I am 70 years old and had a sigmoid colon / rectum resection due to diverticulitis seven weeks ago. I had a feeling at the rectum that might be similar to your description of a broom stick being "there" all the time. It definitely becomes less and less and at seven weeks, I don't think about it anymore. It will get better.

When I look back at my recovery timeline, there had been improvements at five weeks relative to eating without getting abdominal pain and/or bowel movement issues. Now, after seven weeks, my appetite is back, AND I have no discomfort with most foods. I am very happy with my recovery now. I was very concerned the first two weeks and four weeks, but my recovery got faster with each day after five weeks.