"I get the general impression that even gastro docs really don't want to deal with this issue."
I agree with you. My first GI doc never even told me I had a redundant colon until I happened to read it on a colonoscopy report. Seven years and many scopes after I started seeing him. It took me a year to get him to admit it "might" contribute to chronic constipation.....I believe it is the main cause. For me at least. I've had two other Doc's recommend having my colon removed if I didn't want to deal with it anymore.
They were serious. The "wizard of oz" effect is right on the money. I could go on and on, but I'm sure you have experienced it all. At this point my problem is that I have to take so much stuff to keep things moving, that I'm stuck in the house most of the day.
Anyway, I'll stop whining and go take my Linzess now.
Excellent post, by the way.