When I first experienced my L4-L5 herniation I thought I was "done". The neurosurgeon I saw told me that I was not a likely candidate for surgery because my fitness level was high and I would most likely recover with out it. It took a a few months and a couple of rounds of epidurals but it turns out he was right. The neurosurgeon also recommended that I continue to exercise as best I could, which turns out to excellent advise. The pain makes you think very negatively but you can get through it. Keep in mind that doctors can't really heal you, but it's ONLY your own body that can heal itself.