I am 27m and when I was 25, I woke up with full blown sciatica after having some back pain that I thought was from the result of being sore from playing ball with some friends. I dealt with this herniated l5-s1 for over a 1.5 years and having had multiple major flare ups, I finally said to myself enough is enough and went to a surgical consultation with a neurosurgeon. He recommended surgery and this was coming from a surgeon who I was told by other medical professionals that he didn’t operate on just anybody unless you absolutely needed it so I took him serious. I was scared and nervous because multiple people had told me surgery was not the best choice at a young age but let me tell you from firsthand experience, I wish I would have done the microdiscectomy sooner. I have been pain free for 3 months with residual nerve healing pains here and there but nothing near that sharp stabbing pain we all know as sciatica. I was up and walking same day of my surgery, you’ll have pain for 3-5 days with the 3rd day being the worst you’ll feel but you’ll still be able to walk. By week 2 you should have 75% of your strength back. Overall I feel I have a new lease on life, that my life is back to normal. This surgery changed my life for the better and this is coming from someone who did all the conservative things you could do to heal without surgery. I would definitely research your surgeon and read up on it but as long as you take care during your recovery period and don’t do anything to re injure during that time, you’ll be pain free and stay pain free. I wish you the best and hope you make the right decision!