Debby
I went through the disk surgery for a herniated disk in my low back (L5-S1). I injured it falling down in the garage. Pain and weakness increased over time and physical therapy did not help. Got so I was nearly living on pain meds, sleeping on the floor, if I slept at all. The surgery was the best thing for me. Woke up from anesthesia pain free for the first time in over six months. The only thing is that it is very easy to reinjure the area. I did that. Six months later in a sneezing fit. (I am not a delicate sneezer). Since i was losing control of my leg, I went through the surgery a second time. As I was informed that it was possible, it was not as successful as the first. I have some residual numbness in the leg and foot, but I have the function. I can walk again as long as i want to without dragging my leg. You have to decide how much the problem is interfering with your life and if it is manageable. For me, I was too young, and too busy to have that much pain. I did not want to live on painkillers or risk what else could go wrong from being less than alert. Good luck. Debby