Actually- I think it sounds a lot worse than it was. It did take a year and half- but my strength in my foot/leg is back to normal. And aside from the annoying cramping that I get now every once in a while..
well- it's fine. Though I wonder if the occasional
problems I have while riding standing up - like the cranks click on one side almost like one leg is not keeping up with the other- that is probably due to residual weakness...

I hope the gym was good- but don't overdo!! Make sure you get an okay from your doctor! I wouldn't want to have you make it worse! I was surprised at just how much the PT would let me do though...
I would go in there all cramped up in a C shape - One hip was raised up higher than the other for a good long time.And by the time I was finished I'd be standing normally--and that would last several hours.
The yoga really helped to. Strengthened my back and abs- and more importantly got me to bend backswards, helping me recompress the disc.

You go girl! Another thing- keep doing exactly what the PT says- do your exercises at home like you are supposed to! I know I did and I recovered faster than they expected. I saw some folks though- they would work only at their appointment and not at home... and what does that do for you?
Anyhow- I was motivated to get better- I couldn't stand that kind of limitation!

Kimba