Has anyone had long-term bowel and bladder issues that eventually resolved?

[onarollercoaster]

Hi everyone,
I’m hoping for some reassurance or success stories because I’m feeling really overwhelmed.
For the last six years I’ve had ongoing bowel and bladder problems. Looking back, it all seemed to start around COVID. I was in a very stressful, emotionally abusive relationship at the time, and I got into the habit of holding my bowel movements because I didn’t feel comfortable or relaxed enough to go. That gradually turned into constipation, and over time I started developing constant bladder irritation and the feeling that I always needed the toilet.
Since then, it’s felt like one thing has fed into another. The constipation seemed to make my bladder symptoms worse, and now I honestly can’t remember the last time I didn’t feel like I needed the loo for either my bladder or my bowel. It’s become my normal, and I’m exhausted.
I’ve had blood tests, stool samples and urine tests, and they’ve all come back normal. I’m currently waiting for an abdominal ultrasound scan.
One thing that gives me hope is that if I’m 100% strict with my diet (eating really clean and avoiding foods that trigger me), my symptoms improve noticeably. They don’t disappear completely, but there is definitely an improvement, which makes me wonder if there is something functional going on rather than something sinister.
I’ve recently left the six-year emotionally abusive relationship, and if I’m honest, I put getting all of this properly investigated on the back burner for far too long because I was just trying to survive day to day. Now that I’m out, I’m finally trying to get to the bottom of it, but I’m also terrified.
I’m so mentally and physically exhausted from constantly managing my symptoms and planning my life around toilets. I’m scared that this is just how my life will be forever.
Has anyone else had years of bowel and bladder symptoms that eventually improved or resolved? Did you ever find the cause? I’d really appreciate hearing any success stories because my anxiety is through the roof at the moment, and I could really do with some hope.
Thank you so much for reading. ❤️

I did. It turned out I’d had a uti for years.

Yes. In my case, it was stress. Once that was addressed, the issues disappeared. They creep back from time to time and it’s always a warning sign for me to slow down.

How did you find this out? I’ve had so many urine tests which have all come back clear over the 6 years but I don’t want to miss anything which could be a factor. Thank you

Me.

after having my son I got a prolapse bladder. Which fixed itself. One day I got a massive uti. And my bladder was never the same. I also have ibs. And sometimes when I empty my bowels it can make me feel the need to empty my bladder ( didn’t need it ) after.

I have lived with a bad bladder for over 25 years. Have been tested. Spent a while using a catheter. Been a lot better the last few years.

1. your bladder learns. Try not to go when u know u have just been. Bladder training is hard.
2. food and drink effect your bladder and the lining massively. And I mean massively.
3. write it all down. When u last went. Food and drink for both ur bowels and ur bladder.

this is a very simplified version of my last 25 years. But ur bladder and bowel do affect each other. All of my tests came up with nothing by the way.