Now I know where to go for the fusion... but heck of a way to have to find out - based on the pain you've suffered .

It is quite unfortunate that it's been only relatively recent (15 or so years) that doctors have taken a closer look at what role SI Joints may have in some people's conditions, particularly considering that the SI Joints are often where some diseases manifest first - such as with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

If you or anyone else takes Amtrak for future trips, I don't know if you might already know this (and it's very possible that you and others do): Amtrak offers a discount on tickets for the disabled and also bumps the sleeping quarter size (not at an added cost for the larger space) automatically as long as it knows in advance .