I knew I had IBS for at least 5 years before I was actually diagnosed. I was finally diagnosed by my GP - yup, just my regular doctor - last summer.
I went to her with - no joke - a typewritten list of all my symptoms, my entire medical history, everything. Based on what I wrote, and the fact that I'd had these symptoms with very little changes for so long (17 years!), she diagnosed me with NO tests other than bloodwork (which checked for potential thyroid and gallbladder issues, her only other thought based on my symptoms, and all that was negative).
Like I said in my post below, I've accepted my IBS diagnosis. I do know that I also have gallbladder problems that may be causing some of my persistent symptoms, but I've accepted that as well, for the time being. I am NOT stable, and I am NOT symptom-free, but I do believe in trusting my gut instinct, and my gut isn't telling me that it's anything more serious.
My doctor played absolutely no role in my treatment plan. She did recommend a fiber supplement, which I'm absolutely lousy about taking  but that was really it. I explained my diet to her and she said it sounded good. I think she can tell that I'm an educated patient and she respects that, which is why I like her so much... I'm kind of bummed that I have to switch doctors now that I've moved.
Stop apologizing. You're not going to get 'evicted', I swear... unless you start getting nasty and calling us names or something. 
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Re: Getting the IBS diagnosis
