MRI scan shows degenerative changes seen at L3/4 and L5/S1. At L5/S1 there is bilateral disc herniation causing compromise of the L5 root bilaterally. There are also two subcentimeter sacral cysts at the S2 level. I had a prolapsed disc, received medication (but no dr visits or follow ups) endured pain on & off and loss of feeling in left leg & foot. Went to dr several times but just given medication & eventually physio. Still had issues over the next year & more visits to dr until eventually got a consultant appt which meant MRI & diagnosis plus gabapentine / Zapain prescribed. Lost ankle reflexes in left foot, right foot losing reflex, permanent numbness is left leg in line if nerve / outside foot & little toe. Advised something that should be kidney shaped is oval instead. Now having issues if I get periods - back pain bad & if get constipated What has occurred & how often should I be checked for changes ? The prolapse occurred 4 years ago but my dr at time was not very helpful & it took 2-3 years of going down about pain & loss of use of leg & seeng a different dr before I got to a consultant & MRI - worried now that time scale of treatment could have caused irreversible damage. I don't like bugging drs but I don't know when to see dr as always have some form of pain!