What does irritable bowel syndrome feel like?

I have a slight discomfort in my abdomen i feel bloated, and on a day to day basis i'm either constipated or i'm the opposite. Does this sound like IBS? if so What can you recommend, i know stress and diet can cause this, but my diet is pretty balanced, although i could say i was stressed i do feel that alot at the Moment. Any story's,suggestions,advice Please.

If it is IBS then you will find certain foods (nuts,grains,etc.) will set it off. Write down all you eat and see if anything is making is worse. It gets going and you shove a towel or facecloth between your teeth trying to have a BM.

IBS is a collection of symptoms, you may get all or just some. The common signs are;
Pain in the abdomen which comes on from time to time. The pain often eases when you pass stools or wind. The severity of the pain can vary from mild to severe.
Bloating and swelling of the abdomen, and passing more wind than usual.
Bouts of constipation and/or bouts of diarrhoea. Some people pass mucus too.
The stools may become small and pellet like, or watery and ribbony.
A feeling of not emptying your bowels after going to the toilet.
Urgency, which means you have to get to the toilet quickly.
The classic 'spasm' sensation in the stomach, which can be very painful.

Sharp lower abdominal pain, almost a pelvic pain. But very sharp feeling.
And it does come & go (months w/out any symptoms & then may rtn), alot of times stress is a good trigger.

it varies but it can be most uncomfortable and even painful your best thing is to check with the doc. hope you get sorted out soon

I dont now but why not see your doctor?