Take this from a retired RN ...
Medicine can do only so much, but the biggest factor in recovery is the individual will.
Attitude really counts. I have personally taken care of people who had the strong desire to overcome some of the worse conditions and did, while unfortunately some chose the other path.
Mental attitude is important...and you will eventually do a lot more than was predicted. I do hope that one of your goals is to some day walk into that doctor's office to show him that you did accomplish what he once said would not happen.
Sometimes specialists get overloaded with cases and just forget to impart some degree of hope while also mentioneding the potential for a negative outcome. I do think he would welcome your visit. :thumbup:
In the meantime...take care, one day at a time...damage to nerves takes a very, very long time to heal, but keep up the good work, if you have been referred to a physical therapist keep at it...if not, ask your doctor about any benefits that might be gained from going to one. If nothing else, they will be able to teach the right things to do and the proper way of doing them while observing while exercised are done.
Thoughts and prayers head your way. :thumbup: