Bertolotti's Syndrome: Looking for a specialist

@dbamos1945
Thanks so much. Both are very good suggestions and I have been meaning to try. Unfortunately this extra disc, L6, Bertolotti syndrome is what is causing me to lose flexibility as I age and more arthritis sets in. I'm still willing to try so thanks again. I have been doing a gentle mat pilates class and that has helped relieve the pain a little but from what I understand from research nothing is going to bring the flexibility back without removing the disc.

@rangerraptor
Depending on where you live, you may want to contact the Mayo Clinic Spine Center. They have 3 locations --Phoenix Arizona,/ Rochester,Minnesota,/ and Jacksonvile, Florida.
I had Bertolotti's, but that was a minor aspect of my corrective surgery. My main issue was severe Scoliosis.

When I previously researched Bertolotti's, I noticed that the majority of people that developed it have Scoliosis.

I had my surgery at Mayo-Rochester and it was an amazing experience.

Good Luck!

Nadine

@nlback22
Thanks for the info. I have an online appointment with the Mayo Clinic here in Florida. They are 3 hours away from me. Yes, I have developed some scoliosis that I don't believe I had before this back pain got so bad. I can't believe what I have accomplished with this and only started having trouble the last few years. Multiple Ironman races, marathons, Baseball till age 45 and being a NY City firefighter for 26 years. I never knew I had it and now it is causing major problems.
Thank You!

@rangerraptor
That's great you have an online appointment with Mayo-Florida.
You've accomplished alot in your life.
Once it is determined what's causing your pain, I am certain you will do whatever it takes to improve.
Let's us know what happens!
Best Wishes!
Nadine

@nlback22
I'm so depressed and disappointed. The Mayo Clinic in Florida is no longer accepting appointments at their spine clinic. I get the feeling after trying 3 other places that specialize in Bertolotti's Syndrome surgery that no one does this for Medicare patients. I'm really at a loss and begging for help if there is anyone out there that has had this and had it treated successfully to please contact me and let me know where I can go. I can't live with this level of pain 24/7. Thanks

@nlback22
Can you please tell me the doctor's name. I plan on calling there today since I'm almost out of options. I was informed that I do have slight Scoliosis and I was wondering which came 1st because I was never told I had that before and my feeling is it was caused by the Bertolotti's. I, of course could be wrong. I can now over the past few years when looking in the mirror notice something I never had before. One hip is higher than the other. Thank for any help.

@rangerraptor in my experience with Mayo FL, the only way you can get in is with a physician's referral, previous tests documented and treatments exhausted. That was true in orthopedics and neurosurgery.

@gilkesl
They told me they are so booked they can't even access the calendar for appointments they are so far out. This seems to be the case with many facilities treating this issue. They all want you to pay cash. Pretty sickening since I paid into a medical system all my working life that now I can't even use. I'm not sure how our government and doctors are getting away with it but it is WRONG!!!

@rangerraptor I had heard that Mayo no longer accepted other versions of Medicare but does accept regular Medicare. However, the neurosurgery spine center may have decided not to accept any more spine patients regardless of insurance for a while. I do not know about the ortho doctors. I do not know where you will be in Florida but there are other good neurosurgeons in other areas. Where will you be locating in Florida? Another option if you are willing to travel is Mayo in Rochester, Minn or a Dr. Tyler Koski at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

@rangerraptor
This can be depressing, but know that you will get the help that you need.🙏🙏🙏

I suggest you contact Mayo Rochester, in Minnesota. They have a huge staff.

Going by my experience, a couple of years ago, when you call their appointment line they will recommend a specialist based upon your diagnoses. Also, you will want to confirm that they accept your insurance.

As part of the process, you will be asked to have
all recent imaging-- MRI's, Xrays, CT's and reports forwarded to the doctor.

My Bertolotti's was a minor aspect of my overall surgery and I don't think I had pain because of it, but everyone is different.

You mentioned that you have minor Scoliosis. Sometimes Adult Scoliosis can be caused from other spine conditions.

My surgeon at Mayo Rochester was Dr. Jeremy Fogelson. Another friend on this site had surgery performed by Dr. Benjamin Elder.

I wish you luck in your quest and hope that you get the help that you need soon.

I will forward the links for the appointment number at Mayo and the links to the doctors I mentioned.

🙏🙏🙏Nadine