I had a serious herniated disc (L4-L5)which after eight months of various exercises, physical therapy, stretching, water therapy, epidurals and an EMG, it was recommended and I choose to proceed with the surgery. I was told that the nerve was very flat and extremely bruised (purple) when the surgeon went in, however it returned to normal shape immediately during the surgery. I have been restricted to 8lbs, no housework, and only instructed to do water walking and a couple of stretches daily. It has been a little over two months since the surgery and the syptoms which I had prior to surgery have now returned. I have severe pain in the calf of my leg, pain in my right hip and backside. I am having difficulty finding any postion: sitting, standing, laying where I can find comfort. Walking and sleeping have become very difficult. My doctor believes there is inflammation around the nerve and performed an epidural last week. I still have no relief and in fact feel worse than before the epidural. I have having great difficulties with normal activities such as getting dressed. What other options do I have and is it possile that I may have permanent nerve and muscle damage?