Hi,
Today I was diagnosed with IBS. I am IBS-C. I did not have the colonoscpy as I have had this since I was about 14 and the symptoms always come and go, but this time I need them to settle fast, or settle enough to take a long flight. I'm up against a deadline, and the more I think of the deadline the worse it gets. I need to take a flight from AU [where I came for a break/holiday] to Italy, and then on to USA....so it's a scary thought to have my bowels going off in mid air. OK, please laugh; my sense of humor is all I have left right now. 
The Doc did a complete history and exam, and I did have a full blood work that was excellent; rather like the video's on this site, I was a clear cut case, and both the Doc and I agreed that cancer and other things don't come and go, and deep down I know I live a nervous lifestyle due to work.
I get breaks from my IBS, but severe stress, and I now suspsect my love of tea, really can set it off badly. My symptoms are extreme pain, rather like labor pain in that they rise and fall in waves. This is very debilitating and makes me feel like passing out at times. It is worse in the morning, and can get a little nasty at night, although sleeping is generally blissful. No Pain.
My problem is I "think"; apart from pain, is that I am constipated. I DO go every day, but I am like a sheep. I have poop like a shee; too little. And a fish; I swear there is a fluttering fish in my bowels! A few droppings and I am done. 
But I feel like I want to do a stack. It just never happens. No fibre will make it happen. But this has happened before, and eventually it gives in and I do go. With my deadline looming and the pain and constipation......I feel like I have hit the bottom and despite my sense of humor, I seem to be crying a lot and just feeling unwell in general. The Doc gave me some short term diazepam for my nerves, and they seem to have reduced my cramps/spasms a bit already. I know that this time it was a massive stress reaction that set this off.
But I now know I need to learn about this disorder. I am 39 and not getting younger, and feel if I keep ignoring it, it will only get worse. I need to educate myself. I have read so much here today, and am amazed to read MY story over and over.
I have read about the prune juice. Can anyone tell me how much I should take? Will it put me back into the agony of the past 48 hours which seem to be subsiding?
I also have gas pain quite bad, most to the lower left quadrant, but it barely ever seems to come out!!!!! 
I am just so happy to have found this forum, and am looking forward to no longer ignoring this condition that has plagued my life.
Any advice is so appreciated. 
~Anya