After a car accident, an MRI showed a disc with a bulge out onto the nerve at L2-L3. Got sent for the MRI because of outer leg and knee pain and weakness on that side. Even I can see this perfect little round bulge coming out of the disc right on the nerve to my leg on the MRI, no doubt.

Was given a Medrol (prednisone) pack. Symptoms got better, but never gone, just took longer walking/standing for them to show up. Year later moved slightly and something went KAPOW, intense back and leg pain, given a couple weeks of prednisone. Reduced the initial excruciating pain, but leg pain, weakness, smaller back pain has never gone away. That was over 7 months ago.

After all this time (23 months from car accident), I'm feeling that it is never going to "fix" itself. Doctors hem & haw and change the subject, will not address it with me. Waiting for appointment with a completely different back specialist at completely different group from any I've seen in the last two years (many injuries from that accident, ongoing problems).

But....I should be expecting bad news from this new guy, right? This should have "gone away" on its own long ago if it was going to?

Predisone is and antiinflammatory. It can not "fix" , only reduce inflammation. To control or eliminate your pain, the mechanical dysfunctions must be addressed. That is spinal motion and muscular activity in addition to any inflammation that may be present. Combining manipulation with rehabilitation is the most effective treatment, according to the most comprehensive world wide research. Get a referral to a Chiropractor who approaches your problem in this way and you will have the best chance at getting your life back.