I had surgery back 16 Nov 07 for a herniated disk @ L4/5. The Doc says he removed a left bad disk in that area. He performed a multi level decompression and the symptoms pre op were leg weakness, numbness in the buttocks (both sides), numbness in the soles, low to no reflexes in the legs, and numbness in the genital area. Post surgery I slowly still notice numbness in the soles, burning and extreme coldness in the buttocks, and a numb patch in my left thigh. Is it still till early to see if I have permanent nerve damage? Back in late July I had nerve conduction studies completed on the lower legs and lower back and at the end of the testing the doctor told me I had nerve damage on both sides of the back at S/1. Wondering if It did any good by waiting till Nov for surgery after all other conservative treatments failed? Thank you.