Jennifer
I had an L4L5 herniated disk, with sciatic pain in the left leg, and was just like you, sick of taking pain pills and ready to get on with my life, I was 27 at the time. I elected to have surgery and couldn't be happier. That was 9 months ago and I have a sore back every once in a while, but never leg pain. Just be careful when you select your surgeon, and definitely see a neurosurgeon. I've heard horror stories and it seems like it is when a regular surgeon is used.