I was in a similar position a few years ago - I was told not to drive for at least 6 months due to a medical condition.

The DVLA were completely dilatory in reviewing my case, although fortunately they had not formally refused or revoked my licence.

After 6 months of enforced non-driving, I confirmed with my doctor that there were no obvious medical barriers, and there had been no repeat of the original event which forced me to stop driving.

I sent DVLA a recorded delivery letter (so they could not deny receipt) a letter outlining my intention to resume driving unless I heard explicitly to the contrary with two weeks. No letter or communication (phone/email) having been received I got behind the wheel.

A letter confirming a return to driving was approved was belatedly received some months later, How close my experience is to your I don't know - so for information only.