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Tortuous colon and diverticulosis

08/03/2009

Question:

I have recently been diagnosed with having both tortuous colon (sigmoid and transverse colon) and diverticulosis (sigmoid colon) via colonoscopy. I would like to know how much more likely is it that the diverticulosis could worsen because of the tortuous colon? I would also like to know if tortuous colon is something that is one of those things you just always have and is not usually an issue, or can it just suddenly happen? I only recently started having bowel problems and upper left quadrant pain accompanied by other symptoms, – april 09, so I`m trying to gather more information on these new pieces of information to help understand my problems and symptoms and get to the root of why my insides have stopped working correctly. I am following up with my GI doc for further care, meanwhile I want to become more informed about what these conditions are and what the impact of the two combined is likely to mean for me. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

Answer:

Diverticulosis will not worsen because of a tortuous colon. The best thing is to try to get 30 grams of insoluble fiber in your diet each day, with 8 glasses of water. Use a powdered fiber supplement if necessary.

For more information:

Go to the Colorectal Diseases health topic.