After 3 months I had surgery today for a herniated disk. Why delay? Evidently I imagine myself tough. Evidently I imagine myself the stereotypical 1950's cowboy moviestar strong silent type. Evidently thought back pain would heal on its own as it did when I was young. Evidently I believed the more conservative approach of physical therapy and excerise was the wiser choice despite the neurosurgeons (who had my X-rays right in front of him) doubt it would be effective and expressed concern about right calf muscle mass and function loss. But no. Evidently and clearly I'm just an idiot. After multiple and increasingly painful extrusions from the same disk toward the Sciatic nerve, one of which when removed measured 25mm, I caved. Eleven hours latter some pain from the minimally invasive, outpatient, simple 1 hour surgery remains. But I can sit, sit up and stand without using my arms and shifting my position with groans and dramatic grimacing to do so. While youth might excuse a certain degree of this behavior it's hard to forgive idiocy in folks of a mature age and it doesn't warrant comment or sympathy. So please don't. Just DONT BE AN IDIOT LIKE ME!