I have bladder incontinence from EDS. Flomax seems to help.
August 2
Bladder and bowel issues can happen with spondylitis when nerves in the lower spine become compressed. It's actually more common than many people realize, so you're definitely not alone in dealing with this.
If it comes on suddenly or gets worse quickly, that can be a sign of something that needs urgent attention — so Show Full Answer
Bladder and bowel issues can happen with spondylitis when nerves in the lower spine become compressed. It's actually more common than many people realize, so you're definitely not alone in dealing with this.
If it comes on suddenly or gets worse quickly, that can be a sign of something that needs urgent attention — so don't wait in that case. Since your PCP isn't familiar with this, here are some steps that may help:
- Ask for a referral to a neurologist — they specialize in nerve-related issues, which is often the root cause here
- Contact your rheumatologist — they should be your go-to for spondylitis complications and can coordinate referrals
- Ask about imaging — an MRI of the spine can help identify if nerve compression is involved
- Be specific with your symptoms — tell your doctor exactly when it happens, how often, and how severe it is
The key takeaway is that your rheumatologist is really the best starting point here. They can guide you to the right specialist and make sure any treatment aligns with your existing spondylitis care plan.
August 1
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