Anyone else have a Redundant / Tortuous Colon?

Hello I've had a tortuous intestine, and dealt with it's consequences, for all my 70 years here on this earth. I'm surprised that the Dr. didn't inform you of diet! But I'm also not surprised. And, I believe, it's different for all of us. It's a continual learning experience. For me, there has not been a "cut and dry" formula. Unfortunately, because it would have been ALOT easier! Originally, I was told, lots of water (min. of 6-12 oz. glasses) per day, lots of fiber, Miralax (which didn't work for me), stool softener, magnesium citrate, etc. I use Metamucil crackers occasionally when I'm needing the extra. I use psyllium (8 mg) sprinkled on oatmeal and cereal) daily. But currently, I found Prunelax to work very well, most of the time, depending on other factors, such as diet, sleep, etc. I am taking the mini tabs, (3 to 4) nightly. I have found that I need to use Bisacodyl once a week or every other week. I also plan on trying the extra strength Prunlax when I finish my supply of mini tabs. Prunelax has worked so much better for me than Miralax. I have been on this site for a year and what I see is different things work for different people. Doctors seem to have forgotten that, at least in my area. You, as an individual, have to keep trying different dosages, brands, etc. to find what works best for your body. Remember, with a tortuous intestine, we have a much slower transit time than "regular" folks and things can get backed up and much more difficult to pass. So exercise, water, trying different aids, such as Prunlax, not eating too much cheese, or certain types of food,..............all help in you finding what works best for you. It's a process and a frustrating one sometimes. Sometimes we don't feel good at all until we change what we're doing and try something else. It's been a journey. But thank God above, I'm still here and still learning. I wish the same for you. Jacque

Are you not worried you will be dependent on the prunelax? It has the stimulant Senna along with the " Sennocides" ?

Yes, it has crossed my mind. I'm going to the doctor's this week and I will revisit this question. Thank you for bringing it up. It's interesting that the colonoscopy Dr. didn't bring this up. No one has. They were just focusing on it's efficacy. But I have read on this site there have been a couple of people that said "all of a sudden their laxatives stopped working". That terrifies me. I've had difficulty all my life and it's only been one year since I contracted C-diff from an anti-biotic and it's taken this full year to recover. I still have to rely on the Prunelax and Bisacodyl to eliminate and that is concerning. Otherwise I become constipated as I have all my life. I can go on my own, but it becomes a problem. I've ALWAYS been that way. I believe it's because I have such a long transit time due to the long intestine I have for a person my size, the "tortuous intestine". So truthfully, this past year, finally finding Prunelax, is the first time in my life I've been able to eliminate "normally" and I feel so much better. I thought because Senna was a natural product I might not have to worry about dependence. But I will discuss this more with my doctors. I don't want another problem! I'll keep you posted. Thank you! Jacque

I totally understand, and can relate to the constipation all your life. I only found out about my tortuous colon when I had a barium enema. But NO guidance from any Dr. and that was 11 yrs ago. Senna is natural but any stimulant laxative can become a habit and possibly lose it's ability to do it's job over time. I'm back on Miralax and had to take milk of Mag. last night. One thing I did do was got" squatty potty stool" It helped so much this am. I'm certain any stool that elevates your legs will have the same effect. I realize though for years I never drank enough water. As a kid I never drank water only milk, which added to the constipation. Redundant colon and the extra time it takes for food to transit our bodies is so very stressful. I have been making myself walk more and move more. I used to dance before the Pandemic! The very best to you Jacque, Bobbie

Bobbie, my favorite testimonial to the effectiveness of the Squatty Potty is @cahnny's serious but fun post here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/106972/

I'm also guilty of not drinking enough and I really pay for it when I don't. I found tracking my water intake on an app to be tedious, but it showed me how little I was drinking. Now I use a different method. I have a pitcher of water and make sure it is empty by day's end. What do you do to remind yourself to drink more water?

I have battled IBS-C for two decades. Recently, a colonoscopy showed I had a tortuous colon. I relayed this info to a separate GI I'm seeing, (insurance issues).....and the GI told me there is no evidence to support that a tortuous colon can cause/complicate IBS. Is that true? The enormous daily discomfort I feel happens to be in my descending colon....which is exactly where the colonoscopy showed the tortuous colon. It's hard to me to fathom that as a coincidence.

I know you posted this a while ago but is anyone still talking on this subject?

I'm interested in more information, e.g., how long should one go without a bowel movement before resorting to laxatives?