[usconservative]

As someone who's had FOUR major lower back surgeries for various disc/nerve impingement related issues -- your doctor is exactly correct. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to get function back.

I waited too long between my third and fourth lower back surgeries and now have to live with a mild limp on my left side.

Prayers for you for a full recovery with full function restored. Vitamin B-6 and B-12 supplements are a MUST post surgery to help with nerve healing/regeneration.

[usconservative]

By the way, I assume your doctor is using a minimally invasive procedure. If that's the case, you'll be surprised how fast you're back on your feet and feeling better.

When that happens make DARN SURE you don't over-do it and do what your doctors and physical therapists tell you to do. If you follow their directions and DON'T OVER-DO it because you're feeling better, you'll be fine.

I have confidence you'll do well post surgery. The newer techniques are amazing and the recovery periods are much shorter. My first lower back surgery in 1993 took me six months to recover from. That was to do what is now a simple micro-laminectomy. I had an L4-L5-L5/S1 fusion in 2009 and was walking around normally within two weeks. That same surgery in 1993 would've had me laid up for months.

As I said, the techniques have matured greatly. Will keep you in my prayers tomorrow. Best wishes and let us know how you're doing after.