Surgery VS Pain Medications?

I have had lower, left, back pain for the past year since February of 2007. One day I woke up like normal in the morning, and could not even sit up or move. Had a searing pain all the way down my back, down the hip all the way to my left ankle. I was in so much pain, my muscles would not even allow me to sit up on my own let alone stand. Somehow, with much determination (and the fact that I had a job to be to), I manage to hobble around and make it out the door. For many months after I could hardly sit down.

Days turned into weeks, and then up to this point, I knew I had to have some medical intervention. For the past year, I broke down and went to the Chiropractor, who worked with me twice a day for 6 months, till I was able to get back into my routine with some pain but, at least tolerable. Been good off and on, but then, my luck ran out.
Two weeks ago and counting I woke up in such agonizing pain, seriously has lead me to tears, because the pain just would not subsided. I tried icing it with a cold pack, stretching, and walking everyday, in spite of the pain. Even Aleve had no affect on the pain at all! I swallowed my pride, made a Dr's appointment with the local family Dr. who had me get an MRI done. Should have been done to begin with but I didn't do it.
The MRI was scheduled a couple days later at the Local Bear River Hospital. I then went to my regular Dr. and he was able to see the results. Told me the news that the lower lumbar 5 is very herniated and protruding out the left of the spine, pushing on the nerves. Hence the sciatic like pain shooting down my hip,leg, and toes. And recommended that I see the back specialist Dr, for further counseling.

Which today's appointment was done today. He took x-rays, examined me, and went thoroughly through the MRI images, and explained what we were seeing. He also explained my options, and the pros and cons. Surgery in the end is the best option, because the physical therapy and spinal shots would only be temporary. He also informed me that having pressure on your nerves for so long, can cause permanent damage. Already I am showing signs of weakness in my left leg, and foot.
Even though pain medication is obviously there to HELP with pain, I DO NOT want the medication to be my clutch, or to be used for the rest of my life, I will gladly take other options to pain management.
With it being a year or more with this pain, and nothing else has really helped, surgery is our best option. Brian and I had discussed this before hand and had decided to make this decision. So I am scheduled to be operated on April 20th. No time has been given yet. I will have it done at the Logan Regional Hospital, and will stay over night. I do not plan on staying any longer than necessary there.

Now with much relief, with this surgery and hoping that I will better for once and alleviated from this pain. I am planning on getting myself back into top shape and not be down any longer than necessary. I am positive that things will be so much better. It has been hard no being able to do your usual daily routine or even pick up your own daughter.
Please keep us in your prayers. We'll keep you updated on any other new information we find out concerning my operation.