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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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OMG! You are experiencing the same as me…I’ve been on Mayo for SOME time. I’ve seen at least 6 different GI’s. After 5? colonoscopies…the 1st one in2010, the only thing they say is “long tortuous colon w/ diverticulosis.
I’m 5’2”, my normal weight is 130 - 135. I weighed 170 when it was at its worst. Luckily, I got in touch with a GI Dr. I’d never seen. He prescribed me “SurePrep”…it’s what they give to clean you out b4 scopes. It worked, sorta, I had 2 blowouts. The pain in my SWOLLEN gut was unbearable. But that was the beginning…I know this may seem off topic, but I had a metal hip for 16 yrs. 1 day I woke up & all I can say is I was “out of it”. My hip hurt, so I laid back down. I didn’t come out of whatever you wanna call it for over a week..(I have no recollection of what happened during that time). I was in bed, I have 2 kids to get up, get fed, & take to school. When I came to, I went straight to orthopedic dr. & he tested for metal ions…of course I had plenty. Had revision, pain subsided & got back to 130 lb. That was in 2020..pain is back, I only eat soft food & all GI’s say same, tortuous colon & diverticulosis…in fact, a month ago I went to a NEW GI, I had previous reports & scopes. He flipped thru them & said “well, it looks like you have done everything there is to do, I can’t help you”. He gave me amitriptyline 10 mg. Sometimes it helps sometimes it doesn’t but I’ve been on a soft diet for 4 years !
I’ve cried myself (in my room, alone) so many times. I wish I could just go hospice. I hope you have better luck than me. ALSO, make sure you don’t go to the colonoscopy places…they’re everywhere, & that is Literally all they do.
Prayers & best wishes
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2 ReactionsI am a Short Bowel Patient; I lost most of my small bowel after surgery to treat Meckel's Diverticulum. I developed adhesions over the next five years , they became strangulated and necrotic during the lysis of Adhesions procedure. Multiple surgeries to rebuild, correct and control the situation left me on TPN, and a loss of 80% of my small bowel and an ileostomy. Surgeons did a reanastamosis surgery where they then performed a Cecectomy removing my Cecum, Appendix and my ICV Valve. I had been at Northwestern memorial in Chicago, later transferred to University of Chicago Medical Center and a few years later back at Northwestern. My first Colonoscopy upon return discovered a very hard procedure that was diagnose as a Tortuous and Redundant Colon. I have bouts of Diarrhea then the brakes slam on and I'm constipated, then back to a middle of the road pudding bits. Have an Upcoming Colonoscopy where they will use a double Balloon procedure. I also have Diverticulosis where even with NuLytely the Diverticula pockets don't always come clean before the procedure
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2 Reactions@hopeful2 - I've only used the black chia and don't believe there is any significant difference between them and the white ones.
How did your chia/cherry pudding turn out? Do you notice a difference between the laxative effect of the white vs the black?
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1 ReactionI started the 20 mg of Celexa because that was the only new thing I came away from the new gi with. Took in am because it can cause insomnia and I already have trouble sleeping. Ironically, made me really tired and nauseous. Not few hours of sleep. Next day, diarrhea started so that night cut normal meds in half. Next day, could not leave br for hours. Well, I am no longer constipated! Unfortunately, we are leaving for a 10 drive to the beach in 3 days. This is not a good thing. Plus, I feel awful. So, next day I cut in half. Little better. But now, two days later, I’m in motel, half way to beach, second day, no BM. Couldn’t take much because likely we will be stuck in traffic. I have been looking forward to this vacation with my son and daughter and 5 grandsons for 3 years, and I’m probably going to feel like crap the whole time. I am so sick of this whole thing.
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5 ReactionsHow do you use the epsom salts ?
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1 ReactionI sometimes use coconut oil. Make sure the label says unrefined, organic, extra virgin coconut oil.....
https://www.healthline.com/health/coconut-oil-to-treat-constipation#use-for-constipation-
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1 ReactionDirections on the bag or the Box
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1 ReactionThe best advice I have is small portions, skip a day (no solid food) but plenty fluids, meal replacement drinks, eggs, potatoes, just about any fruit, try smoothies or shakes (as a treat). Soup! as long as it doesn’t have big chunks of meat. Water, water! It’s not fun, but it’s better than pain & suffering. I’ve been working this out for 4 yrs…I NEVER thought I’d skip a day of food in my life….but there it is…you work up to it gradually. It’s helped me. I could not go on with the pain any longer. So I took matters into my own hands. Unfortunately, everybody is different…have all the V8 or prune juice you want (or can handle)…a little vodka in V8 can’t hurt either…(just for a cocktail on vacay) lemon in tea.
Good luck
I’m coming off Linezz it’s not working for me. I asked the gastroenterologist to send me my records and the results of the biopsy’s. I’m going back drinking 4 8oz of Miralax a day and taking 2 stool softeners a day. I’ll take my 2 laxatives on Tuesday and make Wednesday my poo day. I just afraid 20 years down the road I’m going to need emergency surgery
TY