Thank you for responding to me! I was going to ask you what finally convinced you to have surgery, but I think you have partially answered that question already -- I am sorry to hear that you went through hospitalizations for bowel obstructions for such a long time, actually had to go through that at all. I guess that means you had already tried the usual pharmaceuticals, herbal supplements, and various treatments to no avail. I would totally have made the same decision. May I ask how much of your colon was removed, and how difficult the recovery/adjustment was? Did a partial colectomy require significant changes in your diet or lifestyle for the long term? Are you "cured" or do you still battle colon issues of a different sort? Sorry for all the questions!

I so relate to this! I’m super active, 39 years old, petite (except for a balloon belly). Just had anorectal manometry done and have Sitz Marker study next week in hopes of getting a surgery scheduled. I have tried holistic, pharmaceuticals, acupuncture, suppositories, etc. Motegrity (@thellman) did work the best but only for about 2 weeks. Those were the best 2 weeks I’ve ever had, motility-wise. I don’t know that I’d ever experienced a complete, clearing BM until then. I will have semi-regular movements but they are loose and small and pass right over the blockages. My lower left side feels like it’s on fire. I want to have the surgery and not waste time fighting with this anymore. There’s pressure on my bladder so I never know when I’m going to have to use the bathroom (urgently!) and my tailbone is even angled differently sometimes. Lots of lower back pressure and difficulty engaging lower abs. My heart goes out to everyone who understands!