Hi Rich,
See the terms cauda equina. An area in your lower spine that if adversely affected by the lumbar or disease (MS, tumor, and others), will have an affect on the bowel, bladder, and ones sexuality.
If i understood your correctly, you put off the MRI due to cost. I hope you are having the MRI, and if not, will reconsider. I understand your situation and position. There's nothing more valuable than your health, getting diagnosed and treated. If you let it go, it may get worse and cost even more. The MRI provider will work with you! You may just have to put down a deposit of $25 to $50 at the time of service. Then once you get the bill, contact the business office for payment arrangements---for the rest of your life! Just Kidding! Really, I am! Providers will work with you.
But as a matter of fact I do have just a little back aggravation. Nothing debilitating. Just some discomfort I notice from time to time. I never gave it much thought. I assumed disk problems would cause big pain. I dunno. I shouldnt assume. I'm not a Doctor. 
) to being told its either a tumor or MS... Crossing my fingers that your story ends differently than mine.. Unfortunatly I was diagnosed with MS, but I try to maintain the thought that it could have been worse. With the alternative being a tumor, I'll take MS anyday!!
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