bertolotti's syndrome anyone?

[atonicat]

I have a partially lumbarized transitional S1. Apparently this is not supposed to cause pain. But I've been doing some research and came up with Bertolotti's Syndrome which fits all of my symptoms to a T. I have an appointment with my PM on Thursday and would like to bring this up. The probably is, should i just ask her about it?

I do believe this is the cause of my pain. Since it's something you're born with I believe this has caused my L5/S1 herniation, arthritis (DDD) and stenosis. I had no injury or accident to my spine that I can recall it just sort of all came out of the blue. I mean everyone is telling me I'm too young for all of this and maybe this syndrome is why. It's not really treatable which ***** but it would be nice to know what is causing me this pain!

I just need to know how to tell my doctor about this. Any advice would be great.

[Tuckamore]

I think you have a good plan. I believe this is a good approach..... Non-confrontational...just inquiring.

Again I'll be interested to hear how this turns out.

Peace,
~Tuck

[atonicat]

Yeah she kind of was surprised when I mentioned it. The practice that I go to is sort of weird. It has 2 offices and there is 2 PM doctors and 2 PA-C's split between both. So I see a PA-C for office visits and one of the PM doctors does all the injections and other things. So the PM doctor noticed the transitional vertebrae when I was getting an injection but I guess he didn't put it in my chart. I had my MRI with my PCP before going to the pain practice so they just had the paper report when I first got here, which did not mention the vertebrae at all. So I'm going to give the report to one of the nurses at the surgery center when I get my RAF to put in my chart and then the week after that I have a follow up with my PA-C so I'll bring it up then. She told me I could bring it in today but I have to work. So I'll just wait.

[PRC83]

I know this is much later, but I have just found out I have this and it causes me chronic moderate pain, difficulty walking and sitting and pain in my legs. I had to fight like hell for a year and half before they finally would do an MRI where the pain is coming from.  In my experience doctors are too busy to actually care or research what's going on with their patients. You have no choice to your own advocate. Did this ever get sorted out?  Now that we know why I can't walk very well (this and mild Syringomyelia) I'm waiting to see what my treatment options are.

[Tuckamore]

Thanks for the update.

I am glad you were able to bring this up so soon with your PMP. It sounds like she is at least willing to consider the diagnosis and possibility.

Please don't let the matter drop. Take her the information that you have found in the internet regarding Bertolotti's Syndrome when she obtains the x-ray results. Then bring it up again and discuss her thoughts.

I'll be interested to hear her comments. Best of luck to you.

Peace,
~Tuck

[atonicat]

Well I actually just went to see my PM. They called and asked if I could come in today so I did not have my XRAY report. I asked her about it and she said it should not cause pain but to bring in the report when I get my RAF in a couple of weeks. So I'll just wait it out.

[atonicat]

I have a copy of the Xray report which states that my S1 is transitional and partially lumbarized. It's from a year and a half ago from another doctor so hopefully that wont be a problem. I mean it doesn't hurt to bring it up I guess.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Atonicat,

In my opinion, absolutely you should discuss your finding with your PMP. You have nothing to lose. Just be non-confrontational. Tell her your concerns and be open and honest with her. It's the best way to build a good doctor/patient relationship. Ask questions and you'll probably obtain answers.

If this is not a possible causation of your pain she should explain why it isn't a factor. If it is, then wonderful. You've come up with your own diagnosis!

I agree that we all seek that diagnosis. Sometimes it is elusive and cannot be found. So we have to accept that chronic pain is our diagnosis. You certainly seem to have enough reasons for pain. Don't be disheartened if it is not.

I wish you well and hope that you will share with us the results of your appointment.

Take Care,
~Tuck