Hi pink - sorry you're suffering too. I have the same diagnosis as you (but it's the right leg affected!) although am not in as much pain at the moment.
Has your GP referred you to a specialist? If not, do push for that, especially as you've had an MRI & know what the problem is. Nerve root injections can help some people, & might be a possibility - in theory they can reduce the inflammation in the area so the disc heals more easily.
Most disc prolapses do heal by themselves eventually whether or not they're treated, so you do have every reason to think it will get better. But surgery (discectomy/ microdiscectomy) might be an option, too, especially if there are progressive neurological problems - weakness, numbness etc. I'm considering that ATM but am leaning away from that option, as it does obviously carry risks.
Incidentally, one of the tests to see if the S1 nerve root is working okay is to stand one-legged on your affected leg, with good leg raised off the ground (knee bent) & see if you can push up on the toes of your affected leg. If you can (I can now) there's probably no significant damage to the S1 nerve.
Like you, though, I have narrowing from the disc bulge, both lateral recesses, & it gives stenosis-like symptoms, especially when standing. Do you get leg cramps where you simply can't stand any more? That's the thing I've hated the most!
This is a link from the British Assocation of spine surgeons about disc surgery, in case that is something you're considering.
www.spinesurgeons.ac.uk/patients/patient-information/lumbar-discectomy-and-decompression
What kind of exercises are you doing with your physio? Do be careful of too much hyperextension. I know it's often recommended for disc problems but it can make things worse for some people - it caused a big relapse for me, 2 months in, when my condition had been improving. I've found books by the physiotherapist Sarah Key very helpful - a) in explaining what's going on in the back & b) in providing exercises that do seem to help.
The work situation must be stressful but you can't really rush disc recovery. The old advice used to be bed rest, & although it's not advised any more, I think there can be too much push to get people back to full activity too quickly. If your care work is very physical, you are going to have to take as long as it needs.
If the amitryptilline wipes you out, there are other nerve drugs that may have fewer side-effects. I found pregabalin helpful for my leg symptoms although am no longer on it now.