Here's the story as I understand it...

Just because you had a plate put in and a bunch of screws doesn't mean you can just go out and about. If you hit that repair you'll probably pull the screws out, same thing might happen if you decide to move your furniture around or do a lot of heavy lifting. I shattered my clavicle (plate and screws) a little more than a year ago and it took me a good 8 weeks before I was allowed back on the bike. I was in a sling. Do what the doctor tells you to do.

And, as an additional word of advice, the minute you get back on the bike, the rest of your shoulder will probably not be ready to take abuse. I jumped on my mountain bike as soon as I could and unfortunately I clipped a branch and partially toe my rotator cuff tendons. Just the way it is. I probably should have done some PT or at least worked my shoulder before jumping in headlong, but I was chomping at the bit.

Good luck with your recovery. At least it happened in the Fall and not the Spring or Summer.

John