So here's a quick update for those who've asked:
I've mostly been on my back 90% recovering these 2 weeks. It's almost comedy to have my 8 month pregnant wife help me put on socks.
Happily I've had almost no use for the pain pills. I've practiced crashing my whole life so my pain tolerance is... Developed. I've only had to take 3 in the 2 weeks following my surgery. Mostly when I've overdone it. For example I spent a 12 hour day hobbling around, under, in and out of cars making sure we got a good mechanically sound deal. (Shopping for a new SUV to fit a 3rd car seat).
I had almost zero pain for 2 days following the surgery, I thought it was a miracle! I was cured! Not so... haha I've had some sciatic pain each day but nothing miserable compared to before.
It's weird. It's like the pinched nerve is reawakening and tells my brain my leg has a problem or feels broken. When really I have no leg injury whatsoever. Bizarre. Luckily laying down very quickly relives the pinch and the nerve pain. This pain comes sporadically and VERY strongly and understandably other parents at the McDonald's play place look at you weird when you suddenly have to lay down... 1 star: I don't recommend this to anyone.
More worryingly: I had the numbness return to my right foot even stronger than before and slowly day by day it's traveled up to my buttock. I can cope with numbness and I can still walk around a bit. But I don't want to have a numb leg for life haha! Soooo I've got another MRI scheduled for Thursday.
I have a feeling I've got a long road ahead of me and I'm still happy and optimistic, but the mind is a tricky thing when you're just laying around not able to do almost anything. I truly believe that happiness can be practiced just like any skill. I'm learning to be more patient (with my kids mostly since I can't chase them around or pick them up).
Thanks for the support and continued thoughts and prayers.
Your busted (for now) friend,
Stratton.