First - congratulations on the new stage!

On to the boot...I, as well, am an experienced "boot walker". I was in one for quite some time, and the thing is still in my closet. Be careful with the OTHER knee!! You get so out of whack that other knee takes on so much of the load at an odd angle and it can damage it. Wear a good supportive shoe on the other foot with inserts to try to get you up a little. Watch yourself going down steps; the boot can take on a life of it's own!