Alicia,

I have met some people locally in search for the same answer who had recovered to a normal life or what they felt was returned to normal.

One person in particular was quite severe and took 4 years to recover, got married, kids, job, etc....if there was symptoms as resulting side effects he did not notice them in application in life. However, he did not return to dangerous sports and was more cautious of a second injury.

So everyone is different, be positive and keep faith. It's been approx 10 months for me and I hope to be returning to work soon, feeling much better again and a bit wiser perhaps to know my limits a bit more this time :