I really notice a difference in my ankle, as well. Still very stiff when I first get up, but apparently I felt the hardware more than I realized, because now I don't feel anything unusual in that part of the foot. I'm thinking it may be possible that at some point, this thing won't feel like a foreign object on the end of my leg! Who knew!!!
All in all, I feel good. Hasn't been nearly as painful as I expected, and even stretching and pushing ROM hasnt been painful - I feel the stretch, but no more pain!