He sounds just like an older doc I know. Don't accept it. Physical therapy if insurance will pay. Also, if you have been reading, 300 mg of alpha lipoic acid 2x daily can help with insulin control as well as with nerve damage. Check out the study from oregon and also check out european countries and use of this to treat diabetes and neuropathy. Swim for everything you have. I know he wants you weight bearing but start with swimming. Okay, I get the thing about strengthening your tummy. What it means, and it took me a long time to learn was to exercise walking with pelvis slightly tucked back and belly slightly pulled in. It makes tummy muscles stronger. I needed a P.T. to teach me. Try to feel the pelvis tuck lining up with your hips and tummy tuck evenly. It takes practice and I need a lot more.

Pain pills are not what they are cracked up to be. They too can rob you. Remember that you are the consumer. Try above for a while and get yourself to a pain clinic. How much neurontin are you now on? Best of luck to you and please know I am thinking about you, Be well.