In addition to the plate & 7 screws on the outside of the left ankle, I had surgery to stitch up the deltoid ligament torn during the same injury on the inside of the same ankle. The fracture of the fibula and tearing of the ligament often happen simultaneously as the deltoid tries to oppose the excessive pronation of the foot that occurs during such a fracture.
I also had some persistent swelling but that went away a long time ago.
Try to keep mobility in the joint as much as possible so it does not freeze up.
After the rehabilitation I felt super strong due to the rest from pounding my legs and the powerful cardio I acquired from the cross-country skiing. I continued to cross-train with the cross-county ski machine for years for the cardio and upper body & core strength it provided.
I think you'll look back on the episode as a badge of honor and with a smile.