I hope that your move doesn't increase the progression, Curious, and that you find relief from pain you feel... maybe some things that help.

In looking for info. about SI Joints for Jen, I also read some about spondylolisthesis; it sounds rather painful.

Thank you for the kind words, Bobbi. You are right about the seeming lack of surgeons in California with SI joint experience. I took Amtrak to Denver from Oakland, Calif. for my surgery (I was unable to tolerate sitting for the flight) after failing to find an experienced surgeon in the San Francisco area.

I was told by one surgeon that many doctors were taught in med school that the SI joints are not a significant potential cause for lumbar/pelvic pain, and it seems that it's only been research in the past 15 yrs or so that has proven otherwise. Also many surgeons are not comfortable in performing a nonroutine procedure like Si-joint fusion. So fusion candidates dshould definitely try to locate an experienced specialist.

I've also been told by phys. therapists and chronic pain doctors that SI-joint dysfunction is often overlooked or mistaken as lumbar spine issues. Fortunately, the diagnostic nerve block into the SI joint, under guided fluoroscopy), is a great means to confirm SI joint dysfunction.

I sympathize with all of our fellow sufferers of this awful condition.
Franck

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 .

Franck, please give me some more info on your si joint fusion.
SharonK