Can diverticulosis/itis also cause bladder spasm?

[Susie1948716]

I have had a problem with painful pressure in my rectum along with bladder spasm lasting anywhere from 3 weeks to 4 months off and on for the past 3 years.  In addition to constant pressure, pain in the perineal and low abdominal area is like that felt when Bengay accidentally gets into a sensitive skin area, only much more intense.  At this same time my bowel movements are as thin as a 1/4 inch ribbon and I feel the urge for bowel movement and urination all the time.   When the bouts first started, I had CT and was diagnosed with diverticulosis, but was then sent to a urologist who diagnosed neurogenic bladder, which is no big deal to me since I don't have any urine leakage.  The thing is, since these bouts come sporadically, maybe two or three times a year, I have to think that this begins with bowel spasms which spread to the bladder.  I also went back to my neurosurgeon who had done surgery on my L4-L5 due to collapsed disk 4 years ago.  He said that this would not be a neuro problem because the nerves where I have my back problem do not connect to the bladder or bowel.  I also saw my gynecologist and he can't explain it either.   My family doctor, while having referred me to the urologist for help, doesn't seem to have any other answers.  I get extremely depressed when these bouts occur because they totally control my life.  I am an active, 61-year-old female with no other issues except allergies and high blood pressure which are both controlled.  I can connect no medication changes to this recurring, debilitating problem.  Can you give me any clues as to what to do?

[mi_song]

Only a brief comment-my hubby has diverticulitis and with each episode he gets pain very low in the bladder area that doc's can't explain.  His comments echo yours.  We have pared his diet down to the most whole food/non processed mostly plant based which has helped some, he takes psyllium daily.  Recently we added an herbal tincture of Oregon grape root which he takes 3 times a day and this seems to help.  If you have access to an herbal practitioner or doctor whom isn't afraid of alternative medicine you might check into it as well.  Also, a brief prayer said for you-may your pain resolve and your health improve greatly.  

[CalGal]

Studies have suggested that bowel issues can result in changes in urinary functions. Apparently the tissues will secrete chemical compounds that can impact the surrounding tissues, and that can include the bladder.

Very thin ('ribbon') stools can be the result of bowel spasms or obstructions.

[jeanne1976]

sorry you are having these issues. im 52yo female w diverticulosis. 10 years ago i had similar issue. thought it was related to hemmoriods or prolapsed bladder. check those. i did get bladder lift but didn't work for me. i never did anything about my minor hemmoroids. I did discover i had diverticulosis and a large left ovarian cycst. also found out i had low potassium levels and when corrected it fixed my constipation (which may have led to the diverticulosis/itis) (my levels were only borderline low, but when corrected made a big improvement). get a good general wrk up, include magnesium and potassium. good luck.