when you had your first ever IBS flare-up, how painful was it?

I was only recently diagnosed with IBS-C two weeks ago, but my doctors actually diagnosed me pretty quickly.
Three months ago, I was in college and suddenly got abdominal cramps. I only assumed it was my period, since I have always had excruciating period pains and irregular periods that last for around 15 days (which I have consulted over a doctor with it, but they said because I’m only 16, it’s probably just anxiety. I beg to differ, but alright).

However, the second I got back home, the pains became so painful and it had moved to the right side of my abdomen. I began googling (stupid idea, I know), and had convinced myself I had appendicitis, which then led me to have three back-to-back anxiety attacks (you could imagine how painful the cramps became after all of those).

I was shaking so much that I ended up stimulating my gut, and I ran to the toilet. As soon as I relieved myself, I suddenly felt so much better. Of course, the pains became was still there, but it was nowhere near as bad as before.

The flare up lasted for days though, and I ended up going to the doctors. I have Crohn’s disease running through my dad’s side of the family, and then Celiac on my mum’s side (aren’t I lucky?), and my doctor said it was just constipation and they gave me laxatives, which did help, but it didn’t ease the pain. On the second appointment, my doctor then explained IBS to me and sent me off for 2 stool samples and a blood test. they all came back normal, which got me the IBS diagnosis.

I’ve read so many other stories here and it shocks me for just how long it’s taken for other people to be diagnosed! But I’d love to hear your guys’ stories, and if they were super painful in your first round of cramps?? Maybe they’re painful in the first round because it’s unfamiliar, which makes you panic? I’m not entirely sure, I’d love to hear from you! :-)