Thank you very much for your reply, it is much appreciated. I will investigate the symptoms further and keep your input in mind.😊👍

Numbness in feet is probably from pinched nerves in or around those fused S/Is. Do a Google search to see if the nerves that affect feet run through the SIs or any lumbar you may have that are also bad. I bet they do.

My mom had extreme peripheral neuropathy for decades, very painful. She chose not to do any surgical interventions or take rheumatic meds for her RA, CIDP, or Fibromyalgia. She always does Tai Chi, Yoga, and additional balance and strength exercises at home every morning. Eventually the nerves died and she can no longer feel her feet, no more pain, nothing. But because she has stuck with her methods ritualistically all these years she still walks on her own without aid everywhere. She definitely goes slow and pays attention to where she's putting them, but they don't hurt and they're still attached and working at 82 years.

If you're considering surgical intervention try to meet and talk with others who have had what you need and ask how they feel afterward, was it worth it or not. And if your insurer allows it, get 3 opinions from drs/Surgeons not affiliated with each other. Sometimes their opinions on how yo treat it are very different. Go with the one that makes the most sense to you and that you can sleep with your decision at night. Good luck.😌🙏