After decades of back problems, had 1 ruptured disk between 4 & 5 and cracked tailbone 7 years ago. Literally crawled around the house for 2 weeks, could not walk. Learned to drink plenty of water, after the meds plugged up the system. Almost as painful as the back. Given several alternatives, tried rest than physical therapy. Was on physical therapy for 1.5 years. Lucked out with excellent physical therapist, although learned I went back to work too early, and had to start over with rest, knees up and supported. It is still painful but got some function back. It sounds like you also got your sciatic nerve pinched, which causes the leg drop. This is common and also had it for some time. Am still scared of surgery and must support myself when slightly bending. Lots of water can help, especially what discs ya got left.

Really hard to adjust to not being able to do what others expect, but pain is not easily forgotten.