Hey brothers well the cortisone only lasted about a month. I had two injections and the finally worked for a bit. I had an MRI done Friday and got the results today.. I was not ready for what I have been told. My L5 S 1 is completely degenerated. On the MRI your disc should show a white oval in the center and mine is all black and bulging on both sides but mainly the right which is causing the God awful pain in my right leg. I my first step out of bed yesterday shot a jolt of pain thru me so severe I vomited instantly. So needless to saw the doc has me on some pretty heavy stuff. Now tomorrow I am going in for one last attempt with the cortisone they will be injecting from a different point of the disc I guess, if this doesn't work which the doc flat out said probably won't he wants to go in. He said if the disc is still firm he can shave away some bone to release pressure on the nerve endings however if the disc is soft/mushy he will remove it. Also he won't know until he gets it there.. Alright guys I turn 30 next month, always took care of my body , rested injuries lived a guy and active life and this has got me scared period. I don't know what to do , there is no way for me to function without what's probably going to be some serious meds, but yet am I ready to go under the knife. I mean if they are masking it with cortisone, and we know it's not going to heal do I prolong the surgery for as long as I can? c Right now business wise I can't afford to be laid up 3 to 4 months. I guide on the ice during winters and it's half of my yearly income ! I guess I'm just venting a bit now but I didn't expect to hear my disc was shot. IF anyone has exp. With this procedure I'd really like to hear about it. Good and bad. I be read online its like 85-94% effective. Thanks everyone. ..