Lil, How unbelievably wonderful it is to hear how well you are doing. You have managed to break through a dynamic that has kept you locked in misery for so long. I hope you will find your balance, a day at a time. The freedom can induce panic, so go slowly, my friend.
As far as the ankle goes, it's the same advice: go slowly. It takes an entire year for the healing to take place, so you have to respect that. The swelling will improve. My ankle still will swell, but I use that to my advantage, and create opportunites to rest. It doesn't limit me in my day to day activities...I just approach life at a different pace. It turns out, this is good for me mentally as well.
Are you considering doing physical therapy? I did it for about 3 months and I remember it being a fun experience...you work out the ankle and you get to meet others in all sorts of predicaments. If you go the same time every week, it has a group therapy/social comraderie feel to it! Again, just don't overdo anything.
