Angie, Oh my gosh, this sounds so familiar to me. I am now recovering from lower back surgery (March 31). I had a ruptured disk pressing on a nerve. I,m finally pain free for the first time in months. My story: Went to doctor in December With mild pain in left leg and numb area in outer thigh area, he ordered MRI, showed mild bulges in couple discs, and mild Deg.disc disorder. Told this would not be cause of pain. Frustration!! Over next two months pain gets progressively worst, from back down left buttock, all the way down leg. Numbness in thigh, calf and foot. Doctor wont give me any more pain meds, refers me to pain management. so now I'm getting pain block shots, not working, getting worst. Feel like docs are wondering about legitimacy of my complaints. so, finally the pain man. doc orders a new MRI, gives me oxcys to take, after trying percocet and vicoden (didn't work). Got to point I could barely walk,drive,do housework,nothing but live in my shell with the pain. Really thought dying might be good option at this point. Finally, new MRI shows ruptured disc at

L5-S1,with nerve displacement, causing pain,numbness. I can't tell you how relieved I was that my pain was finally validated. So, from there I was referred to surgeon, week later had surgery, post-surgery pain was pretty intense, but nothing compared to what I'd been through already. So, here I am 2 wks. later, almost pain free, FINALLY!!! Second MRI picked up something first one missed, or it had gotten worst over period of 2 months. Don't give up, there is a valid reason for your pain, it is not in your head. Keep on doctor to keep looking, the sqeaky wheel gets the oil. I know how frustrating it is to keep calling and complaining. Get second opiniop perhaps. Just don't give up, I didn't and it all worked out. I truly hope you find the cause and get the treatment you need soon.