Hi aussie, I also live in Australia and suffer from sij disfunction and have done for 10 years. I have been told by soo many doctors that nothing is wrong with me and that its all in my head though a Physiotherapist told me its my sij I recovered about 60% but cant seem to recover any further. my research shows that no one in Australia is specialized enough for this disorder and vicki sims in america, who I have emailed seems to be the top person to see. Though like you im unable to sit for a long time but im seriously considering drugging myself with sleeping pills and pain killers to be able to sit for the trip I would do anything to make this horrible pain go away.....forever!