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.

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?

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.

Thanks,

rnp32@aol.Com

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.

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?

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.

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~

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.

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...

You must have a really unruly stomach. Try a colon cleanser if you're desperate. Worked for me.

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.

oops, its florahealth.com, not flora.com sorry.

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.

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!

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. ~

suslamb,

Thank you for your feedback and what has worked for you. It does help others when we share what has worked.

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?

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?