Pamela, I was also also diagnosed with IBS-C for years and years. It was not until after my hysterectomy in 2005 that I was referred to a GI doctor, that then referred me to a colorectal surgeon....that I was finally properly diagnosed with colonic inertia.
I took tons of miralax, used suppositories, manually disimpacted every bowel movement, felt nauseas daily, could not eat much at a time, or sometimes, not at all.... I also had instances where I could not even drink any fluid due to the extreme bloat...UGH....I sat on the toilet hours everyday....I had severe bloating where my stomach would be so distended that strangers or co-workers would ask me when my baby was due? 
I also could not pass gas or burp, which would have me doubled over with such gas pains that I would sometimes even cry out. Not to forget that my colon stayed full of poop the majority of the time. I could not wear clothes that fit me because my stomach would grow tremendously through out the day. I also could not wear anything that squeezed my abdomen at all because this would cause extreme pain and an even bigger, bloated stomach.
Unfortunately, I also have obstructive defecation syndrome, anismus mainly, so, I was not a good candidate for the total colectomy due to the rectal dysfunction, so my doctor recommended a subtotal colectomy, a rectopexy, lysis of thick adhesions that my doctor said I had from birth that he saw when he got in there, so my lap surgery was then performed open, and a temporary loop ileostomy, a bag. He did the ileostomy temporarily to see if the rectum will begin to work again. So far, that has not happened. 
I can't even begin to tell you how much better I feel. I can eat and drink like a normal person. My stomach does not bloat....I have so much more energy. Before surgery, I went to work, sat on the toilet, and laid in the bed because I just couldn't function. I think the only reason I managed to keep my job is because I was a bus driver and I did not work 8 hours at a time, but 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the afternoon. In between my routes, I would come home, sit on the toilet, and then sleep until it was time to go back to work. I neglected my kids and my house to such a degree, I am not sure if I will ever forgive myself, but I am trying to make it up to them. 
I even quit smoking since the surgery...I think I now feel like my life is worth living. Before surgery, my quality of life was just so bad and I didn't even realize how bad until I had the surgery and could compare it....I was really sick and just didn't realize how sick....none of us realized how sick I was, including my mom and husband.
I am now taking better care of myself....I just wish I would have had this surgery 5 years ago....
So, that is my story....sorry so sappy, I just feel so much better that words can't even explain.
After my surgery, I had some pain, but it was very manageable....I had a pain pump and could push the button every 7 minutes and that really helped. I had no complications except for vomiting day 3, 4, and 5 which was very traumatic for me because I have emetophobia, fear of vomiting....
I was in the hospital for 7 days and lost 15 pounds...BUT, I have gained 14 of the 15 pounds back....YIKES.... 
But this is because I can eat now and I am sure quitting smoking has contributed to my enormous appetite. Luckily, the past 2 weeks, I have noticed more of a normal appetite, so I am not eating nearly as much as I was.
I noticed that I wore the hospital gown and not my own because they helped me clean myself up everyday and brought me a fresh clean gown everyday or whenever I needed one, so that was easier. I did wear my own robe when I walked around the ward, even though I could not put my IV arm through the arm hole, we just draped it over the arm and all was good there. Be sure to take house shoes because their no slip socks are not sufficient for the amount of walking that you need to do after surgery. Walk alot, as much as you can handle to wake the guts up.
So glad you found us and weclome....Tracy