Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Okay, I am an IBS-A. I alternate between bouts of constipation and diarrhea. Well, for months I have been doing much better as I've been taking Citrucel daily as well as Beano before problem foods. It's been amazing. I've also been exercising at least 20-30 mins most days. Well, I did not change any of my habits and all of a sudden the past few days I have been constipated, even while taking Citrucel AND Beano (Beano has really helped me break down foods)... well I am still constipated, so yesterday I bought Ex-Lax and there is a "guarantee" that it should work in at least 12 hours or less... but here I am over 12 hours later and I still have no relief. I will cramp up terribly and feel like I need to have a bowel movement, but then nothing happens. So my question is, for those of us with IBS is this "normal"? or do I need to go to the doctor? A friend of mine suggested I go to the doctor b/c this could be dangerous to my system but she doesn't have IBS so I just wondered what advice I could get from some of you who are experienced. I called into work today and told them I was not going in. These cramps get intense and then lessen and when I'm sitting on the toilet trying to make something happen I cramp up more and feel weak while I'm pushing. Sorry if TMI... I'm just looking for some advice. Thanks.

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