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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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I, too, have a tortuous colon with chronic idiopathic constipation. About 3 years ago, I started taking Vibrant capsules which create peristalsis. It works pretty well most of the time. Check it out: https://vibrantgastro.com
My gastroenterologist told me I could eat anything. Because I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I am super careful to eat a healthy diet and get lots of exercise. My GI is also trying to get approval from Medicare for a drug called procalopride, which is helpful for people with chronic constipation as well as PD.
Good luck!
@electracat yes, it was quite the experience, for a mid 40s lady who had never had any kind of surgery to have emergency surgery and a subsequent 2 week hospital stay. I was on TPN for 1 month, but have not required it since. The pelvic wand helps my pelvic floor muscles relax...so when that feeling of things not wanting to come out, they CAN now. For the rapid gastric emptying, I recently switched from Motegrity back to Linzess. I was under the impression that Motegrity worked exclusively in the small and large intestines to propel things along, but my GI doctor said it stimulates everything, including the stomach, which obviously is not ideal for someone with rapid gasttic emptying. So far I am not convinced, but will give it more time. I also am on a low dose of cholestyramine for bile acid diarrhea, which is helping reduce the frequency and improve the consistency of my BMs. Hope that helps some.
@jlstjohn , interesting info. I read your earlier post about the wand and almost bought one. I decided to try focusing without it. So far, it’s going pretty well. I have learned that I must go to the toilet and try to go, regardless of whether I feel the urge. Most of the time I do. I can see why the wand would assist, though and if I have difficulty again, I’ll likely try one.