Help! I have Runner's Knee

6 months is nuts!

I have runner's knee.  How flared up are you?  Can you feel swelling right now?  If so, then I could see how they would tell you to take a month or so off from running to get the inflammation down and start healing up....  If it's just uncomfortable, you can maintain a very light running schedule as you start to incorporate your physical therapy/strength exercises into your regime.

I spend every night in front of the tv doing seated leg lifts, squeezing my quads as I sit, and 3 times a week in the gym doing all sorts of lower body exercises to keep the VMOs beefy and happy.  It's hard, but I think that being able to run with runner's knee means that you need to listen to your body, REST if you have pain, and stay vigilant with your therapy.

Good luck...I think you need a physical therapist and then listen to them instead of the doctor. 

So you're turning to the Internet for truth...

You'll get lots of advice, I'm sure, but here's mine.  There are many conditions and causes of chondromalacia, and IMHO the best way for you to get the best solution for Triathlon Sean is to have a  good sports doc (maybe that's who you saw) refer you to a good physical therapist who understands that "not training" is really not the solution you're after.  The real results will come from professionals familiar with endurance sports injuries and can prescribe a regimen based on your specific condition.  They may be able to help identify the 'imbalance'  and solve it with a combination of strength exercises and specific stretches (and massage or other manipulation) , getting you back in training sooner. 

Ask around (including this forum) for referrals for a PT in your area.  I've found that high performing athletes and coaches (even if they're not your own) are often good sources.  Call you doc and ask for a prescription for PT so insurance can help you out with the cost.  I'm not sure if you'll be able to request that he write the rx for a specific PT or clinic, but it's worth a shot. 

Meanwhile, keep up the training.  There's lots of things you can do to work on aerobic/anaerobic conditioning (but it's not running!... I know... sucks...).  Chin up! GL!