Thanx guys. 

I've had a feeling for a few years that I'd eventually need surgery...9 years of chronic lower back and sciatic pain gives ya a clue, ya know? 

 Just wish they had decided to do the MRI sooner so I could have been back at work for the holidays...commission retail very good for holidays. 
 Anyway, thinking of doing the Hyperion Mk 1...should be a simple one that will get me back into the swing of things. 
 