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Treatment options for redundant colon?

I am a 56-year old woman and have had problems with constipation since I was a child. I have been addicted to laxatives on-and-off.  Several years ago I developed intermittent lower abdominal pain, but now it's every day in varying degrees. At one doctor's recommendation, I drastically changed my diet, eliminating gluten, dairy and coffee, with no improvement. I seem to do better without starches/sugars. I've also had to change my wardrobe - I can't wear anything that is remotely tight on my stomach and often have to leave my low-cut pants unfastened. I take Miralax every day and supplement with MOM as needed. I've also found a wonderful herbal product to help with the gas that gets trapped in the "curves."
My first colonoscopy could not be completed and was followed by a barium xray; there were no polyps or masses. After a second colonoscopy under anesthesia I was told I had IBS and sent home with pills that didn't work! It wasn't until I asked for a copy of the procedure report that I saw the term "redundant colon."
I have been able to find little information about this diagnosis.  What treatment options are there? Is surgery an option and, if so, what is the longterm outcome? Is there someone who specialized in this problem - most gastroenterologists get that "deer-in-the-spotlight look" when I ask!?!
I hate that my life has to revolve around this problem - and no one understands what I'm going through!! I am otherwise healthy, I exercise regularly, eat well - I just want to know what I can do to "fix" this problem! Thanks!
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Avatar universal
I am 60-years old and have had issues with my bowels all my life, the worst was after my second child was born where I went from constipation to diarrhea and back to constipation, back and forth, for over a year.  With a pre-schooler and a baby, I didn't have funds to see the doctor for myself, and never really knew what the problem was until I had my first screening colonoscopy 5-years ago, where I was told that I had an elongated colon with multiple tortuosities.  I also had the X-rays, and was able to see the rosettes, loops, and helix curls of my colon.  But before that, I had learned to manage the issue.  Yes, fiber and water is important, but I found the most useful tool to manage my bowel issues is routine.  A morning routine that almost always results in a satisfactory bowel movement.  When my routine is disrupted, usually while traveling, is when I have problems, and then, it usually takes about a week and several doses of Miralax to get back on track.  Recently, I discovered Squatty Potty, and that has helped to reduce the length of time per sitting.  I don't think it is the exact routine that is important, just that you have one, but here is mine:  Get up, empty my bladder, immediately drink 12 oz. of water.  Take my pills, fix and eat breakfast, consuming another 12 oz. of water.  Take Metamucil with yet another 12 oz. of water.  Have one mug, also 12 oz. of coffee. Like Pavlov's dogs, usually just the smell of the coffee as I make it, is enough to stimulate a bowel movement, and then I usually have a second movement, after sipping the coffee.  After that, I shower and dress.  However, if I go off routine, and shower and dress to go out for breakfast, I probably will not have a bowel movement that day, and will be out of kilter for the next week.  It does effect my life; but it is manageable.
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Avatar universal
Lizzie, ask for a referral to a good GI person and then discuss having a marker study done to follow 'transit time' through your large intestine. This will help the doc to determine what's going on. Some people do have surgery on the large intestine if there's a serious problem, but it would have to be documented. And the problem with the surgery is the large intestine has a variable blood supply so more than just the portion that's redundant might have to be removed. There are also consequences to removal of a portion of the colon. One of the largest can be on-going diarrhea, which many people find to be as bothersome as having unremitting constipation. You can make dietary changes to try to control the diarrhea, but?

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Avatar universal
I have a redundant colon but don't know what can be done....I've suffered with constipation around 40 years.  The last few years it's became constant.  Sometimes laxative type foods help and sometimes they don't.  Prescription stool softeners like Amitiza/Linzess put me in the emergency room with a catheter in me...when not only was I suffered from constipation but full obstipation and my urine has shut down do to it.  In March my stomach starting cramp badly and daily, to near moment to moment, my appetite was lost, and acid started rising up in my mouth....it was discovered I was also suffering from a 7 year gall bladder disease.  Mind you, the cramping has ceased since the gall bladder was removed but I have to drink Milk of Magnesia daily to prevent constipation.  I don't know what can be done with my IBS-C and Redundant Sigmoid Colorn(btw, I suffer all the side effects of it.)  The last GI told me it was all in my head and none of my problems should make me feel bad it was just my nerves.  My surgeon disagreed, the HIDA scan though normal, caused extreme cramping, chest pains, chest pains over right shoulder and I passed out...which said to the surgeon my gall bladder needed to be removed and when he described the pains of the chronic disease of my gall bladder it was discovered to be at least 7 years old.  Anyone's advice will be helpful, I see a knew GI on the 24th of Next month not willing to return to a GI who tells me it's just my nerves.
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Avatar universal
I have redundant colon and have solved the problem with Magnesium bis-glycinate, 200 mg taken in daily increasing amounts to bowel tolerance and then reduce backwards until normal bowel movements are experienced.

Personally, I take 800 mg a day in 4 divided doses, with meals.  Magnesium bis-glycinate is easier on the stomach and better absorbed than magnesium citrate.  Read the book "The Magnesium Miracle" by Carolyn Dean MD., ND.

Following this protocol has reduced my IBS attacks by about 95%.  For me, eggs are very hard to digest as well as dairy so I avoid these two foods, which sucks because I love both
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1 Comments
A long redundant colon is a medical abnormality in any person where it causes severe daily symptoms and pain. WHY OH WHY is there so much ignorance among medics, from radiologists who note it but conclude the scan is normal, to GI  and colorectal docs who call it IBS. Adding fibre - bulk - to an already congested system is a kind of insanity. I know, because I've a lifetime of experience of this. It angers and frustrates me, the medical ignorance surrounding this condition which has added untold suffering to my life. Now, reading this site, I realise that others are on the same tortuous road. Surgery it seems is the solution - removing the excess - but the surgeon must know exactly what needs to be done. I was butchered, and had to cross the globe to try to get the damage fixed...
Avatar universal
Hello everybody, I am 56 and have been suffering since my early 20s, I am so glad I can find others I can relate to. I share most of the symptoms described before, I have a redundant tortuous, colon, I am bloated and look 5 months pregnant, have hard dried stools and recently developed  rectocele, etc) my life revolves around my GI tract. I follow all the health recommendations (diet, exercise, water, etc)  Thank you all for sharing your experiences and advice.  I have not found a "cure" only temporary relief and then things go back to "normal". I have noticed walking (min. 30 minutes) stimulates my intestines, as well as agni sara (deep yogic breathing), but only when I do it regularly, which is not possible all the time. I wish we all can find relief to this problem.
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Avatar universal
I know this is a really old question, but I figured I'd put this out here for anyone else who might be looking for advice. I was diagnosed about 6 months ago after worsening abdominal pain, bloating, bowel movement changes and constipation. I was told to take fibercon, so I started taking two caplets every morning, plus one capsule of schiff's digestive advantage lactose defense formula (I'm extremely lactose intolerant. Adulthood has left me with a complete inability to digest it all, and while a pill won't ever allow me to straight up drink a glass of milk or eat an entire tub of cottage cheese, it definitely helps reduce or eliminate symptoms if you're smart about how much you consume at once and throughout the day. Lactaid never worked for me, but this stuff literally changed my life). The other thing I noticed was that foods like corn, oatmeal and nuts seemed to cause me terrible pain and constipation (I know because, not to be gross, but it was easily identifiable due to the general lack of change in appearance or quantity after making it's way through my system). Even though I quite liked those foods, I completely eliminated any kind of whole kernel corn due to the pain it caused me. I can tolerate a small amount of oats (say a small granola bar) If I chew it to death, but a whole bowl of oatmeal equals about three days of agony. Eating nuts is pretty much like playing with fire... it's hard to tell how much is too much and apparently the line is very thin so I just try not to eat them. It kind of ***** and I really miss those foods sometimes, but my symptoms have improved greatly. A side effect of eliminating those foods (it might be good for some people, but I'm already thin by nature so maybe not so much for me) is some potential weight loss. I still have an issue every once in a while (primarily when I deviate from the dietary restrictions) but my symptoms have decreased greatly and my quality of life has definitely improved.
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Avatar universal
I have a redundant colon with a bad hairpin turn near the sigmoid. The best solution for my problem is making sure I do a very high volume enema at least once a week and/or when my colon is full and basically compressing the sigmoid. Because of my abnormality I often feel no urge because the sigmoid can not fill up. So when this happens, the sigmoid needs to be filled with the enema liquid for the contents to get moving. Why doctors never talk enemas with patients is sad. If your problem is at the end of your digestive track, it is so much less stress on your system to do enemas and work on the problem from the outlet end. Because of my long colon, sometimes I need to refill the enema bottle and do more than one application. It takes time, but since I started this regime I am finally getting results. And I feel so much better every day!!! By the way, using enemas is not habit forming like laxatives and fiber, and they can help restore normalcy to the gut by shrinking stretched out sections of loopy and chronically blocked large bowel.
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Avatar universal
Pojoaque, that is great - congratulations on the surgery's success!
May I ask, is the surgery very invasive? Were you left with a long scar? (I had heard could be done with only small incision)  Also, I am curious about recovery time. My GI doctor told me I had a 50/50 chance of success from the surgeries he has seen performed. Also, did your surgeon mention anything about infection risk? I guess this is an in-patient procedure...or did you get to go home pretty quickly? Thanks for the positive report!
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Avatar universal
Have the surgery! I had the same issue. My colon was 9.5 feet long instead of the usual 3-4 feet for female. I suffered for years under the care of several gastroenterologists.  The last one said the problem was in my head. What a sicko. I finally had a barium enema and the problem of redundant colon revealed. Eating more fiber COMPLICATES the issue if your motility is extremely slow; it just causes a blockage and more pain. In 2001 I went to see a colorectal surgeon, who referred me to another colorectal surgeon who was the best Dr. ever! He performed a right sub-total hemicolectomy and I got my life back. Pooping like normal after several years of pain, enemas, laxatives, fear and frustration. As it turns out, had I not had the surgery when I did, I would probably be dead. Due to the fiber and deterioration of the colon, I has two perforations starting which would have lead to peritonitis per the Dr.  My Dr. was James B. Williams II. He's with Mayo Clinic in St. Paul MN.  To schedule an appointment with James B. Williams II, MD call 651-312-1620.  He will save your life!
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2 Comments
I was also told I have a redundant sigmoid colon. Now they want me to go for a fourth defecgram. The GI dr. said she is uncertain if the surgery would help because most people don't have rectal pain.  Did you also experience rectal pain like a fist pushing either up or down in it?  I think the pain comes from the stool sitting above it causing the pressure, so I don't understand why she says that this condition usually does not cause rectal pain. Wondering if anyone else has rectal pain and you just want to sit or lie down. This whole thing has messed up the last 12 years of my life.
Thank you
Avatar universal
Dear gut sufferers. I am very much on the same boat as many of you.I have read over 20 comments and have come to the conclusion that NOT ALL IDEAS WORK FOR THE ONE PERSON. The most vital thing to remember and have written on your forehead is THAT HEALTH is the MOST important thing in the world as love, joy, family , holidays, sex etc.. can't be enjoyed unless YOU are healthy enough to ENJOY them. I will not bore you with my issues but must list some in order to explain my findings.
  ♥ Fibre and water are not everything, there are soluble and insoluble and some may have plant species that may upset or give you allergic symptoms.
♥ Yoghurt is great, but not every type of yoghurt. Some are full of sugar and fruit and gums to replace fat. Look for the one that works for you, usually expensive.
♥ Routines ARE important in all aspects of life, as is exercise and good emotional health. Meaning that stress and other emotional issues can also help your gut condition get worse. Running and other exercises may not be the only option, there is Pilates, Yoga, Yolates, Bikram yoga etc.. and swimming that may have double benefits.
♥Medications can also upset your gut/constipation or diarrhoea.
♥Have a health diary where you can write what is going on with all aspects of your health. Eg; you can use EXCEL to work out tables so you don't have to write everyday, only ticking boxes. Make the time for you to heal.
♥ LOVE yourself. I know it can be hard at times, my gut has given me issues since childhood o matter what diet or meds, until I said enough! and started to LISTEN to my body MORE carefully. Now I no longer eat oranges and other foods because it hurts my stomach.
My happiness and health are more important. I am not religious, more spiritual than anything so I believe in seeking peace, health and balance in all things, that way of thinking has really helped, letting go of things I can't control and people who no matter what you do will not value you as you are. Remember our body is a whole not the sum of parts. ♥
  
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Avatar universal
Thank you for your detailed routine. I would love to ask you a few questions. Please email me at ***@****
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Avatar universal
I have the exact same medical history you described to the T along with efforts to be regular, symptoms, & .outcomes. Every single one. I have also had a total pancreatectomy, spleenectomy, whipple, Islet cell transplant to add to abdominal mess. I wonder if something similar is happening inside our bodies that is just getting missed somehow? I am not working but prior was a nurse so I know a little along with living with these issues. Have you found any reprieve?
Blessings, TD
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Avatar universal
HI. I'm late ain't I? I hope you're doing better. I'm 67 and have a genetically long and tortuous colon. Although I've had periodic troubles throughout my life I thought they were what everybody had. But as I hit my middle forties, when many hormonal functions are slowing down, things got scary, and that's when the deformation was discovered. The first thing my doctor said to do was eat a lot whole grain bread, brown rice and wholegrain pasta (horribly swollen mushy stuff that pasta was.) I got really very, very much worse. Things take an awful lot longer to get through you with a complicated colon. The mushy whole grains start to ferment and your gut swells right before one of the hairpin turns. The effects are accumulative. It can be really frightful as you keep eating more  thinking you''ll get relief. So I'm writing just to say that I'd try not following that particular advice. A wonderful soothing food I find (endless variations) is red bell peppers, young courgettes, onions, carrots, (mushrooms, a turnip perhaps, etc.) chopped into largish chunks and baked in a deepish, open, heavy oven dish with plenty of olive oil at 430F for 20 - 40m til the vegetables are oil baked. Add crushed garlic and cilantro right out of the oven. It keeps my insides incredibly happy. Just a thought.
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Avatar universal
Check out this article.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/..

I had a primary resection 8 years ago due to severe diverticulitis. After every bowel test and motility test one could have at Mayo, a redundant bowel was discovered. The surgeon told me that this was not the cause of my life long constipation issues and now infection in my gut.
My mother died as a result of a perforated bowel. I do believe that she had a redundant bowel as well.
This article is more recent than 2007 and it confirms what I have always believed. Redundancy could create a real issue for some people.
I still have redundancy, but untying all of my twists and turns has freed up my gut to perform regularly! I thank God each time I have a good one! It is a wonderful feeling after 50 years of constipation!
So- I would listen to Kipmom and follow a laxative regiment. BTW- I saw the "Constipation Queen" doctor at Mayo too. Here is her very expensive three minute talk, seems to help.
1. When you wake up- move around for 30 seconds- like exercise.
2. Have a hot beverage.
3. Go get ready for the day.
4. Have a bowel of cereal and another hot beverage.
5. When you have the urge- you only have 2-3 minutes to act on that urge.
6. When you have a sit- give it at least 3 minutes, but no more than 10.
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Avatar universal
I have Redundant Colon and IBS-C right now - it used to be IBS-D But changed.  I started have severe pain issues a couple of years ago.  Hubby researched the internet and found Heather's Help for IBS website - you can Google that name.  This lady has had IBS since she was 9 years old.  She's not a doctor, but probably knows more about IBS than any doctor out there!  I got her Acacia Senegal powder - an organic substance - and her double enteric-coated peppermint & fennel gel caps.  The Acacia Senegal really helped with the pain but there didn't seem to be enough colonic action to push the fecal matter on through. With IBS you don't want to be taking insoluble fibre - just soluble fiber.  I finally gave up and went back to my gastroenterologist.  The PA told me to use Miralax once a day with the Acacia Senegal.  I now take a dose of the Miralax in the morning mixed with a dose of Acacia Senegal.  In the evening I take another dose of the Acacia Senegal.  So far, if I keep doing this regime daily, it has really helped me.  You might care to check out Heather's website.  Hope this helps.  
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1 Comments
does anyone have any current updates?  My 2 yr old daughter was just diagnosed with this and it's been a nightmare since her birth.
Avatar universal
I have a redundant colon 2x what it should be. The first med you mentioned with glycol  in it .ended  up  twisting my colon. Fortunately, with prayers & blessing , I did not need surgery.  The doctors & surgeon were very surprised it straightened out.  Hope yours gets better, mine was hurting & blocked for 2 weeks. Then it twisted so bad went to ER.
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Avatar universal
I had 4 colonoscopies within a 3 month period that were unsuccessful in reaching the end of the colon.  I went to the third gastro doc and he did barium enema where the test showed the devices sitting in the colon.  I have had this issue for years, I'm now 65 and wondering if surgery is the answer.

My gut is tender always since I do a powdered polyehtelene glycol 3350 treatment morning and night, 2 5mg bisacodyl laxative and simethocone, 125mg at night.

I am tired of all of this and if I interupt this schedule become constipated badly.

I would like to hear more thoughts on the risks and benefits of surgery.  The docs tell me it it the longest intestine they have ever seen.

I empathize with you all for having this condition.

Lastly, I have been hesitant to do stomach exercises because I have a slight hernia at my belly button and an elongated bulge.

Your thoughts, please.
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Avatar universal
Really you should get a second opinion. I have your problem and am 52 yr old female. I'm recovering quite nicely from my colonectomy with no colostomy. For 15 years  I heard eat more fiber, then, add Miralax. Finally got a second opinion and a colon transit study indicated that everything was getting hung up in the loops of my Sigmoid colon. A barium enema test confirmed a redundant colon that had loops collapsing on each other. This is what had made it impossible for me to have a bowel movement without using stimulant laxatives to propel everything through. The surgeon was wonderful and performed a laparoscopic partial colonectomy--removing an entire foot of my loopy Sigmund and connecting it to my rectum. Do I regret it--running for the bathroom once a week when my laxatives kick in--or holding my stomach in agony from constipation the day before that--not on your life.
If your life is being seriously impacted by this, consider surgery. It could be the best thing you ever do. You may have to be insistent but it's YOUR life.
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2 Comments
Where did you go for surgery and who was your surgeon?
Where did you go for surgery and who was your surgeon?
Avatar universal
I have suffered with constipation all my life. I am now 54yrs and starting 3 months ago with horrendous tummy pain after every meal. After having Endoscopy / Colonoscopy/ Barium Meal/ CT scan, I was finally diagnosed with Redundant Bowel/Loopy Colon. I have been prescribed Mebererine & Citolpram. My consultant suggested a Low Fodmap Diet. As of today I have lost 2 stone ( which I cant really afford to lose) No matter what I eat I am in agony. I would rather not eat at all and I went 10 days at one point with no food. I have been trying to find a Dietician that has treated someone with this condition but still no luck. My consultant said there was no operation for this and basically I have to live with it and cope with the pain. Life has changed so much in such a small space of time
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Avatar universal
Had same diagnosis and treatment prescribed. I too, had itching reaction to psyllium powder.  I do ok if I keep my high fiber foods up. I take the stool softeners, but still get constipation if I don't eat high fiber diet. Since I take one dose of narcotic pain med daily, I have had the constipation problem. If for any reason I have to take an extra pain pill, I really get bound up. Miralax works wonders for this. I am supposed to take Stoneyfield yogurt, too, but dr. says only plain or vanilla, neither of which I can stand. I think I'll try the flavored ones anyway. Would be better than none at all. Citrus fruits do seem to be my best source of fiber that really works.
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Avatar universal
Hello everyone!  it is such a relief to hear that I am not in this alone.  I am a 43 year old female who has suffered with severe constipation all of my life.  I was just told today by my Primary doctor that I have an elongated colon.  She suggested fiber, exercise and LOTS of water.  I changed my diet some 10+ years ago eating only fruits, vegetables, fish, good grains, very little white foods etc.  This diet has not relieved the symptoms.  I am always bloated, gassy, in pain and at times I feel as if a balloon has been blown up in my abdomen.  My dress size has increased in the last month but my weight remains the same.  It is frustrating!!!!  I just want relief and to live a normal life.  If any of you have suggestion other than being laxative dependent, I'm all ears.....
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Avatar universal
Hello There,
I also have the pain in right foot. Dr said I have redundant colon.
Do you still have the pain in foot and what treatment did you use





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Avatar universal
I just found out today I have a redundant colon. I have had either diarhea or constipation since a child. While in college I would go 2weeks between having a bowel movement. I am now 67. Stress makes it worse. You all know the drill. I am just glad to have a reason other than IBS or gluten, et. because nothing has worked. Thankful for this site and the information on here!
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Avatar universal
Hi there
I am 47 male and a nurse for 25 years. I started have symptoms of severe IBS in 2010. Severe bloating pain constipation 90% of the time. I was in ER at least 3 times a week with obstructions. So down went the NG tubes and the fancy enemas like baking soda and molasses( I kid you not). With no results. I tried extra fiber extra water changed diet etc. Nada. So off I went to see the Gastro. Like you his eyes glazed over and said extra fibre. He booked a colonoscopy which he could not advance the scope I knew something was up. His advise increase fiber and take probiotics. I nearly punched the SOB in the head. So on my own   I cornered one the surgeons I work with and explained what is going on. He booked me for a barium enema in 2 days. The test was hell, but by the time I got home he was on the phone telling me I have a severely redundant bowel that need to come out ASAP. Within a week I had the surgery where the took my total large bowel which was 6 feet to long!
I still have some problems but I can cope. My heart goes out to anyone who has this and is lost in the system. My advise PUSH never give up. its your health so what if your not the docs favorite patient **** on them. Demand answers. Get second options.Best of luck .
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