I have no idea about wash out but i had a severe rupture on l5-s1 severe foot drop, Im now 1 yr after op and still have foot drop so im not sure if ill get all the strength back but doc did say it can take a long time cause nerves heal very slowly and some times have to regrow. But im better then i was before micro so i cannt complain but it would be nice to get all the strength back i like to hike and hunt so foot drop afect my stability hiking mainly down hills but when im not carefull i step on back of foot and almost wipe out going down hill caus e then foo so falls so fast. Hope ya get better

I had drop foot prior to my surgery, it has since resolved, though there is some residual numbness/weakness that I hope will continue to improve/resolve. Nerves can get 'angry' easily, sometimes it occurs prior to a surgery due to an impingement, sometimes after, since they are often stretched or irritated in some manner during the surgery. Most sources state nerves heal at a rate of approximately 1 mm/per day, my OSS told me it could take 'years' for numbness/weakness to improve post surgery (I had total right leg/foot involvement). Dependant on where the nerve is irritated would dictate how long it will take for healing, however, there is never any guarantee if healing will occur (completely or incompletely). Have you spoken to your surgeon or been examined by h/she since you've developed the problem? What have you been told? For spineys, we're strongly encouraged before/after surgery to walk and do appropriate gentle stretches to facilitate blood flow which in turn helps w/ healing - were you given any instructions for postop exercise?

Hope this helps, keep us posted.