I'm sorry to hear of everyone's pain.
I'm 57, 4 weeks post L4-L5 lumbar fusion surgery, (I had a bulging disc). I have no idea how and when it happened . Having the surgery has of now, was the best decision I made.(I can sit in a car, I can walk, all pain free) I didn't need any of my pain meds 4days after my discharge, my only discomfort is where the incision is still healing and the worst right leg pain only at bed time. I couldn't sleep, constant leg pain, tingling right big toe (never when standing). I was told to take the meds for the pain when needed, I told them those meds is not helping my leg pain. I was told to give it few more days, I called again left msg, 2 days later the nurse called me, I was giving a prescription for gabeping ( I didn't tell nurse the leg wasn't as restless/ painfull) so today will be my first day taking the gabeping, my 6 weeks follow up is 2 weeks away, I will soon start PT, hopefully the leg pain be totally gone. I do walk a lot and right leg is slightly tender so I llimp. Still nervous/ scare about my future. Surgery was not a choice in my case, after 2 yrs of trying everything w/no success I knew I couldn't live with the pain it got worse. Walk walk and try and wean yourself soon off of meds.