I called the Gainesville GA PT office to make a phone consultation appointment with Vicki Sims (I want to ask her about her expereince with Doppler imaging since no standard imaging shows torn ligaments in the SI region). I was informed by the woman Claudia who made my appointment that Dr. Lippitt is assisting in surgery with a Dr. Weiss in Gainesville. I just about cried tears of relief/happiness. There is another surgeon out there who is an expert in SI surgery AND he is in the OR with Dr. Lippitt's assistance. I am giving prolotherapy a few more months and then flying out get the surgery.
Sally, maybe this is the answer to our prayers!

Hi. I'm new to this forum. Did you end up having surgery with Dr. Weiss? I have an appointment scheduled with him in early Feb. Hoping someone can tell me a bit about their experience with him. I've had chronic low back pain for past nine years and was recently told I have significant degeneration of SI join and will need SI fusion for pain relief. I've tried PT (x3) , injections, prolotherapy, chiropractic, accupuncture, massage. You name it, I've done it! Anyway, was thrilled to find this forum.

This is my first post so, pardon my inexperience. I've been having SI joint pain since I fell on the ice two years ago. I've had trigger point injections in my right hip, pt, two sij injections. The injections each relieved the pain for a day and then it's back to the burning and deep aching of the rear. My neurologist thinks its time to consider surgery. I can't believe this has so taken over my life. Those of you who've been through the surgery, what am I in for? Would you do it again? I can't believe the symptoms that are caused by this, but I'm definitely ready for some relief.

Hi. I am sorry to hear about your pain. I also have been experiencing SI joint pain for about 4 years. I live in Ohio and have traveled all over Ohio to physicians and even to Chicago. All of my diagnoses were degenerative disc disease based on MRI results, but every doctor said the pain I was having was not indicative of DDD and that I was too young for surgery.

Finally, a local physiatrist sent me to Toledo Hospital to see Dr. Ebraheim. He is awesome. I have worked with him for about a year and 3 months. He did not jump into surgery given my age. He worked with me and his pain management colleagues using various pain management techniques. I got relief for about 3 months at a time. These were all good diagnostic tools and it was great to get a little relief. Finally, he said I was ready for an SI joint screw fixation.

I just had the surgery last week. I am still a little sore, but I am up and weight bearing. I know it will take awhile to know if this has been a success, but I am confident and hopeful. I want my life back too. I go back to see him on Jan. 3rd to get my physical therapy, recovery, and activity protocol. I am so hoping that I will be able to return to my morning walks.

His name is Dr. Ebraheim and he is with the University of Toledo Medical Center.

Good Luck!

I am not new here, but I haven't been around in awhile...

I have bilateral SI degeneration( from a fusion surgery, I think). I had a pretty successful RF procedure on the left, and am waiting on the right. I had about 80% pain relief, so I'd say it went very well! I also have Thoracic spine issues and used it up there, and it was great for almost a year! This, however is not going to last as long, I can already tell.
I was quite shocked at how bad the pain was after the procedure. It stopped after a week, though, and has been gone since...about 3 months.
Good Luck to you, and this is a great place to get ideas!

Hi all im new to this so excuse me if i stuff up, im an Aussie and im coming to Utah in Feb 09 i think i have SIJ Dysfunction no one in Australia seems to know much about it, and im looking for a Physical therapist in Salt Lake City who is experienced in SIJ problems any help much appreciated it has been 9 years of hell ive had L4/5 and L5/S1 fused and it hasnt helped at all.
but im not giving up no way.........

Aussie: Hi. Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. I have seen three physical therapists in the SLC area and did not find one who helped me.

I would recommend that you try to get an appointment with Vicki Sims at Gainesville Physical Therapy in Gainesville, Georgia. Phone: 770.297.1700.

Vicki is supposed to be the best in the U.S. and also works with a surgeon (Dr. Weiss) in the area who does SI fusion if needed. I will be traveling to see both Vicki and Dr. Weiss in a couple of weeks. I would be happy to fill you in following my appts. with them.

I'm so sorry you had those spinal fusions with no relief! I've read that it's common for people with SI joint degeneration to also have compression at L4/L5/SI. I guess when the SI is really off, it also throws the alignment of the spine off. My last doc here had been treating me for compression of the L4/L5/SI and I was considering surgery. But, a recent x-ray showed significant degeneration of my SI joint.

Best of luck to you. I too have had this problem for a long time and refuse to give up!!

Take care!
Kaydee

I am so happy to hear that you all are talking about SI joint dysfunction. It is true that the general medical community knows little about the disorder. I have had severe problems for 4 months, and have been practically bedridden. I have been through all the tests and traditional and holistic treatments with limited success. I currently go to Body Mechanics PT in Atlanta which Vicki Sims co-founded but have never been treated by her. I have been going to PT for 3 months and have my first appointment with her tomorrow Jan 9th to discuss surgery. I cannot live like this anymore! I would love to know and share any experiences with Vicki and Dr. Weiss regarding surgical treatment.
Thanks
Melissa

Hi Kaydee, thanks for replying and the tip on Vicki Simms , yes please let me know how you go with her, i never did travel to SLC as now i cannot sit for more than a few minutes so im still in Australia, but am contemplating a trip to Gainsville, as im fast running out of options.

Cheers Aussie

Hi there,
I'm new at this forum thing so forgive me if I'm doing with wrong. But after reading about your discussion about going to GA, I'm really curious of how things went with Vicki and Dr. Weiss. I live in Idaho and had an injury 6 years ago that damaged my SI joint. After lot of pain and research, I finally got Vicki's book and number. I'm currently planning a trip there myself. I would feel more at ease if I understood the process better. Just wondering how and what everyone is doing. Lindamae