Hallux rigidus of the big toe

[+ robear]

I know this is a bit niche, but maybe somebody here has had experience.  Hallux rigidus is a fairly common type of arthritis of the foot wherein the first joint of the big toe deteriorates, causing pain when walking.  The "gold standard" treatment is surgical fusion of the two bones so they can no longer rub against each other causing pain.  Had that a week ago, all went well, no post-op pain to speak of.  However I'm stuck in a huge boot for, they say, 6-8 WEEKS.  My question is, if anyone has had similar experience, what was your post-op experience like, and how soon did you get back into normal shoes?