I have a redundant colon that is abnormally long and loopy -- this creates difficulties for colonoscopies, but experienced practitioners can make it work. I think the redundant colon may contribute to my IBS -- especially constipation and abdominal pain, and slow-moving contents. I don't do anything in particular to manage it. From what I have read, many people have no special symptoms, but others may have more IBS symptoms. I don't think there is a lot of research on the issue.

 

Hi Susuthorn,

I have been diagnosed with Redundant or Tortuous colon. I eat a low fiber diet. I take Peppermint oil, 2-3 capsules before meals. At times, I can eat only a couple meals, as I feel full most of the time.
Each night I take 1 or 2 teaspoons of MiraLAX and a teaspoon of Milk Of Magnesia.
I drink plenty of water, juices, teas. I also, take ground ginger. I just shake out the spice in my hand. I do not take it every day.

This regiment is getting me by. Some days are good, but then some are not. My back seems to hurt more, and I wonder if it is from my colon. I do walk and do strenuous leg lunges, pushups, sit-ups, Kegels, and plenty of stretching every day. I walk and will mow the yard, which is a good hour of exercise. My body is strong, but this IBS-C is making me feel like I am sick. I will go back see my General Doc and Gastro later this summer. Both docs, are OK on my current doses of MiraLAX, Milk of Magnesia and peppermint oil.

Good luck to you!

 

Thans for sharing. Any update on your regimen?

 

Can't you have surgery to take out the extra length? Just a thought.

 

i had surgery--a hemi colectomy-- but unfortunately it didn't help/

 

Oh, Ok Annie.

 

I was told I have a longer colon than normal but I have chronic IBS-D.

 

I too have been diagnosed with a redundant colon and still have digestive issues. Regularity traverses the Bristol Stool Chart, (BSC) but cant seem to find a happy medium. I'm on Linzess, been on Pantropazole, have been taking MiraLax, nothing has been successful. Yes, I'm not constipated like before, but life is not normal. I have read that if you haven't had a poo in three days, you're constipated! Naturopathic GI doctors seem to take different approaches to GI health but their hard to find. MOM,(milk of magnesia) magnesia) has always been dependable but I'm a little surprised some would suggest taking it for regularity. My thoughts are, why not! We're in the same boat' Kirby

 

This had been going on for the past 3 years. My GI doctor is aware of this. I will see him again in August 2025.
Every evening, I take 3-4 teaspoons of MiraLAX, 1 or 1 and 1/2 Milk Magnesium. I take it around 9-9:30pm. A couple times a week I will take 15ml of Pedi-Lax. I do not take the Magnesium, when I take the Pedi-Lax.
In the mornings I drink a large glass of warm water. I usually have a good BM, but it takes at least 45 minutes or mor, to finish. The slow contractions are VERY slow.
I am eating a low FODMAP but add 1-2 kiwis. I add in other fruits ad my stool will move so slow and then want to clog. I am also trying a gluten free, when I can find the foods.
I find it next to impossible to have a normal bowel movement, during the. It is like some part in my bowel is almost at a standstill, somewhere along the line.
In the afternoon I start getting bloated and gassy. After, a few hours I will start to expel lots of gas. This will go on for several hours. The it is time to take the next dose of MiraLAX, MoM, or Ped-lax. My fear is my bowels will stop working altogether.
This is my daily regimen.
Is this something any of you are experiencing?

Thanks!

 

Yes, similarly...
I run my own experiments to see what works and what doesant. When it don't work, ie move, I kick start it with MOM. I'm going to play with MOM and MiraLax and alternate between them both at bedtime. What goes in is coming out except frequency of movement is every three to four days.

Sharing is therapeutic'
Kirby

 

For sure, sharing helps us to vent and present our own devised remedies. All with the hope of what works for one might help another. Yet each person is different. The Miralax aids me at times when my gut seems to be sleeping, on holiday!
Kirby, How are you doing now? Do you have a dedicated exercise regime?

 

Not exercising as I should. Moderate activity in various tasks around the house. I am not doing well on regularity. Going back to PCM to update my condition. Reading about spore forming probiotics and possibility of consulting a GI doctor that is certified in naturopathic medicine that is beyond what my current GI doctor practises. Results later.
Meanwhile taking it one day at time.
Pressing on...
Kirby

 

"Going back to PCM? Your Primary Care Doc? Do keep us posted on the naturopathic treatment.

 

Eight weeks trial with "naturopathic medicine." To much water preforms similar to to much MiraLax. No more MiraLax. Replaced with water. To my surprise too much water can lead to diarrhea. Had to cut back on water! Meanwhile, I discovered that fiber, fruits and fresh vegetables are the, "first line of defense" in treating IBS-C. Both natural! I'm learning how to facilitate things happen rather than make it happen with man made concoctions. Pardon the pun!
"Engine" is tuned up and as of today is running at peaking performance! On the Bristol Stool Chart (BSC), I traversed the chart and an stable in the center, (5). PTL!

Kirby