In the months leading up to the surgery my left leg didn't really function as normal.  Sleeping and lack there of was a bear when the pain was incredibly bad.  It started to subside mid December and by Christmas was able to sleep normal.  Was finally able to get ct scans and into an office visit on Monday, had another ct with the die put in on Tuesday and was operated on Thursday.  Of course my back is sour from the procedure and have to watch what I do.  I guess I am a little different is that I did not have the extreme numbness down the leg at the time of surgery, but according to the surgeon he could see where the tissue was pushing on that nerve.  I just hope this will help my situation because I am not one to take time off work and have never had any type of medical procedure like this before.