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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 recently had my first colonoscopy. When I read the notes, I was surprised to read that I have a "loopy" colon. My lifelong chronic constipation suddenly made sense. For the past 20 years, I have successfully treated the problem (without knowing the cause) by eating at least 1/4 cup of amaranth per day. It works amazingly well. If anyone wants to try it and would like recipes, let me know.
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11 ReactionsHi @annbk and welcome to the Digestive Health group on Connect. I was unfamiliar with amaranth so did a quick internet search and found this:
- Amaranth: An Ancient Grain With Impressive Health Benefits https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/amaranth-health-benefits
Great to read that amaranth is naturally gluten free. Quinoa is another grain that I love that is gluten free. @astaingegerdm @bandaids @darlia @shayshay may also have something to add or learn from this conversation.
Ann: I, too, have to manage constipation despite all plumbing being normal (a bit loopy) and eating well. I'm interested in hearing how you incorporate amaranth in your daily diet. What is its flavor? Do you use it as a grain or simply add it to things like smoothies?
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3 ReactionsI'd like to try it!
Hey there, I’m in the same boat as you. Have had multiple symptoms the same as yours and has not emptied my bowel for 28 days was hospitalised 3 times within this period from pain and the concern as to why I hadn’t gone. I had a colonoscopy 2 weeks ago and was diagnosed with a redundant sigmoid colon. I see my specialist next week to get all of my results as they also found some polyps which they needed to biopsy. I’m only 24 years old and I’m also extremely physically active and follow a meal plan advised by my training coaches.
@katiaserra Please tell us more about the Meal Plan of the Training Coaches.. How long have you been using this Meal Plan.. and did you have these symptoms (which symptoms occurred first) before going on this Meal Plan? Let us know what your Specialist says..
@ken82 hi ken, the meal plan was working out how much protein, carbs and fats I needed to intake as well as a minimum of 28g of fibre everyday. I’ve been following a meal plan like this on and off for about 6 years but most recently 8 months continues. I’ve always had constipation my whole life but not to the extremes of what I recently experienced. Bloating and constipation were the first symptoms and then following extreme nausea and abdominal pain to the point where I was hospitalised. Yes will do, fingers crossed on my biopsies!
@katiaserra .. Could you tell us what foods you are eating when using this Meal Plan.. examples of what meats, examples of what dairy, examples what fiber.. what vegetables, what fruits.. How much liquid and what liquids..
Oh, you sound just like me. I don't have IBS-C but a redundant, slow transit colon. My transverse colon barely moves. At the moment all I eat is soft fruit and vegetables, eggs, rice and some fish. I can't eat alot in one sitting so graze throughout the day. I have list about 13 kg. My colorectal specialist put me on prucalopride with my laxitives which has done nothing. Ten days with a small result but I think it is only because I doubled my laxatives on the 8th day. I think I want surgery but I'm concerned I am concerned that maybe I am not bad enough.
Wonderful! Thanks!
I have a tortuous colon too also AVM's which bleed and I don't see the blood. Wound up in the hospital 2017 as I lost too much blood. Had to have Blood transfusion and iron infusions. I am monitored for the blood but for the colon, it is horrible having colonoscopies and I need them as I get adenomas. My gastro doctor never said anything to me about it at all. Wonder why.