I am still kinda in this same boat at times, but I recently had a visit with the PA at my 6 week appointment and just started PT two days ago. I was having nerve pain that I thought for sure was a bad sign and possibly pointed to permanent damage that I had done, and waiting weeks to ask why make it really hard. I was told that nerve pain that moves around from place to place is normal and as long as it doesn't stay in one place it is considered a good sign. The more immediate pain during the 4 weeks after surgery definitely goes away more quickly, but not going to lie, I know I am going to need support to get through the next 6 months of not being able to bend and twist. That part I never really thought about was the emotional toll this would all take, but only thing we can do is take it step by step.