I understand where you're coming from,I'm the same boat as you. I truly beleive there is an endorphine crash you go through when you stop running cold turkey.

Like you, I had ignored a pain in my lower leg/calf area for 4 weeks. The pain increased w/ each run quite rapidly, I went from training for a marathon to hopping home on one foot after running one whole mile!! When I finally got home, my hubby asked how far I went & I just broke down, I bet I cried like someone ran over my puppy for like 15 minutes.
I think then this non-runner of mine finally got it, I was losing a a part of my life that I have revolved so much around.
Not to mention the work and dedication that goes into training for a marathon & realizing it was all for nothing I see this as the 1st step toward recovery & getting some answers.

So focus on finding a non-impact exercise that you wouldn't typically have tried! This isn't the end of your running days.

Jess

I hear your frustration! I doubt any of my friends understand right now what I'm going through too, with my injury. I was all set for the biggest race and training weekend of the summer, but DNF'd instead. But I know from past experience it will get better and I will be stronger than ever. Meanwhile I'm doing lots of paddling and swimming to keep from going nuts. Not to sound corny but you will be running again soon too. Sounds like you're paying close attention to your body. Let us know what comes out of the appointment. Hopefully the doctor is, or will refer you to, someone who is sports/running oriented.

I'm coming back from almost 2 years off after a strained hip flexor sent me to a doctor and then to physical therapy. I tired to restart several times and always had a recurrence of the pain almost immediately. I've spent the last year focusing on strength training (I had some muscle imbalances), yoga, and other forms of cardio and I'm finally seeing some results. During this past year, I've been running maybe once a week just to keep fitness up. 3 weeks ago, I started running 2-3 times per week about 6 mpw. I've had some recurrence of the pain, but I've been icing, resting, crosstraining....you name it. Each run gets a little easier and the pain goes away quicker each time.

I'm sharing my story with you because I thought I was through with running after 2 years off and many unsuccessful restarts. Now that I'm seeing some success, I'm determined to come back completely this time, regardless of how long it takes and how slow my progress is. I just keep telling myself that many people have come back from much worse injuries than mine, and that is just takes patience and time.

Best of luck and don't give up hope!

I understand how you feel. In January I got a stress fracture in my pelvis- (inferior pubic ramus) . Having lousy insurance, and knowing I'd be told not to do weight bearing stuff, I used recumbent indoor bike and elliptical trainer.
Finally gave in and went to sports med doc in April when I wasn't seeing progress. Bone scan proved the fracture. Physical therapy did not help.
I have been finally able to do some short runs (2 miles) over the last week.
I have kept up with strenuous exercise the whole time though. My doctor said I could use the elliptical as long as it didn't hurt. It didn't, and hasn't, ever. Did it slow my recovery time to exercise? I don't know, don't care because I could not have stood it if I hadn't had endorphin producing/calorie burning exercise during recovery. My husband was very supportive, but it has been a really tough time. You have my sincerest empathy! Hang in there, and try some non weight bearing kind of stuff (get an aqua jogger, so you can run in the pool, or try an exercise bike)

Hi Fly, glad to hear it wasn't a S.F.! I was wondering how your appt went since mine was today too.

I'm stuck in an air cast/ugly boot thing for 3 weeks, plus I have a muscle tear on my upper/posterior calf muscle...fun fun.
My S.F. is very high,just below the knee. As a result flexing my foot in anyway causes that muscle in the front of my shin to stress that fracture line.

A muscle tear can take a while as well, but your into your healing time and it sounds like you were smart and laid off your running. :-))
I really won't have anything to report on recovery until 3 weeks from now. If I still have pain in everyday activities I'll get an MRI. My bone density came back normal so Stress fractures shouldn't plague me.
I can't wait to start loggin gmy recovery runs!

Good luck w/ your healing!!