Connect
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
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Connect
Thank you 😊
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI agree I’m looking forward to getting help at the Pelvic center kinda?!? 🥹🤪
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI have what you have and do a lot of food/liquid/supplement modification for it. Everyone has likely heard my spiel. Just search w/in the blog on ResearchMaven to see how I successfully cope. Good luck!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsWill do thank you kindly!
Ok so I guess that wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. I couldn’t find your blog. I searched on this sight and did an internet search. Would you please help direct me to it.
Thanks Sheila for you feedback.
Going to integrative healthcare professionals and doing Permaculture organic gardening most of my 72 years, produce and products are familiar to me. I can understand how they might seem complex. Months went by before I got it right. I did start with evening OptiMg and potassium (K), then morning ground flax and chia but it wasn't predictable enough. I did more research along with trial and error.
The osmotic gradient balance was an AH HA moment. It reminded me of keeping garden soil moist with compost (not really the same but once a gardener always a gardener). I needed to keep my longer than average pipe moist enough. It made sense to take one each of OptiMag and K plus I added Real salt in the middle of the night to be ready for "regularity" in the morning. Because I have low blood pressure and drink lots of water, minerals can become imbalanced. Unlike people with high blood pressure, I can use Real salt.
Just wanted you to get the idea of my discovery process.
Best of luck Sheila,
farmersmith
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have it! I barely go anywhere! I’ve asked to get part removed!? Nope!
Dr says next time I get a blockage to go to Er! I do not like going there. I can’t even move when a blockage is in process. I actually was even in hospitol a couple times as child. They called it telescopic bowel back in the days. It’s difficult to manage
Does anyone take laxatives?
Vicki
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI take Miralax every night. It does help in keeping things soft, but doesn't do anything to move it along. Even so, it should make any type of stimulant work on a lower dose. I don't know that for sure. Just a guess.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThanks Shelley. I use Miralax nightly. It helps to keep things soft, but I still have to use Dulcolax to get things, ummm, moving. My Dr. says not to rely on Dulcolax.....
I have also tried liquid magnesium citrate. Wow that stuff is dangerous. I don't use it anymore because I can't find a dose I can control.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI am 58 and had issues as a child as well. Just dealt with it as a young person. In the last few years it has gotten worse. I found out I have a hiatal hernia as well as the redundant colon. The one thing I have found that works best is not eating until 10:00ish in the morning. Water first thing then sitting with hot coffee for a while in the morning almost always works for me. Staying away from bread products has also seemed to be beneficial. Lots of home cooked meals rather than processed and eating slowly and stopping as soon as I feel full definitely helps. When I over eat I am miserable.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 Reactions