Here's an example of a professional athlete's recent experience: http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/mariners/2009/04/15/triunfel_out_4_to_6_months.html

once you get medical clearance, be prepared to start slow and not allow you enthusiasm to make you run too far too quickly.  Remember when you ran three houses then walked for two more than repeated (like we all did way back when at the beginning of our running careers).  That is exactly how you need to prepare to do...ease your way, very slowly and steadily back into the running mode..

Again, see it as I "ran today" even if it was two houses........

If you follow this idea well, you will do just fine in returning to running.....

It will be the hardest thing for you to do as any runner knows... heck it would hard for me to do...but that is what you have to do...

By the way...get some 1/2 inch sheet metal screws and attach them to the bottom of your shoes...this will prevent you from ever falling again...I just learned this idea from a fellow runner last week.  If you google sheet metal screws and the word running...there are countless articles further describing this idea....

I have done this  the bottom of my running shoes and have run on pure ice (across a footbridge) did not slip once.....

Good luck with your recovery and back to running again..

Your love to running will pull you through and one day, you will begin anew.  Just to share some information about myself to put this into perspective: I ran one day, on a normal loop and when I was almost finished, I feel cold water running down my legs...but there was nothing there. One week later, I had severe, severe burning in my legs, this was followed by burning over my whole body. I took four months of medical tests to determined that I had Multiple Scrosis, which is a neurological disorder which attacks the nerves. I started taking very painful daily shots (feels like a bee sting) and medication as well. I lost almost 8 months of running before I started anew.  It took me about one year to get somewhat back to where I started....

But I am back to racing again....Because of my MS, I am no where near as fast as I once was, nor can I run long distances anymore...But I have found 5 k races and am planning on doing my third one in several weeks times.   I used to run for distance when I train, but now I just run for number of minutes. I have learned to just be thankful that I can run at all....My doctor tells me that most people with MS can not deal with the severe pain that is always there and refuse to exercise. I will never give up, and push forward....

I know that you will do the same.....one day you will write us all back and tell us that you are starting to run again....I know you look forward to that day...

Keep up your spirits......

It goes without saying ...load up on calcium, vit. D and find a  lap pool for "noload" walks/runs