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?