I don't qualify with personal experience or knowledge, but I'm wondering if you've had imaging in the last few years. There may be a minimally invasive procedure that wouldn't have been available 14 yers ago. You could get a lumbar MRN which images the nerves. Then you'd now how much damage and which nerve. I'm curious because the bullet must be in the vertebral disc. Now they are having great success with artificial discs. Would it have destroyed the disc. And has the bullet moved as even intentional hardware does.
I'm not someone who runs around hugging everyone on the internet but I should have just tapped hug and kept my lack of knowledge to myself. And would have if you were getting more responses. Your situation is quite unusual. If you do get at least the MRI, post again.
Wishing you the best.