m glad you mentioned that.
Wow, there are many magnesium options they are trying to confuse me 😵‍💫😵‍💫🤣
Thank you for your input I really appreciate it.

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Profile picture for misssuezq @misssuezq

I have a redundant colon with chronic constipation. As many of you experience just when you figure out a way to help your constipation, it stops working. I’m looking for a new way and want to try magnesium but wasn’t sure if others on here recommend magnesium or magnesium citrate. I welcome your comments.

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Call me old school, but I suggest using mineral oil. When I was having repeat bouts of diverticulitis years ago, my doctor recommended two tablespoons a day to relieve constipation. I was to use that until things worked. They did, with no side affects or runaway diarrhea.

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Profile picture for misssuezq @misssuezq

I have a redundant colon with chronic constipation. As many of you experience just when you figure out a way to help your constipation, it stops working. I’m looking for a new way and want to try magnesium but wasn’t sure if others on here recommend magnesium or magnesium citrate. I welcome your comments.

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I too have redundant & torturous colon, A product called SLO-Mag (Magnesuim Chloride) works pretty well for me. All the others are too harsh!

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Profile picture for rsedlock1958 @rsedlock1958

Call me old school, but I suggest using mineral oil. When I was having repeat bouts of diverticulitis years ago, my doctor recommended two tablespoons a day to relieve constipation. I was to use that until things worked. They did, with no side affects or runaway diarrhea.

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Thank you.
So do it daily as I have a constant constipation problem?

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Profile picture for jkarmazin @jkarmazin

I too have redundant & torturous colon, A product called SLO-Mag (Magnesuim Chloride) works pretty well for me. All the others are too harsh!

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Thank you that is helpful I will look into it.

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Profile picture for misssuezq @misssuezq

I have a redundant colon with chronic constipation. As many of you experience just when you figure out a way to help your constipation, it stops working. I’m looking for a new way and want to try magnesium but wasn’t sure if others on here recommend magnesium or magnesium citrate. I welcome your comments.

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I appreciate all the suggestions it really helps. If one doesn’t work I can try another and so on. 😊

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Profile picture for misssuezq @misssuezq

I have a redundant colon with chronic constipation. As many of you experience just when you figure out a way to help your constipation, it stops working. I’m looking for a new way and want to try magnesium but wasn’t sure if others on here recommend magnesium or magnesium citrate. I welcome your comments.

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Yes mag cit works. Powdered. Use a teaspoon in a glass of water. If it doesn't work in a few hours repeat. Or, use baking soda. Good luck.

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Profile picture for emo @emo

I take 300 mg magnesium citrate capsules and it was working great for me but recently hasn’t been working as well. My doctor told me I could go up to 400 mg, so I’m trying that for now. Sources I’ve seen online by GI dieticians reference 400-800 mg for constipation.

I’ve tried Natural Calm too, in lemon raspberry. It tastes like raspberry iced tea to me, but for some reason it doesn’t seem as effective.

My other go-to has been chia seed pudding. I take two teaspoons of chia seeds and gel them in yogurt or a smoothie and/or kiwi. My GI doc actually recommended that. There’s a study that eating two green kiwi a day was effective in reducing constipation. Two actually gave me diarrhea lol.

It may be worth considering other contributing factors or consulting with a GI dietician. I got the most help from working with a pelvic PT (I have pelvic floor dysfunction and she also taught me abdominal massage, which you can look up online to improve motility. I imagine that may help with tortuous colon) and a GI dietician. I learned it’s actually possible to have too much fiber, especially in a situation like this where it’s hard for your body to move things along.

I found this article helpful (it’s where I found the info about the magnesium citrate dosage): https://www.fodmapeveryday.com/the-scoop-on-increasing-your-ability-to-poop-strategies-for-alleviating-constipation/.

Good luck to you!

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I also have pelvic floor dysfunction and CC, and have found abdominal massage very helpful. Nice to have a tool that doesn't involve medication, though sometimes I need the meds too.

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