A convoluted bowel, also called a redundant or tortuous colon, means the large bowel is longer than usual and consequently has additional twists and loops. For some people it causes few difficulties. For others, constipation, bloating, abdominal discomfort and difficulty completely emptying the bowel can become recurring problems.
One difficulty is that you probably won't find a large UK charity devoted specifically to convoluted bowels. However, there are excellent organisations offering information about constipation and digestive health more generally.
Guts UK https://gutscharity.org.uk
Guts UK is the UK's national charity for the digestive system and is an excellent starting point.
Its website includes detailed information about constipation, its possible causes and available treatments. Importantly, it also points out that simply eating ever-increasing quantities of fibre isn't necessarily appropriate for everybody. With severe constipation, Guts UK advises consulting a doctor before continuing to increase fibre because doing so can sometimes make symptoms worse.
Guts UK also operates a helpline on 0300 102 4887, Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm, providing information, guidance and signposting for people affected by digestive conditions and symptoms.
There is also an excellent online Poo-Torial, designed to help people understand changes in the colour, consistency and frequency of their stools.
The NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/constipation
The NHS constipation guide provides straightforward advice on managing constipation and, importantly, explains when you should speak to your GP.
The NHS recommends seeking medical advice if constipation isn't improving with treatment, keeps recurring, is accompanied by regular bloating or abdominal pain, or if there is blood in your poo, unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness or a sudden change in bowel habits.
Long-term constipation can sometimes result in faecal impaction, so persistent problems shouldn't simply be accepted as something you have to live with.
Bladder & Bowel Community https://www.bladderandbowel.org
Another useful source is the Bladder & Bowel Community, which provides information, resources and support for people throughout the UK living with bowel and bladder conditions.
Keeping your own bowel diary
It can also be worth becoming your own detective.
Keep a simple diary recording bowel movements, stool consistency, constipation, bloating, pain, food and fluid intake, exercise and any laxatives or medicines taken. Over time, patterns may emerge, and the information could be extremely useful when talking to your GP, pharmacist, dietitian or gastroenterology team.
Don't automatically assume that what works for another constipation sufferer will work for you. Constipation can have different underlying mechanisms, including slow movement through the colon and problems with the pelvic-floor muscles involved in emptying the bowel.
And if you've been diagnosed with an unusually long or convoluted colon, make sure healthcare professionals know about it, particularly before future bowel investigations.
Perhaps the most important message is this: don't be embarrassed to talk about your bowels.
Constipation and bowel problems are extraordinarily common. Guts UK estimates constipation affects around one in seven otherwise healthy people.
Talking about poo might not be glamorous, but sometimes it's exactly what good healthcare requires.
That’s Health note: This article provides general information and isn't a substitute for individual medical advice. Persistent or worsening bowel symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
