I have had 4 previous back surgeries. L4/L5 discectomy in 1998, laminectomy 2 days later. Mechanical fusion with bone graft of L4/L5 in 2005. L5/S1 discectomy in August this year. I had relief for 3 weeks and now symptoms have returned. With sciatic pain in hip, thigh and calf I also have lost the feeling in the outside of my foot and partially up my leg and have no ankle reflex. My calf muscle is shrinking, 2" smaller then other leg. I have had a feeling of a pulled muscle in my calf for weeks. Is this back related? Or just me compensating for the lack of feeling? I am getting another MRI next week and seeing the surgeon the following week. I am not looking forward to the possibility of my 5th surgery.