does anyone else get pain so bad in their belly that they cant do anything. its as painful as giving birth! I have never heard of anyone else with ibs having pain that bad but thats what my doc. says I have...

All I can say is yes, Yes, YES!

Everyone is different, of course, but I think you will find most of the people who post here have experienced a great deal of pain with IBS (that's why we're all here!). I can't tell you how many times a day I shake my head in wonder over the amount of pain this "syndrome" can cause. It's especially difficult because it's not the kind of sickness that is obvious (unless you walk around bent in half or in tears constantly!) so people have little understanding of how great is the suffering. In my case, there can be varying degrees of pain throughout the day and it's all pretty random. I might feel ok in the morning and be bedridden by afternoon.

Welcome to the forums! You will find much advice and support here!

A friend of mine (who doesn't have stomach problems) has had two children, and during our many conversations about my stomach problems, she has told me numerous times that in her opinion, diarrhea pains are worse than labour pains. Even as I sit here I am squirming in pain. It literally takes over your life and makes it so that you can't concentrate on anything else. I have a very understanding hubby, and sometimes when my stomach acts up I don't even want to hear him talk, so I tell him to be quiet and he waits patiently until I feel better, no questions asked.