BTW, I do feel good about the trip. Even though it was a big haul for 20 minutes of conversation, I feel more clear about the possiblities than before. Feel validated that what I'd been reading is what is correct; that what I've been told by my doctors is not quite on target, and that I'd be followed more closely by the Mayo.

I can ask for closer monitoring, and follow the guidelines. I do realize now more than ever that even if I achieve the elusive goal of fusing, I may still have pain. But the screws won't damage me.

So it was worth the trouble.