Surgery for Herniated Disc

I was sexually and physically abused as a child and always had stomach problems as far as I can remember. It then turned into constant headaches and then urinary tract infections and now this (My subconscious mind has now got my attention). Anyway I am trying to work the program but I wanted to know when should surgery be considered?

It has been seven weeks and my MRI is unremarkable (in my opinion). My written MRI says that there is a desiccation of the nucleus pulposus at L5-S1 level. There is a large extruded disc at the L5-S1 level on the left causing displacement and edema of the left S1 nerve root.

There is also a far right lateral disc herniation at the level of the right L4-L5 intervertebral foramen. There is no evidence of central bony stenosis. The subarachnoid space and conus medullarius appears normal.

I have had two epidurals (the last one two weeks ago) and generally feeling pretty good especially after applying some of the program (I felt great after a one and half hour walk in the woods!). anyway I am scheduled for surgery for December 7th but my gut feeling is not to go through with it. I have numbness in one third of my left foot (it used to be half of my foot). This is my only concern - is the numbness and should surgery be considered? - Wendy

Thanks so much for your help and inspiration! I do appreciate your spending time responding to me! Also thanks for the tips in your book on dealing with TMS. I going to begin writing in a journal. I haven't done that before (I have only been in and out of therapy for years but only have scratched the surface and think writing will help!). Thanks again!!! -Wendy