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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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margot6425 | @margot6425 | Jul 11 8:07am
In reply to @hana2 "Unfortunately the bowel, like all muscles atrophy as you age, so many seniors have bowel problems..." + (show)
Profile picture for hana2 @hana2

Unfortunately the bowel, like all muscles atrophy as you age, so many seniors have bowel problems without all these other complicating issues. The only way to work the bowel muscles is through fiber (high soluable fiber foods best) which stretches the bowel and then it has to push it...like resistant training exercises at the gym lol. But I also found not sitting for very long, daily walks/stretch, loose clothing on abdomen, deep breathing/gentle pressure for pain, chew food completely to pulp (no hard pieces) etc etc helps. Also you may have developed different food intolerances due to bowel misfunction. I have been off dairy and gluten for over 30 years. I had actually developed a milk protein allergy at 30 yrs old. Allergist was stunned.

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Hi Hana2
Sorry for your allergies and intolerances. How do you manage to eat and stay healthy?
I am curious because my Dx was microscopic colitis and I was told to eat bananas, rice, toast and water. After that, no advice given. No one can live on that!
Margot

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margot6425 | @margot6425 | Jul 11 8:11am
In reply to @shortiseltzer "I’ve been dealing with weight loss, diarrhea, bloating, gas feeling full and acid buildup. I had..." + (show)
Profile picture for shortiseltzer @shortiseltzer

I’ve been dealing with weight loss, diarrhea, bloating, gas feeling full and acid buildup. I had my first colonoscopy/ upper endoscopy and it revealed that I have a torturous colon.I’m currently taking anti diarrheal, acid reducer and nausea meds as needed.
I’m very interested to hear about what foods are easier with this issue/ issues. I have not had much luck with most foods except bland.

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Hi Hana2
Me again. Here are some of the foods I can tolerate without diarrhea or problems. I started out with rice, potatoes, chicken, mild fish, and then tried adding new foods to see what would happen. I can now have spaghetti and butter, mild white bread, tuna salad, scrambled eggs, plain yogurt, and I keep adding things one at a time. I hope you can do the same.
Margot

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midford | @midford | Jul 19 11:50am
In reply to @marmoldav "Oh cool. I will try sleeping on my left side. I did finally hear from the..." + (show)
Profile picture for marmoldav @marmoldav

Oh cool. I will try sleeping on my left side. I did finally hear from the doctor. And I have to have a colonoscopy every 5 years instead of every 10 years. The thing is that type of polyp that I mentioned, that's the type that has the propensity to turn into cancer. There's two types of polyps that they could find. One will always be benign and never turn into cancer and then the other one is the tubular adenoma. Tubular adenomas are exactly what they're looking for when they do colonoscopies. Those are the ones that are going to eventually become cancer and because of that I have to go every 5 years instead of 10. Also from what I've read redundant colon makes colonoscopies difficult. And actually in the report of my colonoscopy the doctor did indicate that it was difficult. So the fact that they're more difficult and that I have to have them more often is a little bit concerning

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I have a tortuous colon as well. My first and only colonscopy could not even be completed as it was too 'bendy' to get by. Got about 3/4 done. So I was sent for a colongraphy instead. It is done with gas so it could get by the bendy bit. Nothing was found. I haven't done one again but I will be going for colongraphies from now on. I have been a constipated person my whole life. Just had surgery and the bowels nope..not waking back up. They took FOREVER to get going again and now I have taken the time to work on them. So prunes are my friends with black coffee every morning with a 'squatty potty'. It is a stool that I put my feet on to raise my knees up. 5 out of 7 days a week I have a movement now. Nice to not be constipated! A little struggle when I"m not home or when I will be on holiday for days/weeks at a time with the stool. One day at a time! All the best!

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midford | @midford | Jul 19 11:56am
In reply to @dianesgk "I too have a torturous . Showed up on my last 2 colonoscopies, 2021 and 2023...." + (show)
Profile picture for dianesgk @dianesgk

I too have a torturous . Showed up on my last 2 colonoscopies, 2021 and 2023. But been causing problems since August of 2022. I drink more water, try to walk at least a mile a day, (was very sedentary), and increase my fiber. I too felt so uncomfortable after my evening meal, especially if I happened to eat more than normal. I do not like taking MiraLAX daily, and not sure adding fiber helps me. Especially when everything appears to get stuck right after I eat. I slept only on my left side for over 2 years, because of back issues, but have been sleeping on my back and right side a bit. Has not seemed to make it worse. I am looking for something more natural to work. May try the warm prune juice I saw recommended. My work schedule does not allow me to take MiraLAX every day - but I cannot seem to get completely away from it. I do use Smooth Move tea on occasion. I do like it but again, don't want to rely on it either. I feel like I can say this here, I feel like I have never pooped so much in my life since my colonoscopy and after having taken MiraLAX for 3-4 months before the colonoscopy. I had severe constipation as a child, but not so much or so bad as an adult. I massage my abdomen and put a heating pad on it some evenings right before bed. That feels so good. Still searching for natural helps other than what I am already doing. Best wishes for you.

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I have had done a deep dive into my life long constipation recently! Never really focussed on it. I've learned about all this fiber too people say to have. Never mentioned is the water that needs drank along with it. Made a difference to me tho now I'm eating a handful of prunes on an empty stomach with black coffee and most mornings I have a movement now with my Squatty Potty. Such a good feeling! All the best with this journey. I too am trying to stay away from any meds. Asked my doctor if my body will eventually rely on the prunes...she said I may need to add more to my diet one day but to keep doing what I'm doing while it works well. Just had 1/2 my pancreas removed so working on the diet all round!

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lindab3086 | @lindab3086 | Jul 20 4:41pm
In reply to @marmoldav "Oh cool. I will try sleeping on my left side. I did finally hear from the..." + (show)
Profile picture for marmoldav @marmoldav

Oh cool. I will try sleeping on my left side. I did finally hear from the doctor. And I have to have a colonoscopy every 5 years instead of every 10 years. The thing is that type of polyp that I mentioned, that's the type that has the propensity to turn into cancer. There's two types of polyps that they could find. One will always be benign and never turn into cancer and then the other one is the tubular adenoma. Tubular adenomas are exactly what they're looking for when they do colonoscopies. Those are the ones that are going to eventually become cancer and because of that I have to go every 5 years instead of 10. Also from what I've read redundant colon makes colonoscopies difficult. And actually in the report of my colonoscopy the doctor did indicate that it was difficult. So the fact that they're more difficult and that I have to have them more often is a little bit concerning

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I have a tortuous colon and have been getting colonoscopies every 5 years for about 20 years. The first 3 caused no discomfort afterwards. In fact I woke up during the first one and watched part of it on the screen. The last one, with a different doctor, I had severe discomfort for about 2 weeks with cramping and bloating. I just ate a bland diet and it gradually eased. The prep and doctor were the only thing different, don't know if that contributed. Tortuous colons are not uncommon.
Good luck with your procedures

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160302miller | @160302miller | Jul 30 7:04am
In reply to @marmoldav "Oh cool. I will try sleeping on my left side. I did finally hear from the..." + (show)
Profile picture for marmoldav @marmoldav

Oh cool. I will try sleeping on my left side. I did finally hear from the doctor. And I have to have a colonoscopy every 5 years instead of every 10 years. The thing is that type of polyp that I mentioned, that's the type that has the propensity to turn into cancer. There's two types of polyps that they could find. One will always be benign and never turn into cancer and then the other one is the tubular adenoma. Tubular adenomas are exactly what they're looking for when they do colonoscopies. Those are the ones that are going to eventually become cancer and because of that I have to go every 5 years instead of 10. Also from what I've read redundant colon makes colonoscopies difficult. And actually in the report of my colonoscopy the doctor did indicate that it was difficult. So the fact that they're more difficult and that I have to have them more often is a little bit concerning

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I just had a colonoscopy and found out the same thing. I am a little overwhelmed and wish you the best.

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