I broke it on January 2 and I have notes (in my old LJ - if you have an old LJ I'll give you access) indicating that I was partial weightbearing on March 12. I also had a plate and IIRC 11 screws. I ended up having my hardware removed a year later, because it restricted my movement so much that it hurt, but most people do not have hardware removed. I could tell they disapproved.

I was pretty strong from weightlifting and yoga, so at first I just took a bath with my bad leg propped on the side of the tub, and launched myself out by levering up with my arms. I wouldn't recommend this if you're not as strong, it would be a challenge for the average person, I think. Currently I'm on crutches after bunion surgery, and I shower sitting on a stool, with the boot wrapped in a trash bag and thoroughly taped to my skin, to keep the bandage dry. If you're able to do this, it's a lot easier to maneuver than in/out of a tub.

Some other things I found incredibly difficult during the first few weeks included maintaining a normal body temperature (I would be either freezing or burning up, at random), sleeping (my leg was up in this foam thing that looked like a giant hoagie roll, the rest of my body hurt), drying my hair (couldn't stand up long enough to do it), and the first boot I had to wear after getting my cast off gave me pressure sores that REALLY hurt. If this happens to you, insist on an extra appointment to have the cast team add foam to the inside of your boot to take the pressure off - it really helps.

PT was at first just mobility like circling/point and flex. Later, resistance bands. I attempted water physical therapy once, but I hated it, and found the stress of trying to navigate the slippery locker room/pool deck with crutches was just not worth any benefit I might gain from being in the water - but if you have a more sympathetic physical therapist, it could work for you! I lost 2 inches of muscle off my normally very muscular calf, and that took about a year to rebuild. I did the band exercises for about a year, even after I started walking, driving, etc. Eventually, mobility exercises progressed to stretches, and rebuilding strength included calf raises and one-legged RDLs. Since I was a weight lifter, I added whatever I was allowed to do as soon as I was allowed to do it, because I wanted my strength back. I know I had a limp for a while, mainly because of pain from the hardware.

It continued to swell every time I was active for over a year. I bought runners' compression socks, and I got a lot of use out of those. I kept gel ice packs ready and any time it got angry I would just ice it.

I found Mihal Freinquel's blog SO informative and so comforting while I was waiting for better days! Maybe it (or the videos) will help you too. https://webroken.com/my-story-and-timeline And of course I'll be happy to answer anything else I can, just ask.