is this normal?? in lots of pain

I've been diagnosed with ibs. I have some more tests scheduled in april but my doc is pretty certain ibs is the culprit. I have anxiety issues and for the past year I've either dealt with diarrhea or constipation. Recently though I've been getting severe cramping as if I'm going to have diarrhea but I don't. Sometimes I have a bm with the cramping and sometimes I don't. The cramps are incredibly painful though. Is this normal with ibs? And if so what can I do to help with the cramping? Its so painful sometimes I don't want to even move. I've taken immodium sometimes for them and it usually helps a bit but I don't want to be taking immodium a lot since I'm dealing with constipation now. They often come out of nowhere with no warning making it hard for me to have a normal life. Someone please help.

[erin626]

I should also mention when this happened to me today I had to strain to have a bm despite the horrific cramps that made me feel like I was going to have diarrhea. I'm so stressed over this..I've called my gi twice to try and get an appt earlier than my scheduled april 11th appt but they just say they can't get me in any earlier. I feel like I'm going to go crazy. I'm hungry but terrified to eat due to the severe cramps I've been experiencing. This is seriously ruining my life.