Post Op Microdiscectomy Question

Hello all! I am 6 weeks post op for a microdiscectomy on L5-S1 (left side). The first couple of days I dealt with pretty bad sciatica due to inflammation.....this eventually subsided and is now pretty much non-existent. Weeks 2-4 were pretty good and my spirits were high. My neurosurgeon released me to begin therapy but gave me stretches to do at home vs. seeing a physical therapist. Now at week 6, I am feeling pretty bad pain in my lower back and occassional numbness in my right calf/foot (opposite leg than operation!). My mind is racing and I don't know if something is wrong (reherniation, disc fragment, scar tissue, etc.) or if I just did too much and things are inflamed.
I have walked several miles almost every day since surgery and am careful to not bend and twist. I just started a new job and am waiting for my insurance to kick in and then I plan on asking for another MRI......hoping that the results will give me answers/ease my stress either way.
Prior to surgery I was very active (sports, gym, running, golf, etc.) when my back/sciatica allowed it. I am praying to get back to where I was....vs. having to give up my passions.
There are a LOT of negative stories about post op experiences. Are there any "success" stories out there that can give advice and share their experience? Again, I am at week 6 so any post ops at week 6 or greater are definitely appreciated.
Thank you!!!!!