Hi ScaredCaz
I know exactly how you feel because I feel the same. I also have the panic feeling before a bowel movement and I'm also 47, so I'm putting a lot of what is happening down to perimenopause simply because I'm having loads of strange feelings. For the past couple of yearsmy bowel issues have been getting worse and I have a bad time every time I have to leave the house in case I need the toilet because when I do I feel awful for about 15-30 mins. This afternoon I have got a phone consultation with a homeopathic doctor, see if she has any suggestions.
Anyway, as you can see you're not alone. I find exercise (even though I don't feel like it) helps quite a bit.