Kim
First off, Physical Therapy is very important at this point for you. I am an athlete and was just recently diagnosed with a Herniated L4-L5 and a bulging L5-S1. I was going to a Chiro. that was totally misdiagnosing me. He was treating me for a strained ligament and muscle spasms. Enough about me, my point is be vary cautious about what Dr. you put your trust in!! I realize you already had surgery for the injury. I would ask your Dr. who referred you to this surgeon for a referral to a Physical Therapy facility. I don't know how old you are. At any cost, I would recommend a Physical Therapist that has background in Sports Medicine. They seem to be a little better. I went thru 5 1/2 wks of Phys. Therapy for my back. I still continue to do my therapy exercises for it here at home or at the gym. It is very important you learn to exercise your back in the correct manner. Ask your Dr. If your existing Dr. wont help you, I suggest you find a new one. Don't let a Dr.'s "non-shallant" or their attitude that your back injury is not important. It's your back, remember that. If you want to live a healthier life, almost pain free, or pain free. You have to take the steps to do it. You need to start Phys. Therapy so you can get some knowledge on what to do. You don't want to be doing exercises/stretches wrong at this point. Get an expert to show you how!! Good luck. Remember, you can make your back healthy again, you just need the knowledge, and the drive to do it. It can be done. You may have to change some ways in your life, maybe become more active. I don't know your background, so you need to adjust as to how you feel. Don't give in to the pain, you can make it better thru proper exercise and being active.