I am concerned that I might have or be developing cauda equina syndrome....

I am a thirty four year old male nursing student who started having
acute back pain subsequent to lifting about four weeks ago.  The pain
became very severe about two weeks ago, and although it has largely
subsided I have developed extreme numbness in my left foot, leg, thigh
and buttocks.  My primary care physician ordered and X/ray which
showed probable herniation at L5/S1.  He sent me to an orthopedic
doctor who advised that I give the injury time to heal.  Subsequent,
to that appointment about a week ago I have developed perceived
constipation (I am still having bowel movements, but at a much
dimished rate despite greatly increasing my fiber intake.  I am not
taking Hydrocodone only Naproxin)and I have difficulty expelling fecal
masses.  In addition I have a fealing of "heavyness" around my
posterior. Finally, I have noticed an extreme reduction in my
ejaculation reflex when having intercourse with my wife (sensation and
erection seem mostly normal).  My pain has greatly diminished, and the
numbness in my leg and foot (but not the gluteal region) has improved
by about fifty percent. I had an MRI on 10/08/03 that indicated the
following findings:

Straightening of the normal curvature of the spine is present.  The
vertebral bodies maintain normal height.  No marrow replacing process
is seen.  The conus terminates at the L-1 level.  Disc desiccation is
present at the L4-5 and L5-S1 levels with mild loss of disc space
height at the L5-S1 level.

No abnormality is seen at the L1-2, L2-3, L3-4 levels.
L4-5 mild diffuse disc bulge.  Minor central spinal canal stenosis
with mild thickening of the ligammmentum flavum.

L5-S1:  a left sided moderate to large sized disc extrusion is
present.  This compresses the thecal sac.  More inferiorly there is a
central/ right paracentral component.
IMPRESSION:
1.  At the L5-S1 level, there is a moderate to large size disc
extrusion present which is left sided along the superior aspect of the
disc space but more inferiorly becomes slightly right paracentral. 
This compresses the central spinal canal.

2.  Disc bulge with minor central spinal canal stenosis at the L4-5
level.

Where do I go from here, frankly I am more than a little scared.  Do I
seek a second orthopedic opinion (or a neurology consult) or do I
continue non surgical management?  Thanks,
Chad Jacobs