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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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fighter | @fighter | Jan 30, 2021
In reply to @sher71 "Do try the stool softeners. I take 2 every night with at least 6oz. of water...." + (show)
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Do try the stool softeners. I take 2 every night with at least 6oz. of water. The senokot, Dulcolax and Miralax all worked .... but left me having at least 2-3 BM's in the morning, not one was "complete elimination and I felt bloatly all day. My Dr. suggested taking the Miralax in the morning and stool softeners at night but that combo wasn't right either. I'm still working on a good combination, trying to keep it as natural as possible with out prescription side effects. ( I have enough to worry about !) So I'm on a trial with the 500 mg. magnesium and 2 stool softeners at night. Trying also to increase fluids to 60-80 oz. a day. THAT'S HARD!!! The journal helps. Have you tried soaking in a hot tub and massaging your lower abdomen in a clockwise motion to relieve gas? Works a bit for me about 70% of the time to pass gas. Isn't it awful to have to cover your gut with oversized sweaters etc. because your so slim but look about 3 months pregnant? I HATE IT!! At least we can conceal in winter. Swim suits are another issue. :o( Keep in touch! Might be nice to compare notes

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You might want to try Atrantil for the gas & bloating. You buy it on the web.

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goatlady | @goatlady | Jan 31, 2021
In reply to @sher71 "Great idea on the water!!! Trying to drink more and that's a great way to keep..." + (show)
Profile picture for sher71 @sher71

Great idea on the water!!! Trying to drink more and that's a great way to keep track!

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I am going to start drinking more water today and see if that helps.

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goatlady | @goatlady | Jan 31, 2021

I don't understand why the GI doctor didn't say anything to me about my tortuous colon?? I read her notes on the colonoscopy and she stated that was difficult and complex because I had a tortuous colon. Never said a word, just told me everything was normal. Thank you all for all your help!!!

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artist01 | @artist01 | Jan 31, 2021
In reply to @goatlady "I am going to start drinking more water today and see if that helps." + (show)
Profile picture for goatlady @goatlady

I am going to start drinking more water today and see if that helps.

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Right ON, @fighter!!! You keep on that fightin' ! I wish you all the luck in the world!

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artist01 | @artist01 | Jan 31, 2021
In reply to @goatlady "thank you, that gives me a good starting, unfortunately I have to give up a lot..." + (show)
Profile picture for goatlady @goatlady

thank you, that gives me a good starting, unfortunately I have to give up a lot of the stuff I love! If it helps, it is worth it! Thank you again!

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Hi @goatlady. And remember, we've all had to give up many of the foods we love, in order to see our health improve.
Its SO worth it to get a better quality of life. And, misery loves company! lol. We're all in this journey together, and we have the full support of our fellow-sufferers on Mayo Connect.
My best to you.

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goatlady | @goatlady | Jan 31, 2021
In reply to @artist01 "Hi @goatlady. And remember, we've all had to give up many of the foods we love,..." + (show)
Profile picture for artist01 @artist01

Hi @goatlady. And remember, we've all had to give up many of the foods we love, in order to see our health improve.
Its SO worth it to get a better quality of life. And, misery loves company! lol. We're all in this journey together, and we have the full support of our fellow-sufferers on Mayo Connect.
My best to you.

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Thank you!!! I am going to give a try today. I am so grateful that I found this group!!! This is going to be hard, but my health is worth it. Thank you all for your support!

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artist01 | @artist01 | Jan 31, 2021
In reply to @goatlady "Thank you!!! I am going to give a try today. I am so grateful that I..." + (show)
Profile picture for goatlady @goatlady

Thank you!!! I am going to give a try today. I am so grateful that I found this group!!! This is going to be hard, but my health is worth it. Thank you all for your support!

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Good luck, @goatlady! You can do this!

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goatlady | @goatlady | Feb 3, 2021
In reply to @artist01 "Good luck, @goatlady! You can do this!" + (show)
Profile picture for artist01 @artist01

Good luck, @goatlady! You can do this!

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Well, I have gone three days on low Fodmap diet. Felt OK for the first two days and, for reason, today I am real gassy, not sure why. Have to look back and see what I ate yesterday. Also, I have a lot of mucus when I go to the bathroom. Is this normal? I think I need go back to my Primary Doctor and ask for another referral to a different GI doctor. The GI Doc that did my colonoscopy said everything was fine, but yet in her notes of the procedure said that she had a difficult time doing the colonoscopy because I had a tortuous colon.

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artist01 | @artist01 | Feb 4, 2021
In reply to @goatlady "I don't understand why the GI doctor didn't say anything to me about my tortuous colon??..." + (show)
Profile picture for goatlady @goatlady

I don't understand why the GI doctor didn't say anything to me about my tortuous colon?? I read her notes on the colonoscopy and she stated that was difficult and complex because I had a tortuous colon. Never said a word, just told me everything was normal. Thank you all for all your help!!!

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Hello @goatlady. I do hope you've asked for a referral to a new GI. When you were able to read your present GI's report and saw the results, him telling you everything is "fine" is not fine! It's SO important that we can trust our medical professionals and get the care that we need and deserve.

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goatlady | @goatlady | Feb 4, 2021

I am going to try to get another referral, my Primary Care doctor is out for the week. I will talk to her when she comes back. Thank you for all your help

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