Hey Kmeb, I hope you hang in there. I don't really have advice to offer but I can offer you my support and prayers. I as well, have a disk herniation at l4,l5,s1, but I haven't gotten an MRI in over 2 years, but am getting one tomorrow to see if the discs is the cause of my burning feet. I think if you are having more pain in your lower extremities than you did a year ago, an MRI is definitely reasonable. I tried searching the forums but I couldn't find your story... maybe you didn't post... or maybe I punched in the wrong keywords... But it seems like you and I have the same symptoms somewhat.. Mine not being as severe as yours... As I said before I have a herniated disk and I also have diarrhea. I'm still trying to find an answer to my symptoms and see if it's connected or not. I hope, through all the troubles you are going to, that you find an answer and relief.