I hope you get some relief soon, daisylubob! Your pain pattern sounds exactly like mine. The day my foot went numb was the day I knew I wouldn't put off surgery any more. After all you've tried, I imagine the neurosurgeon will probably recommend surgery too. If you have any questions or concerns about it, feel free to PM me.

I'm still waiting for some progress. It seems as though my pain has changed and become a bit duller, but I have to lie down every few hours or suffer the consequences. When I don't, the pain is the same as the worst days pre-surgery (and this is while taking strong painkillers; when I'm late with the neurontin, the pain is severe). Sitting or bending over a table for any length of time make it worse. I'm getting another MRI next week before my 6-week follow-up because it doesn't seem to be getting better. It's really frustrating. I'd hoped to be active by now, but all I'm allowed to do is walk and do a few tailored PT exercises.

But PT is frustrating as well; each week I get asked the same questions and given the same instructions. I understand the need for a new PT to review my symptoms the first time, but once they have it in their notes I wish they wouldn't go (without first consulting notes), "So which leg is it in, and where in the leg?" It's not as though the answer ever changes. Equally tiresome: focusing on the back pain and forgetting entirely that the leg is an issue. The latest PT even had me do an extension stretch before remembering my diagnosis and going, "Oops! You're not supposed to be moving like that yet so soon after surgery."

Which isn't to say the surgery was a mistake, just that the verdict is still out. (And thanks, klesko -- I look forward to being able and allowed to be active, too!)