Constipation And Redundant Colon Posted: 02-21-04 15:17pm
Have any of you out there experienced
chronic constipation? I've had this
problem for years.....Since I was a baby!
I have tried everything imaginable.
I eat a good diet high in fiber and drink
several glasses of water throughout the
day. I have tried fiber supplements
and stool softeners. On occasions I
have taken laxatives which I know are not
good for me. I've had lower gi x-rays
and a colonoscopy. Results of the
colonocopy showed I had a redundant colon.
My physician stated she had difficulty
performing and completing the procedure
because of the many loops and twists in
the colon. I have tried miralax and
for awhile that seemed to help a little
but it seems my body becomes accustomed to
it and it no longer is effective. Has
anyone experienced this? Have you
found anything to be helpful? I would
appreciate any feedback from somone who
has had similiar problems. Thankyou!!
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PoorBoiZ
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Posts: 1
Re: Constipation And Redundant Colon Posted: 03-12-04 09:35am
I also have the same poblems you have.
I have to use enemas to clear out my body,
and it works well for me. I have tried
many remedies you have said and they dont
seem to work for me either. It turns
out my rectum was to enlarged to send a
frequency to my brain so my fecies has to
stay in there for a while for me to feel
it. Its hard for me to excrete
(spelling) it from my anus. They think
I might have a kink in my spinal cord.
I took the mri, and it turns out that I
don't have a kink, which is a relieve to
me because I might have to take surgery on
my spinal cord. So my doctor left me
with two options which were to take enemas
2-3 days after I had the last one or he
can take out all of my fecies now to
reduce the size of my rectum and deflate
it to the normal size so I have the
sensation again. I hope I gave you
enough info on this subject.
P.S. There are biofeedback specialists
around the united states. There are
however only five that are registrd which
are in san antonio and in colorado(im not
so sure about colorado though). They can
help you wiht your problem most likely.
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Joyce Betts
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 08 Feb 2006 Posts: 1 Location: California
Re: Constipation And Redundant Colon Posted: 02-08-06 23:18pm
Yes! Reading about your condition was
like reading my own medical history.
Lately, my problem has been so bad, i've
been wondering if ovulating causes
temporary obstruction in my bowels, as my
colon wraps around my ovaries on both
sides. I've been trying to be good about
drinking water and taking psyllium fiber,
but it seems the more psyllium fiber I
take, the more pain I have. I take an
herb called cascara sagrada, which has
been a very effective laxative for me, but
I don't want to become dependent on it, so
I only take it during the 2 weeks between
ovulation and my period. That's when my
bowel seems to shut down. I also take
docusate sodium (stool softener) too.
I was doing some research on the chronic
constipation subject today and found an
article stating that endometriosis can
sometimes cause constipation. The
article also talked about allergies (got
them too) and hormone sensitivity (bingo
there too!). I'm wondering if this,
coupled with my redundant colon, has been
part of my underlying problem all along,
as i've never been checked for it. (it
requires laparoscopy to detect it and i'm
chicken!)
my family took a cruise this past summer
and even though I brought fiber with me
and drank lots of water and made a special
effort to eat salad and lots of vegetables
twice a day, I still got so constipated I
had to break down and buy exlax while
onboard the ship. I was very upset when
even the exlax didn't produce results. I
guess i'm very sensitive to changes in
time and schedule, as it seems I get
horribly constipated on every vacation.
Does this happen to you too?
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rnp32
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 25 Feb 2006 Posts: 1
Posted: 02-25-06 11:34am
Has anyone ever asked their doctor about
having surgery to remove a part/untwist
your colon? Do patients with this
disorder have an increased risk of colon
cancer?
I have been diagnosed with a redundant
colon and have not been able to get many
clear answers from my doctors. I'd be
interested in hearing your thoughts.
Joined: 28 Mar 2006 Posts: 1 Location: Carlsbad, CA
Constipation And Redundant Colon Posted: 03-28-06 18:34pm
I have had terrible constipation from my
redundant colon. Several family members
have the same problem. I take almost 5
tbs psyllium at night. I cannot eat in
the evening because it gives me acid
reflux if I do. I also take 250 mg.
Stool softener every day. When I go on
vacation I automatically add a laxative
because I stop up every time. This
system is working well for me and I am so
grateful that for the first time in my
life I am not constipated.
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jdes
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Posts: 1 Location: canada
Redundant Colon Posted: 06-21-06 16:13pm
I didn't realize anyone else had this
problem. My Dr. Found I have a redundant
colon 2 years ago when I could no longer
live with chronic constipation and she
ordered a barium enema. All my life i've
felt as if there was something wrong with
the whole system and it wasn't just my
diet, etc. I was right! I am an
otherwise healthy mother of 5, I run 2k
every day, vegetarian, normal weight,
somewhat shorter than average. For years,
when it gets bad (smelly gas, bloating) my
husband says "just go to the bathroom",
like it's that easy! I have gone 18 days
without a bowel movement. Laxatives put
my bowels into convultions and don't help
in the long run. I eat 1/4 cup of ground
flax in the morning and take 3 fibre
pills, 3 times per day. Sometimes it
works, mostly, I suffer. I, too, am
wondering if some of my colon can be
removed. It seems like a relatively
simple solution, compared to 46 years of
misery. I think my youngest daughter has
this, too. Anybody know if it is genetic?
I have described it as my uterus being
wrapped around my colon and cutting off
circulation to both. This morning my
colon was so bloated, I even had trouble
peeing. Any advice would be welcome.
I have suffered with chronic constipation
for years. I recently had a
colonoscopy, due to the fact that my
chronic constipation worsened after I
underwent 3 major surgeries within a 6
month period. I had my gallbladder
removed, then I had a wedge resection of
the lower lobe of my left lung for a mass,
which turned out to be I have
histoplasmosis, then I had a liver
resection and bile duct repair for a
choledoctal type 5 cyst in my liver [50%
of my liver had to be removed in order to
get the cyst]. In addition to the
diagnosis of a redundant colon, i, of
course, have a lot of adhesions and scar
tissue from my surgeries. I, too have
noticed that the bloating and constipation
seems to be worse in the 2 weeks or so
before menestration. I'm currently
taking 17 gms of miralax daily, along with
10mg of dulcolax. I have been getting
some relief with this treatment and have
been told by my doctor that I may need to
use enemas or suppositories every couple
days or so as needed. It seems that
regardless of what I do, I suffer with the
bloating and constipation. I'm sure
anyone who has this condition knows how
horrable it is to feel so bloated. The
bloating worsens when I eat. I also
suffer from the reflux and gas. I
currently take zantac for the reflux, but
some days that doesn't seem to help
either. My mother and sister have
suffered with the bloating and
constipation for years, too. I'm
guessing they, too must have the same
condition. My doctor told me that they
don't do surgery to shorten the colon,
unless you develop a blockage. To be
honest, I really don't want to under go
more surgery anyway. Does anyone have
any additional information on this
disorder and/or treatment?
|
csorens3
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 1
Posted: 01-26-07 14:49pm
Both my mother and I have recently been
diagnosed with redundant colon. I have
seen many discussions about surgery to
remove part of it. My mother is actually
having surgery for this problem next week.
They are planning on taking out 80-90% of
her colon. However, we both also have
chrone's disease. I do not know if that
is part of the reason they chose to do the
surgery or not.
As far as the genetic part is concerned,
again I do not know much about it,
however, it seems as if in our case that
it might be a factor.
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cbancher
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Posts: 1
For Years And Years... Posted: 02-19-07 12:12pm
I too have been diagnosed with a redundant
colon. They just handed me the diagnosis
and sent me home. NO treatment or advise.
Just Miralax - which only made me even
more bloated and uncomfortable. I finally
could not take it and talked to my
husbands aunt (who is a nurse). She
recommended a specialist who did nothing
but totally degrade me and offered no
advise or help. Told me that all she
could do is remove my colon. 8 years in
collage - and that's all she learned how
to do? Have mercy. 2 hour drive one way.
I was put off to say the LEAST.
The pain has been intollerable. I am 37
and at the end of the day I could barely
lift my legs into bed - the pain was sooo
horrible in my lower back. My kidneys
were aching so badly I could hardly lay on
my side. My doctor kindly offered pain
pills. That's what I need... to be
addicted to pain medication AND
constipated. Playing with my kids was
impossible and had to settle for watching
my husband. I weighed over 200 lbs - but
still wore a size 12. My stomach was just
sooo bloated...
I have been searching and searching and
finally settled on a cleanse by Dr.
Natura. It came recommended as #1. I'm
starting my 3rd month today, and have been
having a BM almost daily - sometimes 3x a
day. I weighed myself before and after I
had a BM one day - and lost 2 lbs. YUCK!
I changed my diet to include mostly fruits
and vegetables. I've lost 11 lbs and am
working out almost daily. I played in the
snow with my sons, and for the first time
in years felt no pain when I went to bed
Saturday night. I will probably always
have to take some sort of supplement, but
it's worth it to feel somewhat normal. I
also drink this tea called chirocleanse,
and that works better for me than the tea
by Dr. Natura. All of this stuff can be
found on the internet and I hope it helps
someone. I am just sharing what has
worked for me, and am NOT a doctor.
No doctors have been able to help me in
any way. Let's face it folks - there is
more money in treatment than in cures.
You have to be willing to dive in and help
yourself these days.
If anyone has something that has worked
for them please share. I find that
Pilates helps too for some reason...
Every little bit - I'll take it.
C~
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entjan
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 05 May 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Illinois
Redundant Colon Posted: 05-05-07 21:04pm
I just had a colonscopy today & that's
what I was told that I had a redundant
colon. I've had problems all my life with
constipation, but it's gotten worse with
menopause. At least when I was
menstruating, around my period, my bowels
would open up & that's about the only
time I would go. I, like alot of the other
people on this message board, had tried
everything, from fiber substitutes to
laxatives (Dulcalox, ExLax, Milk of
Magnesium, Senokat, etc) that have worked
for a short time & then not at all.
I've tried enemas but only cleanses the
lower bowel. I've had a urodynamic studies
because I can't empty my bladder
completely, it's really bad, I'm always
running to the bathroom. My urologist
ruled out everything but then asked me if
I have severe constipation. I was shocked
when she asked me that. I told her yes,
& she put me on Miralax or Glycolax
(which is the generic). It seems it help
some. My GI guy told me to take 2 doses of
this daily. Has anyone else experienced
this.
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Ebabe14
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 14 May 2007 Posts: 21 Location: Phoenix
Constipation... Posted: 05-18-07 03:05am
MORE INFO:
Foods you should eat to aid with
constipation
* Add healthy saturated fats to your diet
such as organic extra virgin coconut oil
to encourage digestive regularity. Read
more about good fats and bad fats.
* Increase your omega-3 essential fatty
acids by selecting ground flax meal,
wild-caught salmon, minimal-mercury
albacore tuna, fish oil, avocado, and
walnuts.
* Add nutrient-dense and unprocessed foods
such as sprouted nuts and seeds to your
diet.
* Eat small meals throughout the day,
rather than 3 large, heavy meals.
* Increase your daily intake of purified
water, especially in between meals.
* Avoid drinking ice-cold water with
meals. Ice-cold water slows down your
digestion by lowering the amount of
stomach acid (HCl) that you need to digest
your food.
* Stay away from over-the-counter
laxatives. Chemicals and herbs that induce
bowel movements quickly (sometimes
violently) by irritating your bowel, can
cause cramps and diarrhea and lead to
laxative dependence, followed by worse
problems with constipation.
* Fiber – Maintain an adequate source of
soluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps you
maintain regularity by combining with food
to form a gel that adds bulk and keeps the
muscles of the colon stretched and
working. Foods high in soluble fiber
include: ground flax meal, nuts and seeds,
coconut, apples, avocado, bananas, beans,
brown rice, oats, oranges, potatoes,
squash, dried apricots, and prunes.
Getting your bowel movements and digestive
tract straight is the key to getting rid
of constipation... Exercising helps as
well...
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mikex1337
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 29 May 2007 Posts: 2
Posted: 05-29-07 09:35am
You must have a really unruly stomach. Try
a colon
cleanser if you're desperate. Worked
for me.
|
keirstenlee
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 Jun 2007 Posts: 5 Location: United States
Udo Erasmus Products Posted: 06-01-07 17:20pm
Wow, this is all uncanny--sounds just like
my story! My mother was just diagnosed
with IBS/redundant colon and I'm thinking
I inherited it. I'm 40, been having
constipation (slow transit seems like)
last couple years, apparently triggered by
being on lithium for 5 months in
2005--couldn't have a BM the whole time
w/o a laxative. Been off lithium since Jan
2006, but never did recover full bowel
function. 50% maybe, lots of bloating. Oh
where or where did my peristalsis go? Had
an ovary removed early 2006, probably have
adhesions now too. Tried lots of stuff,
saw a nurse and a doctor, tried a
naturopath (nice lady but didn't know
much), various laxatives and fiber
supplements. Zelnorm (worked for a month).
Can't tolerate anything but the osmotic
laxatives now, and fiber supplements cause
immediate constipation. Totally off
grains, even whole grains cause
constipation. I eat only veggies (lots),
fruits (some), meat and dairy (a little),
lots of water. The only thing that seems
to be helping, in addition to this new
diet, is an enzyme blend and a probiotic
blend developed by Udo Erasums, PhD
(udoerasmus.com), available for internet
purchase from Flora, Inc. Tried other
enzymes and probiotics from the health
food store but they were stored
unrefrigerated on the shelf for god knows
how long and they had no effect.
Udoerasmus.com has some intriguing ideas
about diet. His food pyramid works for me
too. Check it out.
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keirstenlee
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 Jun 2007 Posts: 5 Location: United States
Posted: 06-08-07 13:56pm
oops, its florahealth.com, not flora.com
sorry.
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bloatedandmiserable
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 1
Redundant Colon Posted: 06-11-07 12:10pm
I have been diabetic for 40 years and have
a redundant colon. My bowels just don't
work. I can go weeks without any help. I
was on zelnorm before they took it off the
market. That worked pretty well for
awhile. It seems whatever I try works the
first couple of times and then my body
gets used to it. I eat a high fiber diet,
drink lots of water, and exercise. But
nothing seems to work. Any help or
suggestions would really be appreciated.
I feel like I just want to get surgery and
be normal.
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Lu Ann
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 1
Constipation And Redundant Colon Posted: 06-13-07 19:34pm
I also have a redundant colon and as a
result have constipation despite the fact
that I eat mostly raw food (about one
pound of vegetables a day and about one
pound of fruit a day along with whole
grains and nuts and seeds). I also drink
about a gallon of water a day. I came
across a website that has helped me. It
is [link removed]
It mentioned some dietary modifications
that can help and I have found that they
do. On an empty stomach, certain
nutrients have been shown to induce
healthy colon peristalsis. One
combination is 4-8 grams of vitamin C
powder and 1500 mg of magnesium oxide
powder taken with the juice of a freshly
squeezed grapefruit. A convenient product
sold by several vitamin companies is a
buffered vitamin C powder product that
contains magnesium and potassium salts
mixed with ascorbic acid. Depending on
the individual, a few teaspoons or, in
some cases, 1-2 tbsp of this buffered
vitamin C powder produce a powerful but
safe laxative effect within 45 minutes.
This therapy has to be individually
adjusted so it will not cause daylong
diarrhea. I have also found that a
magnesium citrate powder by Peter Guilliam
called Natural Calm also works for me.
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) in a dose of
2000-3000 mg, on an empty stomach, will
produce a rapid evacution of bowel
contents. Vitamin B5 powder is
unpalatable, but there are many health
benefits attributed to it- in addition to
its ability to stimulate peristalsis. One
way of taking vitamin B5 and other
peristalsis-inducing nutrients is to use a
multinutrient formula, such as Powermaker
II. This better-tasting powder contains
vitamin B5, vitamin C, choline, and
L-arginine, all of which induce
significant peristaltic action when 1-2
tbsp are taken on an empty stomach.
Nutritional laxatives such as magnesium,
ascorbic acid, and pantothenic acid are
becoming more popular in persons with
constipation that is resistant to fiber
therapies.
I have also found that Chitosan (a
solulable fiber from the shells of crab
and shrimp) help me have a bowel movement.
Granted, my bowel movements are quite
liquidy, but I would rather have that than
no bowel movement at all!
Good luck and hope this helps!
|
warmcoast
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 1
Redundant Colon Posted: 08-15-07 14:24pm
I am glad to see other posts about this
condition.
I found out via a colonoscopy, and the
doctor told me I was lucky I have
maintained a vegetarian diet and excercise
(yoga) since I was 12.
I adopted these lifestyles because I
always felt 'sluggish', even though I was
active...a ballet dancer since 4. But I
felt slow and bloaty.
Surprise...40 years later I find out it's
the extra colon loop.
Now, after menopause, I take 2 oz of
acidolphilus and 2 oz aloe vera every
morning. It assures I am regular.
I agree with small meals, lots of veggies
cooked and raw, and good whole grains.
I have never used laxatives or
prescriptions of any kind.
This year I have done moderate fasts
(4-7days) every 8weeks. This has given me
a great deal of improvement that lasts. I
am more regular.
Let me add that I do yoga 6 days a week,
but if I don't eat right even this amount
of exercise doesn't affect me.
How come doctors don't talk about this
condition more?
Hope my methods are helpful to others. ~
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goldiestar
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 124
Posted: 08-17-07 12:53pm
suslamb,
Thank you for your feedback and what has
worked for you. It does help others when
we share what has worked.
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marjaba
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 19 Aug 2007 Posts: 1
Constipation And Redundant Colon Posted: 08-19-07 15:46pm
I also have had problems for years and
would give anything to be "normal". The
gastroenterologist had me on Miralax and
Per Diem (fiber), which I had to take
every day, and then after awhile it wasn't
working anymore. He also said that due to
age, childbirth and years of constipation,
things might not be "lined up right"
anymore and surgery might help. I have
worked with a Naturopath for some years,
trying many different things. I was taking
an herbal product for several years that
had a lot of things including bentonite
and cascara, which the medical doctors
don't approve of (and even the Naturopath
didn't intend for me to take so long).
After I had to have my appendix out a few
years ago, I was delighted to be much
better. Gradually constipation became more
of a probem again, but have done fine with
acidophilus, magnesium, flax seed and lots
of vegetables , especially chard (plus the
herbal laxative on vacations). Then about
6 months ago, it got a little worse, and
the Naturopath added 5-hydroxytryptophan,
which I believe is related to seratonin.
That worked great until about two weeks
ago, when I took a dramatic turn for the
worse, and I have no idea why. I am
dismayed. Does anyone know anyone who has
tried surgery?
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journalquest
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 1
Colonoscopy Prep Posted: 08-24-07 21:15pm
I believe I was born constipated and
having been diagnosed with a redundant
bowel, now I feel this belief was
justified. Needless to say I've had my
share of colonscopies and barium enemas.
No matter what I do for prep - I've even
had colon hydrotherapy - I'm always told I
wasn't cleaned out and they couldn't do a
full exam. Any success stories on getting
an adequate prep?
