Shin splints suck. I can't seem to gauge when I'm fully healed so I've been out of commission for a while from exacerbating it after I thought I was okay to run again.
It sucks even more because I just found and joined the local running club and can't join in on the fun.
Any low-impact cardio will work as a substitute if you're also ever in this situation. Swimming and biking tend to be the most popular alternatives, but I don't have easy access to either unfortunately.
Anterior. I can't even imagine how agonizing posterior ones must feel, but I'm glad that life is behind you! Hopefully I'll be joining you soon in a few more weeks.