1. < Digestive Health

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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lanette23 | @lanette23 | Oct 5, 2019
In reply to @virginia44 "It makes sense to me because estrogen maintains the mucosa in parts of the reproductive tract..." + (show)
@virginia44

It makes sense to me because estrogen maintains the mucosa in parts of the reproductive tract as well as the urinary tract. I have the reference for the paper I read, if you are interested, I can post it.

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Yes I am thank you

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lanette23 | @lanette23 | Oct 7, 2019

So what do you all think about a part of the colon being removed did any have this done and feel better and take less meds for constipation and have less constipation thanks LaNette

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1 reply
bazzell | @bazzell | Oct 7, 2019

No experience with that, but have had 3 small bowel resections, because of bleeding & ulcerations, anyone have this experience?

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kriszill | @kriszill | Oct 7, 2019
In reply to @lanette23 "So what do you all think about a part of the colon being removed did any..." + (show)
@lanette23

So what do you all think about a part of the colon being removed did any have this done and feel better and take less meds for constipation and have less constipation thanks LaNette

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No, but my colon’s the length of a freakin’ fire hose, so if anyone wants a section of it, be my guest. I have plenty to spare.

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nova1976 | @nova1976 | Oct 8, 2019

Besides the resections, they took out ileocecal valve. That causes SIBO and explosive diarea 😱😱

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lanette23 | @lanette23 | Oct 8, 2019
In reply to @nova1976 "Besides the resections, they took out ileocecal valve. That causes SIBO and explosive diarea 😱😱" + (show)
@nova1976

Besides the resections, they took out ileocecal valve. That causes SIBO and explosive diarea 😱😱

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Oh so I don’t know what would be worse not going are going all the time thanks for the input

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lanette23 | @lanette23 | Oct 8, 2019

Lol ok think that is what mine is ugh thanks for the info

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lanette23 | @lanette23 | Oct 8, 2019

Sorry too here that good luck

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jennb | @jennb | Oct 23, 2019
In reply to @amyvb "I have had IBS-C issues for as long as I can remember, but about 7 years..." + (show)
@amyvb

I have had IBS-C issues for as long as I can remember, but about 7 years ago they became chronic to the point where I can go a week (or more) without any bowel movement if I'm not taking laxatives. I have had dozens of tests, and the only useful information I have received so far was from a visit to the Mayo clinic in Rochester a little over a year ago, where they discovered I have a "highly tortuous colon" and could barely complete a colonoscopy. The recommendations at that time included increasing my fiber, which doesn't help at all. Other tests have also revealed that I have a partially prolapsed lower colon, but not to the point where surgery would be a good idea. Taking fiber supplements makes me extremely bloated and becomes unbelievably painful, and Miralax makes me sick to my stomach and doesn't do too much to move things along. I've tried different things with my diet, and right now, I mostly eat white rice (brown is too hard to digest), vegetables, and small amounts of protein. I feel like i'm going a little crazy trying different things like eliminating dairy or other food restrictions, but I don't know what else to do. I completely avoid gluten. I've been very active my whole life...have run marathons and done lots of strength training and different types of endurance races, but recently I don't have the energy for the types of training that these events require. @karena65 Do you have a resource that you can share on the whole plant diet? Is there any other advice anyone can share?

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Hi-I was recently diagnosed with torturous colon as well. It makes sense since Menopause I’ve experienced worse IBS symptoms. My doctor told me to add ground flaxseed to my diet and I can say this works really well! I sprinkle it ontop of food -you really don’t taste it- and it keeps me regular and stools are easy to pass. I had two polyps so I’m waiting for my results but not worried. Anyway ground flaxseed is definitely the trick for me -very high in fiber.

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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Oct 23, 2019
In reply to @jennb "Hi-I was recently diagnosed with torturous colon as well. It makes sense since Menopause I’ve experienced..." + (show)
@jennb

Hi-I was recently diagnosed with torturous colon as well. It makes sense since Menopause I’ve experienced worse IBS symptoms. My doctor told me to add ground flaxseed to my diet and I can say this works really well! I sprinkle it ontop of food -you really don’t taste it- and it keeps me regular and stools are easy to pass. I had two polyps so I’m waiting for my results but not worried. Anyway ground flaxseed is definitely the trick for me -very high in fiber.

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Welcome to Connect, @jennb, and thanks for sharing your insight about flaxseed. The therapeutic and beneficial properties of flaxseed are well known, and there is growing research to support its use. You might be interested in reading this journal article about "Dietary Flaxseed as a Strategy for Improving Human Health” https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/5/1171/htm

May I ask if you would share more details about the polyps you mentioned? Did you have a biopsy to determine their status?

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