I've skimmed this thread, so apologies in advance.
Having suffered from the conddition it is really debilitating, for months it was dismissed as shin splints until I hassled my GP to see an orthopedic surgeon.
A word of warning about surgery. I opted for surgery on both legs, but got struck down with C-Difficile in my lower right leg, almost leading to me losing it. I was lucky and got away with losing most of the muscle which I've spent years building it back up.
It may not happen to you, but given the state of some hospitals infection is a serious risk, if you opt for surgery.
Try and maintain your fitness, even if it is walking, have you tried other exercises, such as swimming, it may help you work out for longer. For me, as a TA soldier, it is really easy to fall into bad habits, as I am not the athletic type and I stopped exercising which is the worst thing you can do. I am now going through the pain of maintaining my fitness on a weaker leg - which is not fun when you are the other side of 30.
Still, I wish you well.