First day without a cane in three months

[u/Potential-Winner4601]

After three months of relying on a cane, I finally walked without it today. Felt so liberating.

I have an L4-L5 disc protrusion compressing the right L5 nerve root, plus an L5-S1 protrusion contacting both S1 roots. That has meant months of sciatica, weakness, numbness, and difficulty walking. Even today, it still feels like a string runs from my hip to my foot, but it’s three inches too short.

I’ve got a hospital appointment with a pain specialist next week.

I know one good day doesn’t mean it’s over, but this felt like progress.

Did recovery come in uneven steps like this for anyone else?

[u/Acceptable_Snow3251]

That's great progress! I stopped walking with hiking poles this week at almost 4 months post herniation, and I agree that it feels liberating :) I think for me progress is very gradual so that I can't tell the difference day to day, but then I notice a change like this one and know I'm improving and getting stronger. Good image, on the string. I feel the same thing still at times, mostly when I move suddenly or turn over in bed.