@flachon3 Fla,
Getting the hardware out was definitely an improvement. Prior to this, I had pain and throbbing all the time where the plates were, kind of like getting kicked in the ankle. I was also getting big patches of hives, so likely I have some metal allergy or sensitivities. It also improved my breathing because I have less congestion in my lungs and I have allergic asthma.

I can walk pain free now for the first time in 4 years and I'm trying to build back some strength that was lost. Releasing the tightness from the surgical scar tissue and the fascia equalized the tension and took the extra pressure off the ligaments and tendons on the injured side. That was always the issue that it started to hurt like a sprain if I walked on any uneven ground. My ankle is stable and I've started walking trying to increase the distance before it fatigues. I need to start on hills. Progress is slow and I can't rush it or I'll spend a week having to stay off my ankle.

Jennifer