question: Hi, I am a 62 yr old female with a history of persistant and unpredictable back pain since I was 17..When I was 47 the L5 disk went for the last time and left me in pain for months..In the past, 2-3 weeks and the pain was over and I was back to normal..Not this time..I had an x-ray in my doctors office and he pointed out the problem and told me I needed surgery..I am a slow person to choose surgery so my decision was up in the air for a few more years..Then I was introduced to laser surgery and went that route..I believe the surgeon only cleaned the facets and did not try to fuse the L-5 at this time but rather chose to try and save it with yet even more steriods..I felt rmuch relief from the surgery and even got rid of the pain pills, choosing over the counter drugs when I needed help..As time went on the right hip became worse in its dead pain ( which drove me almost insane with it s relentlessness)and gradually the leg and foot became numb..The not to be forgotten left leg and foot joined in..There are many times after standing too long my feet feel as though a knife is stabbing me in various places.. 10 years into this pain I opted to have the disk fused L-5 to S-1 and still no relief to the numbing and sensations, dead pain of the hip, and loss of sensation in my feet.. I have had therepy for my hip ..and sometimes do exercises when the pain is bad and this does help..Also injection from time to time..my feet, do not feel like feet are suppose to feel..Will they ever get back to near normal..No sugar problems..Have had 3 nerve tests..have damage..Take Neurotin 900 per day..plus Soma 350MG per day..I only take as needed.. degertive disk disease...respectivly seeking answers..