My arduous journey started 9 months ago in November 2023. I have had three posts in this Reddit that were rife with desperation. I have had the sleepless nights, the inflammation, the lack of a listening ear from healthcare professionals and I have dealt with the endlessness of it all.

Two days ago, I finally had my L4/L5 micro discectomy performed after trying everything that was possible to avoid surgery and have it natural heal. The surgeon assured me that the chunk he removed would have never healed on its own and that I made the right choice. I have no more pain in my leg, I can lie on my back again and I feel so much weight fall from my shoulders. It's a feeling I never thought I'd have again. I had accepted my fate, and now I've been given a second chance at a normal life.

I will now go through 6 weeks of rehabilitation and then hopefully back to work. Something I never expected to say with such confidence. I want to thank everyone here for their advice, support and input, and for those going through the arduous journey of pain now: while you sit at the kitchen table crying and asking yourself if this will ever end: it will. Hangin in there, even without any prospect is the way to go and I'd advise everyone to try and do something that tomorrow's you will thank you for. Do not relent and keep at it. It will pass.

Thank you all!