Ch. 159 - Blake and Dr. Ben
 
 
Just like the other day, I got a text from Blake early this morning. She asked if I wanted to go with her to see Dr. Ben to get her spine checked out, then go see Lori get her new brace. I told her that it would be my pleasure to spend the day with her, and she said she would be by at nine to pick me up. Since it was a pleasant spring morning, I decided to wear my pink and purple braces with my matching Doc Marten sandals and a long, flowing dress with flowers that matched the ones painted on my big plaster LATFS cast. With my hair pulled back through my pink interlandi headgear and wearing my purple glasses, I looked great. At the last minute, I asked Joel to remove the diaper I planned to wear today and place a catheter inside me. I haven't used one for a while, and I like the convenience; transferring to a toilet is difficult with my cast.
 
 
Blake arrived right on time, and she was dressed for the pleasant spring day, too. She was wearing a cute little knee-length light blue dress. On her feet, she wore a pair of very high platform wedge sandals. She was, of course, wearing her protraction facemask, a red one today instead of her usual blue or pink one. Blake was right when she said she could dress for any occasion; she looked great for a casual yet classy day out.
 
 
Blake assisted me in getting in her car, and as I was doing so, I saw both her Crane and Bow protraction devices on the back seat. I do hope that if we go shopping or for a walk at the park, she wears one of them, especially the Bow; it's a rather intense-looking appliance. I wish I could wear one, but with my Milwaukee brace, it wouldn't fit around my chest. Blake put my wheelchair in the trunk, and we headed off to see Dr. Ben Northridge. He is working out of Dr. Moore's office today; she is the doctor who put Sam in her extremely restrictive Milwaukee brace some time ago.
 
 
As Blake was getting my wheelchair set up for me, I saw Scotty and Lori pull into the lot. They parked next to us, and Lori got out of the car without any assistance. She was wearing a long skirt and a loose blouse over her halo CTLSO. In her right hand was a very fashionable red cane with a gold band below the handle. I caught a glimpse of her left prosthetic foot; she's wearing those cute lace-up sandals we got months ago. Scotty helped me into my wheelchair, and we headed inside, with Lori walking with an almost normal gait. She has even built up enough strength to walk with her right knee unlocked.
 
 
Once inside, we checked in with the receptionist, and said we were there to see Dr. Northridge. Moments later, the always cheerful and smiling Ben came and got us and took us to a large room with PT equipment. Once there, we talked for a few minutes, and Ben said, "All Lori needs are a couple of X-rays today to confirm that she's ready to begin her scoliosis treatment, which I'm sure she is. Let's get you checked out, Blake, and see what is going on with your spine. I know you said you are having a lot of pain, and I already know why."
 
 
"What do you mean you already know why, Ben?" Blake questioned.
 
 
Ben replied, "It's obvious from your posture—the way you lean forward and to the right. Also, I think you might also have a limb length discrepancy. I noticed all this at the retreat but didn't say anything since you were having such trouble adjusting to your orthodontic braces. By the way, how are things going with your orthodontics, Blake?"
 
 
"I've been having a bit of trouble with brackets coming loose, and I visited Dr. Joe yesterday. He will be taking over my treatment and will be making some changes next week; I'm not sure what, but I am looking forward to it. It was stupid of me to be so self-conscious about my braces, and now I really love wearing them. I used to think they made me look ugly, but after meeting all of you, I think braces are beautiful, and I look so cute wearing them and my headgear," Blake cheerfully replied.
 
 
"OK, let's get your spine checked out. I need you to take off your dress and shoes; we can go to a private room if you desire," Ben questioned.
 
 
"No, right here is fine. I don't mind the others seeing me get my back examined. I am curious what you will find and what can be done about my pain and poor posture," Blake said with a smile.
 
 
Blake then removed her dress and sandals, and then the examination began. Ben had her walk normally, and he observed her from several angles. Then he had her lean forward, and he examined the outline of her curvy spine. He had her walk around some more, asking her to stand as straight as possible. Finally, Ben said, "There's something else here that concerns me a bit. I think you have hyper mobility in your joints, especially your ankles and knees. Do you have trouble with weakness or sprains?"
 
 
"Why, yes, I do, Ben. That is why I stopped playing softball years ago; I was always spraining an ankle or hurting my knee." Blake replied with a hint of worry in her voice.
 
 
Ben sensed this and said, "Let me complete my exam, then I will get Dr. Moore to also examine you, and then we will consult with each other. You'll get two opinions, and if you want a third, I can have Dr. Billings come over from the office next door; he owes me a favor. Let's get you ladies to the X-ray room, and I'll ask Dr. Moore to come evaluate you, Blake."
 
 
"Sounds good, Ben. I knew I had a bad back, but not these other things. It's a lot to take in all of a sudden, but I trust you, Ben." Blake replied in a worried voice.
 
 
Ben escorted the ladies to get X-rays, and they soon returned. Blake seemed to be more upbeat and less worried now; Lori must have had a little chat with her. She seems to always be able to lighten the mood. Ben soon returned and looked at the picture on the computer and said, "Good news, Lori. Your spine looks great, except for the curves. I just talked to Billy, and he has your traction brace ready. Can you be at his office at two this afternoon? I will be there to place the additional pins in your halo ring for the heavy traction I have planned for you and to see Kathy, too. As a friend and a professional, I really need to discuss her recreational bracing; I'm concerned about her."
 
 
Lori said that would be great and asked Ben if she could begin wearing orthodontic headgear now. Dr. Joe didn't want to put any pressure on her neck until her spine was fully healed. Ben said, "That is no problem. Cervical headgear will fit just fine with your new brace. Other types maybe not so much with the extra pins we'll be placing in your halo ring today, but Billy can work with Joe to find a solution to any orthodontic needs you may have." Lori was very happy about her progress and moving onto the next stage of her treatment.
 
 
It was then that there was a knock at the door, and Dr. Moore entered. She was, as Sam described her years ago, a stern-looking woman who wore a leg brace and walked with a limp. She introduced herself to all of us and then turned to Blake and said, "Ben asked me to examine your spine and joints this morning to confirm his findings."

 
Dr. Moore took a look at Blake's X-rays and then did the same examination as Ben had done. However, she focused more on Blake's knees and ankles, as well as her hips, wrists, and elbows. She then had Blake stand up as straight as possible with a thick pad under her left foot. Ben and Dr. Moore focused on Blake's hips, and Dr. Moore said to Ben, "See, her hips are level now. Her left leg is about an inch shorter than her right, and that caused this curve right here," as Dr. Moore pointed to Blake's lower back.
 
 
The doctors talked quietly for a few minutes, discussing Blake's multiple conditions.
 
 
"Thank you very much, Dr. Moore. I value your opinion since you deal with these issues a lot more often than I do. OK, Blake, do you want me to explain things here or in private? You actually have quite a bit going on, but it has all been caught early, so you're very lucky," Ben said, trying to sound cheerful because he didn't know if Blake would take the news well or not.
 
 
"Please, Ben, explain it all with my friends here. It will make it easier for me." Blake said in a shaky voice as she put on her dress and sandals, then sat down next to me. I took her hand in mine, knowing what Ben was likely to say.
 
 
Ben then began to detail Blake's situation: "Blake, you have three separate but related issues. The first thing you already know from being evaluated in high school is that you have scoliosis and kyphosis. The second thing is that your left leg is an inch shorter than your right leg. Your short leg has contributed to your spinal issues. Finally, you have hyper mobility in your joints, mostly affecting your knees and ankles."
 
 
"Will I need surgery, Ben? I am so scared of ever having surgery, especially on my spine." Blake said with tears in her eyes.
 
 
"No, you don't need surgery, Blake. We'll take a very conservative approach if you are willing to wear several orthopedic braces, likely for a very long time if not for the rest of your life." Ben said without emotion, as he didn't know how Blake would take this news.
 
 
"Oh, wow... I don't know, Ben. I'll only need to wear these braces at night, right?" Blake hopefully asked.
 
 
"No, I'm sorry, Blake. You will need to wear your back brace twenty-three hours a day and your leg braces whenever you are out of bed. You don't need them to get up at night and go to the bathroom, but you will need to wear them whenever you are active." Ben matter-of-factually explained.
 
 
"I like wearing braces and casts for fun, but I now will have to wear them for real... All the time... That will be so hard; I don't know if I can do it, Ben. What will they be like, and they will make my pain go away, right?" Blake asks in an unsteady voice, still with tears in her eyes.
 
 
Ben replied, "They will make your pain go away quite quickly, Blake. You will have several different braces to wear. For your legs, you will wear KAFOs, but the ankles and knees will not have locks like the other girls have. Your joints will be free to move; the braces are simply to slightly limit your range of motion, not to immobilize your legs. You will hardly know you are wearing your KAFOs; they won't change the way you walk much, and you won't need crutches. When your shoes are modified to fit your braces, the sole of your left shoe will be built up to compensate for your short leg. It will feel strange at first to stand and walk with your hips level."
 
 
Ben continued, "For your spine, I am going to prescribe three different types of braces to be worn in different situations. You have seen people wearing two types of braces: the Milwaukee and the Kuehnegger. The third is a low-profile TLSO that you can wear for short periods when the other braces are too inconvenient, like when exercising or for a night out on the town. If you are free this afternoon, I am seeing Lori and Kathy at the orthotics shop, and you should join us. All the details of your braces can be worked out with Billy. I would suggest that you go shopping for some shoes to have modified for your KAFOs. Leigh can help you choose styles that will work well with them; even those wedge sandals you are wearing now would work."
 
 
Blake, still with a look of fear and worry and tears streaming from her eyes, said to Ben, "Thank you, Ben. I was so worried I would need major surgery to fix my back, and I'm glad that's not necessary. I knew nothing about my leg being short or the trouble with my joints; it's a lot to take in. This is going to be difficult for me, and I hope I can cope with wearing all these braces. I've been wearing Rebekah's old brace just for fun, but the idea of actually needing to wear braces that I can't just take off when I get tired of them or want to do something is really scary.
 
 
Lori and Blake thanked Ben, and he said to be at the orthotics shop at two this afternoon. Blake asked Lori and Scott if they wanted to join us for lunch and shopping, but they graciously declined the invitation. Lori wanted to get some sandwiches for a picnic in the park, so she could relax and prepare for four more pins to be placed in her halo ring and her existing ones re-torqued; it would be a grueling experience.
 
 
Scotty was a gentleman and helped Lori into their car, then helped me into Blake's Buick Roadmaster. It's just like the one I had, and it brought back a lot of memories; they are great cars. We headed off for an early lunch, then stopped in at the big shoe store in the shopping center where Billy used to work. While we were browsing, I told the story of meeting Billy for the first time and his little incident when he saw Rebekah and me in our halo braces and multiple casts. This really lightened the mood, and Blake smiled and laughed for the first time since getting her diagnosis and treatment plan from Ben.
 
 
Armed with a large selection of boots, shoes, and sandals, we got in the car and headed to the orthotics shop. I explained to Blake the procedures she would soon undergo so her braces could be custom-fabricated for her with love by Billy.

Ch. 161 - Blake's Casts
 
 
On the way back to my place, I asked Blake how she felt about everything that had transpired this week. I'm very worried about how she will cope with the changes to her orthodontics and how she will handle wearing her back and leg braces. I think her orthodontics won't be a big deal, but her other braces will.
 
 
L: So Blake, how are you feeling about everything that happened this week? It must be a lot for you to take in.
 
 
B: Yes, it is a lot, Leigh. I had no idea about one leg being shorter than the other or the hyper-mobility thing. I figured that I would need a back brace to sleep in but not wear it all the time. The leg braces and a built-up shoe—those things were a complete shock. Plus, I have no idea what Joe is going to do with my orthodontic braces next week.
 
 
L: Are you OK with it all, Blake? Do you need to find someone to talk to? This must be a scary time for you.
 
 
B: It is scary, Leigh, and I hope I can handle everything, but it will be difficult. I'll have a few days to adjust to things in the company of my friends before I have to go back home; that will help a lot. But right now, all I want to do is have some fun this weekend.
 
 
L: I'm glad you have a more positive outlook, dear. I hope you can adjust to things quickly and easily. I know how hard it was for you when you got your orthodontic braces and headgear. Your leg braces should be easy to wear, but your back braces will be quite an adjustment for you.
 
 
B: I have been out in public wearing Rebekah's old braces and plan to wear them until I get my own. I want to go out as much as possible with my friends wearing those braces. That will let me get used to not only wearing them but also how people react to them; it'll help me build up my confidence. The thought of wearing braces as a necessity and not just for fun is really upsetting to me, but I have no choice.
 
 
L: I'm sorry to say that you are correct; you have no choice, Blake. If you don't wear your braces, then you will suffer greatly later in life. But look on the bright side; your back, knee, and ankle pain will go away. Even wearing Rebekah's old brace has helped your back. Have you let your parents know what is going on, and are they worried about you?
 
 
B: They know that I went to see Dr. Joe, and there will be some changes to make things easier and more comfortable for me. These elastics for my facemask irritate my lips, and I'm getting a rash where my facemask rests on my chin and forehead; that is why I like wearing the Crane. Oh, we'll see Lori at Dr. Joe's when we go for my appointment; she is getting her braces that day. I feel so bad for Lori having to wear that halo brace and seeing her in so much pain earlier.
 
 
L: Me too. She was in so much discomfort, but she never complained once. Lori is so strong; I really admire her. Did your parents know about your appointment with Ben this morning?
 
 
B: I wish I was as strong as Lori, she is so brave. Yes, my parents knew, and my mom was happy I was finally getting my back checked out. We knew I had scoliosis; however, the other things were unexpected. I wish I could call her, but it is the middle of the night where they are. I'll just have to text later.
 
 
Blake dropped me off at home, and she headed to her parents place to take care of a few things around the ranch. However, she said that she would return and would like to take Joel and me out for dinner. About two hours later, Blake returned. She was wearing Rebekah's old Milwaukee brace over a tight-fitting T-shirt, and her short denim skirt didn't hide much of her KAFOs. With her braces and headgear, she really looked cute. Blake is a very attractive young woman.
 
 
We sat down to talk while we awaited Joel's arrival from work. At one point, Blake said, "I need to text mom and let her know what happened today; please excuse me." Blake then used voice to text on her phone to send the message.
 
 
"Hi Mom. I hope you and Dad are having fun. That museum with all the battlefield pickups looks like a cool place. I really want to visit all the places you have been, but not until I have a man in my life to travel with."
 
 
"I had my appointment with Dr. Ben this morning and found out some very interesting things. As we already knew, I have scoliosis, and as you predicted, I'll need to wear a back brace. However, there were two things I didn't know: my left leg is shorter than my right, and I have hyper-mobile joints. This means I'll need to wear leg braces with a built-up left shoe to compensate for my short leg."
 
 
"My leg braces will protect my knees and ankles, and I'll still be able to move them. They won't be like the braces my friends wear that keep their knees and ankles locked. I'll walk normally without crutches and will still be able to wear the high heels I love so much. Don't worry about me; I am doing fine, especially with the support from my friends. Give my love to Dad."
 
 
Just as Blake sent her text, she received a call from Emme and put her on speaker:
 
 
B: Hi Emme, what's up? You're on speaker with Leigh.
 
 
E: Oh, hi, Leigh. How are you this afternoon?
 
 
L: I'm doing great, Emme.
 
 
E: So, Blake, how did it go with Ben this morning? Do you have to wear a back brace like the rest of us?
 
 
B: Well, I'll be wearing more than just a back brace; I need leg braces and a built-up left shoe, too.
 
 
E: Wow, that's so cool, Blake... Oh, I'm sorry. I mean, what terrible news.
 
 
B: It's OK, Emme, I understand. I like wearing braces and casts for fun, but the thought of really needing to wear braces all the time is scary. I'm wearing Rebekah's old ones right now to try and get used to my new life; it's going to be daunting. But I want to have some fun this weekend. Want to get together?
 
 
E: Actually, that's what I called about. I was going to ask you if you wanted to spend the day in the office with Sam and me tomorrow, then stay with Pete and me for the weekend. I want to do some blindsimming, and you should wear some casts, too. I know how much you loved wearing your casts and how comforting you found them to be.
 
 
B: That sounds like a lot of fun, and I'll wear some casts, too. Maybe they will calm me down and comfort me a bit; I'm really stressed right now.
 
 
E: We'll have so much fun, Blake. Hitch a ride to the shop with the guys tomorrow morning.
 
 
B: I will. See you then, Emme. Goodbye.
 
 
L: Bye, Emme.
 
 
E: You guys have a great evening; bye.
 
 
After the call ended, Blake turned to me and asked, "Emme said I should wear some casts this weekend, and that sounds like a lot of fun. Do you think Billy and Collene would apply them for me?
 
 
"Let's text Collene and find out." I replied, "They'll probably enjoy doing it for you. Let's go to the cast room, and you can decide on what types of casts you want to wear and what colors you want."
 
 
Blake texted Collene, and she and Billy were more than happy to help. Collene even suggested we all go out this evening after Blake gets her casts and that Billy would look after the ranch for her over the weekend.
 
 
We then spent the next hour or so talking about various types of casts, with me showing Blake pictures from my past adventures. She asked if I had a power wheelchair that she could borrow for the weekend, and I said that I did. We talked a bit more, and Blake took out a piece of paper, wrote something down, and placed the note in her pocket. Then she said, "I need to go home and pack for the weekend. Do you want to come along, Leigh?"
 
 
When we arrived at Blake's, she picked out some outfits to pack. I noticed that she only chose skirts, flowing dresses, and loose tops with short sleeves. Her selections must have to do with the casts she plans to wear. Blake also picked up a small, brown bag from her nightstand that has a tiny combination lock on it. As we left, Blake drove down to the stable, checked on the horses, and gave them treats.
 
 
When we got back to my place, Blake took her bags and braces to her room. Collene and Billy soon arrived. Blake wasn't nervous about having Billy apply her casts since he had already seen her undressed at the orthotics shop. Blake handed the note she had written to Collene; her eyes got big, and she handed the note to Billy. He smiled and said, "Are you sure, Blakey? I guess you'll do fine; it's just for the weekend, and you'll always have someone to help you."
 
 
Blake replied, "Oh, I'm sure, Billy. It will be fun, and Emme will be jealous. I just love wearing casts; they are so comforting!"
 
 
Judy then arrived, and I didn't get a chance to ask what the note said. That's OK; it will be more fun to just watch and see what casts Blake gets. Blake was excited to get her casts and we went to the cast room. She immediately took off her clothes, panties and all, then sat upon the cast table. I asked Judy to crutch out to the garage and get my spare power chair for Blake since she had inquired about using  it earlier. Billy rolled a cart over to the supply cabinets, and Collene helped him gather all the necessary supplies, which included a catheter kit. Judy returned with the wheelchair, and the casting of Blake began!
 
 
Billy pushed the cart to the casting table, then filled the metal pail with water. Blake held out her right arm to indicate that she wanted it cast first. Collene leaned the crutch she was holding in her right hand against the table and held the roll of stockinette as Billy cut off a piece. He then placed it on Blake's right arm, up to her elbow. Billy applied the padding, followed by several rolls of yellow fiberglass. Very quickly, Blake was wearing a simple SAC on her right arm.
 
 
Blake then said, "Oh, this feels so good! I love the warmth as the fiberglass hardens. Please cast my left arm now, Billy.
 
 
Billy and Collene moved to the other side of the table, and he got to work on Blake's left arm. He used purple fiberglass to apply a SATS to Blake's left arm, just like the one she got at the retreat. After it was applied, Blake said nothing, but she wiggled the toes on her left foot. I guess that leg would be the next to get a cast.
 
 
Soon Blake's left leg was in white an LLC with her knee slightly bent and her ankle at ninety degrees. This was repeated on her right leg without Blake saying a word. After some time for the casts to harden, Billy looked to Blake and asked, "Are you sure you want me to continue? You are going to be really immobilized, girl." Blake, with a smile showing her crooked, braced teeth and blue facemask, simply said, "Yes."
 
 
Billy then used more fiberglass to form abduction bars at Blake's ankles and knees using the method Sam used on Rebekah and me at the retreat. However, Blake's legs were not spread quite as wide, and her hips were not rotated as much as ours had been; it should be a very comfortable cast. With a few finishing wraps of white fiberglass on the abduction bars, Blake's casts were complete. She just laid there in silence with a smile on her face.
 
 
Billy tidied up a bit, and Collene asked Blake, "Are you ready for your catheter? I know it might be a bit uncomfortable getting it inserted since I often use one when traveling. It will feel OK once it's in and you get used to it."
 
 
"Yes, I think I'm ready, Collene. I'll be fine, and Emme told me I might even enjoy it," replied Blake.
 
 
Blake's catheter was inserted without her showing any reaction. Then Billy asked if she still wanted the final item, and Blake said yes. Billy went to the supply cabinet and returned with the clam shell SOMI CTLSO that Blake had eyed the other day. He slid the back part of the brace under her, then strapped the front part on tightly. Finally, Billy fitted the occipital and mandibular components to the clam shell, and Blake's spine and neck were completely immobilized. Blake asked, "Is this what the brace I'll be wearing at night will feel like? If it is, it will take a while to get used, so this is good practice."
 
 
Billy explained that the brace that Blake would be wearing for at least 12 hours a day would feel similar, but it would be a custom fit and far more comfortable. Blake then asked to be placed in her wheelchair; she wanted to go to her room to relax and enjoy her immobilization.
 
 
Billy adjusted the leg rests for Blake's Petrie cast, then carefully picked her up and placed her in the chair. Carefully controlling the chair with her casted right arm, she made her way to her room and asked Billy to place her on the bed. Then she wanted to be alone.
 
 
As we were leaving Blake to enjoy her casts, she asked for the brown bag she had brought earlier. Judy retrieved it, and Blake gave her the combination. Judy unlocked it and placed it by her side. Blake said, "Thank you all so much. I need some time alone now with my casts and back brace."
 
 
We left the room, and Billy closed the door. We all knew what Blake was going to do.
 

Ch. 163 - Orthodontic Changes
 
 
Today is the first of two big days for Blake this week. Dr. Joe is making major changes to her orthodontic treatment. She called earlier this morning and was excited but nervous. I told her that Joe is very gentle and to not worry about pain; there will be little, if any. However, I did warn her that Joe prefers older methods of treatment since he thinks they give better long-term results, but he works with patients to make their treatment as easy or, in special cases like Kathy and me, as difficult as possible. Speaking of Kathy, I need to check on her and see how her spine is doing.
 
 
We had breakfast with Jimmy and Judy as usual, with Judy blending her scrambled eggs and potatoes. After we ate, Judy cleaned her wires and splint, then headed off to work. She makes her big presentation today, and she'll be speaking in front of about a hundred people with her jaw shut and her splint. It's a good thing that her speech has greatly improved in the last week; she is actually fairly easy to understand now. Jimmy, Joel, and I headed to the shop, where I'll meet up with Blake and Emme and accompany them to the orthodontist.
 
 
To make things easier today, I decided to use crutches instead of my wheelchair. I love wearing my LATFS in support of Emme and her fractured wrist, but my cast is now getting rather annoying; I wish I had my left arm back! I hope that Emme doesn't need another cast after her LATFS come off in four weeks, but at least my cast looks cute with all of Blake's artwork on it.
 
 
We got to the shop a bit early, and only Rose and Jose were there. They had brewed coffee, and we enjoyed a cup. Soon, everyone else arrived, with Pete dropping Emme and Blake off. Blake was no longer in her casts; Pete had removed them earlier in the morning. However, she was wearing Rebekah's old Milwaukee brace and KAFOs with a long blue skirt, white blouse, sweater, and her blue headgear; Blake looked great! I asked Blake if she still had her catheter, and she replied, "Yes, once I got used to it, I began to enjoy it for some strange reason."
 
 
I helped out around the office while Joel and Blake went for a drive so she could learn how to use the hand controls he installed. Blake said that she could drive in her braces without any trouble, but the hand controls would be nice to have if she ever wore a cast on her right leg. She also noted how well her car ran and handled after the major work the guys did on it over the weekend. Blake was overjoyed that her well-loved car was now better than new and thanked Joel, who couldn't have been happier to help out our young friend.
 
 
At around ten, we left for the orthodontist so we could see Lori get the orthodontic component added to her halo brace; we're all very curious. When we arrived at Dr. Joe's office, Scotty and Lori were just pulling in. Once inside, Sally greeted us in her Minerva brace and took us all to the large procedure room where Billy was talking to Joe. There was a box on a rolling cart with two facebows and several packages of elastics next to it. Billy asked how Lori was doing in her halo traction brace, and she replied,
 
 
"Much better today, Billy. My pins are not hurting anymore, and the pressure seems to be a bit less; I no longer have a pounding headache. My spine feels better, too, but there is still a dull ache. I don't think it will go away until my spine is completely stretched out straight."
 
 
"Let me check your progress and see how much you've stretched out in the last few days. Stand up tall for me, Lori." Billy said with a smile.
 
 
Lori stood as tall as possible in her brace, and Billy checked the marks on the uprights and said, "You're a half inch taller already; excellent progress, Lori. Your brace is working well—in fact, very well. Why don't you stop in on Thursday when Blake gets her braces fitted, and I'll adjust your brace to apply a bit more traction? I'll also let Ben know how you're doing and that you're tolerating your brace well. You're doing great, Lori!"
 
 
Lori was pleased that things were going so well so soon, as were the rest of us. She is doing great with her KAFO and prosthetics, too, walking almost normally without a crutch or cane, and she has almost mastered the use of her MyoHand. Once she can wear her 'forever' spinal brace, her life will be as normal as it will ever be.
 
 
Joe then asked Lori to take a seat in the orthodontic chair, and he adjusted it for her comfort in an upright position. He then removed her lip bumpers and said, "Are you ready for the appliance that Billy designed with my guidance? He did excellent work, and it will be more comfortable than regular headgear. We figured if you are going to be in your halo for the foreseeable future, we might as well use it to help with your orthodontic treatment, too. Billy, show Lori the appliance you made for her."
 
 
Joe handed the box to Billy, and he removed two black metal pieces and explained, "Lori, these brackets will be attached to your halo ring on both sides, screwed into unused holes in your ring. They won't interfere with your pins or headblocks when Scott will be removing your jacket for daily exercise later on, like Kathy is doing. You will see there are a series of hooks that are in the same place as those on Leigh's interlandi headgear. Basically, instead of straps around your head and back of your neck like Leigh has, you'll have these secured to your halo ring. Since you can't wear interlandi headgear with your halo ring, this will do the same job with the added benefit of no straps for your hair to get tangled in."
 
 
Billy then handed one each to Lori and Scott to examine, and then Scott handed it to me so Emme and I could check it out. It's a simple solution to Lori's orthodontic needs that takes advantage of her wearing a halo brace—very clever!
 
 
It only took a minute or two for Billy to attach the very prominent orthodontic component to Lori's halo, then Joe got to work adjusting her facebows to fit. In only a few minutes, Lori had two gleaming facebows emerging from her mouth, with several elastics tying each of them to the attachment on her halo ring. Joe asked how everything felt, and Lori replied, "It's all good, Joe. There is a lot more pressure on my teeth now, but I'll get used to it. Let me look in the mirror; I want to see how this all looks."
 
 
Lori stood up, walked over to the mirror, and said, "Oh! Wow! There's so much more going on now, but I like how it all looks. The way my lower facebow moves when I speak is captivating. The lower facebows the other girls wear have always fascinated me; I love watching them speak or eat. Billy and Joe, thank you so much. I am very pleased with all you have done for me."
 
 
Lori looked really cool with her new additions. She's right out of one of derS4tyr's illustrations on DeviantArt. Boy, do I have ideas for the next time I'm in a halo brace!
 
 
Billy then gave Scott the special screwdriver used to attach the device and said, "If it's OK with Joe, you can remove her orthodontic component for a night out or other special occasion. Otherwise, her facebows should be in 24/7." Joe then said, "Short periods without your facebows are fine, but no more than a few hours a week. Wear your facebows even when you are eating, Lori, and change the elastics every six hours or so, too."
 
 
Joe looked to Blake and said, "OK, Blake, you're up. Please take a seat, and I'll explain everything to you. You'll be pleased with most of the changes, but others might be a bit difficult to cope with. However, I guarantee there will be no pain; your comfort is of the utmost importance."
 
 
Blake took a seat in the chair, and Joe began to speak.
 
 
"The first thing, Blake, is that I spoke to Billy about your back braces this morning. He told me about the braces he's fabricating for you, like Lori's, will combine your orthodontic and orthopedic treatments. I need to make a few changes to your new appliances, and I need a little time to do so. My plan is to remove everything Dr. Murphy placed in your mouth so you can enjoy a few hours without braces. Then, this afternoon, I'll place all your new appliances, which will be with you for the foreseeable future. Enjoy your lunch, as eating and speaking will be difficult for a few weeks with your new appliances. However, the good news is you won't have to wear your reverse-pull headgear anymore."
 
 
Blake said, "OK, Joe. Let's get on with it! I don't mind how my facemask looks, but it sure is hard on my skin; it's so raw and sore, and the elastics chap my lips." Joe reclined the chair and got to work removing all of Blake's appliances, some of which, like her small upper tongue crib and lower tongue tamers, I didn't know she had. After the devices were removed, we went to the nearby cafe for lunch, with Sally joining us too.
 
 
When we got back to the clinic, Blake brushed her teeth and took a long look at her unbraced smile, knowing that this would be the last time for many years that she would be without braces. However, I knew that with her spinal issues, she would likely wear a back brace forever and require orthodontic braces and a splint like the rest of us—this was likely the last time she would ever see herself without braces for the rest of her life. Blake then sat in the chair, and Joe reclined it.
 
 
"OK, Blake," Joe said, "the first two appliances to be placed are your expanders. They are a bit more bulky than your old ones, and the upper will sit higher up in your mouth and be a bit more comfortable. Your previous expander was rather low in your mouth, making speaking and swallowing even more difficult. Your lower expander will be much like your old one, but a bit heavier, so I can apply more force to your teeth. Instead of tongue tamers on your lower front teeth, the larger expander screw will do that job and will be more comfortable. It also has places for your lower facebow to attach to."
 
 
"Up top, you'll be wearing a Bluegrass appliance instead of a tongue crib. There will also be two hooks for protraction, but unlike previously, these hooks will protrude from between your lips. I noticed that your lips are inflamed from the elastics, so I want to keep them out of your mouth; the smooth metal will be far more comfortable. There are also several small magnets on your upper bands to secure your removable appliance. All these appliances will widen your bite and move your upper arch forward. Let me show them to you, then I'll place them in your mouth."
 
 
Joe showed Blake the appliances she would soon be wearing, and she liked the bright green roller on her Bluegrass appliance. Joe soon had these devices securely bonded to Blake's teeth. Her Bluegrass appliance could be easily seen behind her front teeth, and the heavy wires with small hooks and small balls at the ends protruded well beyond her lips. Joe then explained what was coming next.
 
 
"OK, Blake, let's get the rest of your teeth banded. Bands won't pop loose like your brackets did. This will go quickly, and then I'll tie in your archwires with ligatures to match your Bluegrass appliance. I remember you saying that neon green is your favorite color. Joe then placed all of her bands on her extremely crooked front teeth. They are the same large, wide bands that I wear. Blake should like them, as she has commented that my bands look cuter than the other girls with their narrower bands. Soon all her bands were bonded in place, and Joe applied her archwires. Once that was done, he had her get up and go rinse her mouth and said, "All your fixed appliances are now in place. How do they feel, Blake? Is there anything that causes discomfort?"
 
 
Blake smiled and, with an extreme lisp, said, "It's all good, but my mouth feels so full of metal. Oh, these hooks coming out of my mouth are crazy, but my lips glide over them much more comfortably than the elastics. I love the color of my ligatures and that roller thing, too." Joe said, "OK, let's fit your splint and tandem bow appliance."
 
 
Joe then showed Blake her splint, about which there was nothing special. It snapped in place with the magnets and held her front teeth slightly apart. The device caused her to have even greater difficulty speaking. Joe explained that she needs to wear her splint whenever she is wearing her spinal braces, but she can remove it to eat. He then fitted her lower facebow, and now Blake had two sets of hooks protruding from her slightly parted lips, parted because of her splint. Finally, Joe placed heavy elastics between the pairs of hooks, and Blake lisp-fully commented about the pressure she felt on her teeth.
 
 
Joe then said, "OK, Blake, that's it for today. I want you to wear your tandem bow 24/7 for the next few days, changing the elastics twice a day. When Billy fits your spinal braces on Thursday, stop by, and I'll show you how your back braces will work with your orthodontic braces. I'm sorry I put so much in your mouth today. I usually do it over several appointments, but I know you are leaving town soon. Any question, Blake?"
 
 
Blake had no questions, but she did have a look combining shock and pleasure when she saw herself in the mirror wearing her tandem bow and splint with her fully banded teeth. She turned my way and smiled, and I said, "Oh, Blake, you are the most beautiful thing in the world!"
 
 
Blake lisp-fully replied, "I know, and it's all thanks to you and your friends!"

Ch. 165 - Brace Day
 
 
Yesterday morning, Joel and Billy sure got a surprise when they saw Collie and me in our DLLCs. Billy never expected to ever see Collie in recreational casts, especially ones so brightly colored. He inquired how long she planned to wear them, and Collie simply replied, "Six weeks!" Her response shocked us all; this was very unlike Collene. Now I know why she wanted to be cathed when I got mine; this wasn't going to be just an overnight experience for her. Collie told Billy that she wanted to go get her nails done with the rest of us, and then Judy would drop her off at the shop.
 
 
Of course, Joel was very happy to see me in my LLCs and was not surprised at all. He asked my intentions, and I told him that I'd wear my LLCs until my LATFS cast was removed in a few weeks. He said, "What about your spinal brace? You're going to wear your NI Halo the whole time, too." I replied in a sad but joking tone, "I must wear it, dear. Not only do I have badly broken legs and left arm, but my spine is fractured, too." Everyone laughed, and Joel Joel replied, "I'll take good care of my broken little wife. You'll be fine, honey." Billy then hugged Collie and said, "I'll take good care of my broken wife, too."
 
 
After breakfast, we helped each other get dressed and headed out to get our nails done, which is always fun while wearing casts. Blake got Collie, Rebekah, and I loaded up in the little bus, and Judy drove us to the mall. We caused quite the stir at the nail salon with our casts and the show that Rebekah and Judy put on removing their leg braces and shoes. It was a lot of fun.
 
 
After getting our nails done and with Rebekah and Judy once again putting on a show, this time getting their braces and shoes back on, Blake wanted to purchase a few more outfits that would be easy to wear with her new braces. We decided to go and see our acquaintance Jane at the clothing store.
 
 
When we arrived, Jane was as bubbly and outgoing as ever. Her banded smile sparkled in the light, and her hot pink Interlandi headgear contrasted with her dark hair. She looked great and immediately asked about the casts Collie, Blake, and I were wearing and about Judy's wired and splinted jaw. We were all honest and told Jane the truth—our casts and Judy's wires are simply recreational. She was intrigued and said she had never worn a cast in her entire life but always wondered what it was like. Collie gave her a card and said, "I'm partners in an orthotics shop, and we can put you in any sort of cast or brace you want; give me a call if you ever want to wear one." Jane took the card with a sparkling smile and said, "I definitely will. Thanks."
 
 
Judy lispfully asked Jane how her orthodontics were going, and Jane pulled out her phone and showed us a picture of her with her family. I immediately noticed the three men in the picture had braces, just standard metal brackets, and the youngest was wearing cervical headgear. Jane then said, "Don't Jill, JJ, and I look adorable with our bands and headgear? Even my husband and son-in-law have braces now, but they don't need headgear. That's Ashton, JJ's boyfriend, wearing headgear. He was already in braces when they met and recently got headgear." We all thought it was great that they're a braced family; it must make things easier for all of them.
 
 
Rebekah and Judy helped Blake pick out a few more outfits, and since it was her break, Jane offered to carry everything to our bus. As we parted ways with Jane, Collie said, "Don't forget to call me if you want to wear a cast or brace." Jane replied, "I will very soon!" We then went to take in the warm spring morning at the park before dropping Collie off at the shop and heading back to my place.
 
 
Well, that was yesterday, and today is the second big day this week for Blake; she gets her orthopedic braces fitted. Last night, we could tell she was very nervous and on edge. She didn't talk much, and she went to bed early and isn't up yet this morning.
 
 
Jimmy and Judy arrived for breakfast, and Blake was still not up, so Judy went to check on her. About twenty minutes passed, and the two girls entered the dining room. Blake was wearing a long skirt that went to the floor and a turtleneck sweater that almost completely hid the CTLSO she has been wearing for the last few days. The girls sat down, and Blake said to Judy, "Thanks for removing my catheter, Judy. However, I don't know about this diaper; I feel like an invalid." Judy replied, "It's only if you have a bit of leakage; it's not permanent."
 
 
Blake picked at her meal, hardly eating a thing, but did have a protein shake with Judy. The guys left for work, and us girls awaited Rebekah's arrival. Then the four of us would go to the orthotics shop for Blake's braces to be fitted.
 
 
As we headed to town, Blake was very quiet. She sat stiffly in her back brace with her legs crossed, playing with her toes sticking out of her casts. She would switch legs and rub those toes, too. Sometimes she would run her hands along her casts. Blake's casts were obviously bringing her comfort, but they would soon have to be removed so she could begin her braced life.
 
 
When we arrived, Collie cheerfully greeted us. She looked great in her brightly colored casts and hot pink headgear. She said, "Billy is all ready for you, Blake." Then, upon seeing the tears welling up in Blake's eyes, she said, "It's OK, girl. You'll do fine, and your back and knees will feel much better, too. Plus, you have been wearing that CTLSO, so you sort of know what wearing your back brace will be like, but the ones Billy made you will be so much more comfortable. Your leg braces—well, you won't even know you're wearing them. Come over here, Blake, and let me give you a hug." Blake approached Collie, and they hugged, with Blake saying, "Wearing braces for fun is one thing, but wearing them for real is extremely frightening. I hope I can do this." "You can, Blake; you're stronger than you think," replied Collene.
 
 
We then all made our way to the fitting room, where all of Blake's braces were laid out on a table. Blake immediately went over and took a look at her braces, picking up each one and examining it. Finally, she turned to us with her black Kuehnegger brace in hand and said, "Look at this one, girls. The leather is so shiny, and all the metal is polished like a mirror. It's a work of art, and look at my matching leg braces with the strappy wedge heels; they're beautiful." As she said this, Billy walked into the room with a smile on his face. Hopefully, seeing the beauty of her new braces will be the turning point for Blake, and she will accept her new life.
 
 
Billy greeted us all and then asked Blake to follow him to the cast room so her SLWC's could be removed. Blake followed Billy, saying, "Goodbye, casts. Thanks for the comfort you have brought me." They soon returned, with Blake wearing her cast sandals loosely on her bare feet. Billy said, OK, Blake, please remove your skirt and get up on the table; we'll start with your KAFOs."
 
 
No one said anything about Blake's diaper as she disrobed and got on the table. Billy picked up the pair of brown KAFOs and explained how to attach her modified shoes to her braces. He pointed out how the soles of her left shoes had been built up an inch, and it was quite noticeable. Billy also explained how the ankle and knee hinges only limit range of motion; they do not lock in place. They won't alter Blake's gait; they simply prevent her joints from moving too far. He had Blake attach a pair of flat sandals to her brown braces, and he fitted them on her legs and asked her to stand up. Billy then said, "OK, Blake, walk around a bit and tell me how they feel."
 
 
Blake carefully took a few slow steps, then began to walk around the room normally; her braces didn't inhibit her one bit. She looked at Billy and said, "Wow, I can walk without any problem. Once I get used to how they feel on my legs, I'll hardly notice I'm wearing them. But there is something that feels funny; it's like I'm leaning to the right." Billy explained that's because her body had compensated for her short left leg, and with her built-up shoe, her hips are now level. He also explained that her spinal braces will correct the curve in her spine caused by her leg length discrepancy.
 
 
Billy then had her try on the black braces with the wedge-heeled sandals. Those gave her little trouble walking at first—not because of the braces themselves, but because of her built-up left shoe. Finally, Blake put on the oxblood red pair with block-heeled fashion hiking boots—her trademark style. These also fit well and were easier to walk in than her wedge sandals, so Blake decided to wear them out of the office today. Billy said, "I know it's a bit chilly in here, but I need you to take off your top and CTLSO you're wearing so your spinal braces can be fitted."
 
 
Blake complied with his request and stood before Billy. He picked up one of her Milwaukee braces, handed it to Collie, and then picked up one of the Kuehnegger braces. He then explained to Blake how to wear her braces and how the various parts will straighten her spine. The two styles were the same except at the top; the pelvic girdles, pads, and outriggers were identical. Billy said, "Blake, you can see the only difference between the braces is how they support your head and neck. Your Milwaukee brace has a standard throat mold and occipital pads; they are adjusted to let you turn your head easily and even look up and down a bit. However, don't get in the habit of resting your chin on the throat mold; it's there to remind you to maintain your posture. You will wear this brace whenever you are not in your Kuehnegger brace, up to ten hours a day."
 
 
Billy continues...
 
 
"This is your Kuehnegger brace, which you should wear as much as possible, and Ben would like to see you in it for 23 hours on days you don't have to go to work. If you can manage to wear it to work, that would be great; the more you wear it, the better. It provides traction to your cervical spine to help with your kyphosis, but it also immobilizes that part of your body, like the CTLSO you have been wearing. The way your Kuehnegger brace will feel is similar, but it will be far more comfortable since it is custom-made just for you. It also has provisions for the orthodontic component that Joe will be fitting later today. Any question, Blake?"
 
 
"Will I be able to drive in my Milwaukee brace like Judy and Collie can?" Blake asks.

 
"You should practice a bit, but yes, you'll be able to drive like the other girls can." Billy said with a reassuring smile. "You have ridden with Judy, and she does just fine, and you will too. I'm sure the girls will give you hints, and you can practice around your ranch and our property, too."

 
"OK, I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be for this. Show me how to put on my braces, Billy." Blake replied nervously.
 
 
Billy, with some assistance from Collene in her wheelchair, proceeded to place the brown Milwaukee brace on Blake's body. They showed her how to tighten the screw on her neck ring, how to fasten the straps in back, and how to pull the pads under her right arm and at her left side to the proper tension. The brace was now firmly yet comfortably, or as comfortably as possible, straightening Blake's spine. She stood tall and held her head high. Blake walked around the room and said, "Wow, this fits so much better than the brace I got from Rebekah, but it has all these pads in back and to my sides, and the ones pushing my shoulders back, too." She looked side to side, then said, "I can turn my head fairly easily, too. This won't be so bad, but that other style of brace looks scary."
 
 
Billy and Collie showed Blake how to remove her brace, then she donned and doffed the other two Milwaukee braces on her own. Now it was on to her Kuehnegger braces, and Blake looked terrified.
 
 
Billy removed the black Milwaukee brace from Blake's body and replaced it with her black Kuehnegger, pulling all the straps tight. The large chin cup and leather headrest held her head high and slightly tilted back; she could not move her head or neck at all in the brace. Billy had her stand up and carefully walk around the room, and Blake said, "This feels like the CTLSO I have been wearing, but the large pads for my head and chin are much more comfortable. All the braces are more comfortable than the others I have been wearing since they are custom-made. I can feel my back starting to ache already from being stretched out, but I don't think I have ever stood so straight and tall in my entire life."
 
 
Billy showed Blake how to remove her brace, then she tried on the brown one. Finally, she put on the oxblood red Kuehnegger brace that matched her KAFOs and got dressed. Her outfit almost completely concealed her braces, and only her chin cup and headrest could be seen. Blake thanked Billy, complimented him on his craftsmanship, and said, "This might not be so bad after all. I hope I do OK, but I know it will be hard at first... Very hard."
 
 
Billy gathered up Blake's braces and took them to the bus, then he returned with Lori and Scotty. After a bit of conversation, we decided to hang around and watch Lori get her halo traction brace adjusted.
 

Ch. 167 -  A Fly on the Wall
 
 
We are a fly on the wall at Blake's parent's home as she arrives with Collie, Rita, and Lori. Let's listen in...
 
 
R: You want to take off your KAFOs and Milwaukee brace and relax, Blake? You don't have to wear them full-time right away; you can work up to it over a couple of weeks.

 
B: No, I need to get used to wearing them, but I want to change into something more comfortable.

 
R: Do you want some help? Getting dressed while braced is difficult, even with years of experience.

 
B: Yes. This way, please, Rita.
 
 
Collene and Lori make themselves comfortable, while Rita helps Blake change.
 
 
B: Help me get my top off over this orthodontic thing, Rita.
 
 
Rita helped Blake get her turtleneck off over her Kuehnegger brace with its large orthodontic component. Blake removed her skirt, looked at herself in the mirror, and began crying.
 
 
R: It's hard to get used to how you look now, isn't it, dear? Many people have a difficult time; it's just not you. It helps to talk about it, especially with Collie and Lori since wearing their braces is not by choice. Unlike most of your friends here, they never wanted to wear braces but have accepted them, as you will learn to do. Collie even told me once that if, by a miracle, she could walk again, she would continue to wear all her braces and use crutches.
 
 
The crying stopped, and Blake took a long look at herself in the mirror.
 
 
B: Maybe it's not so bad. My back and knees don't hurt right now, and they always used to. But what will Chris think? No man wants to be with a crippled girl.

 
R: First, you're not crippled; your body just needs some extra support. Second, if no man wants a girl who wears braces, then why are all your brace-wearing friends happily married? Look at Collie and Billy; her braces didn't bother Billy one bit when they met. In fact, Billy, like a lot of men, has a thing for braces. How about Lori and Scott? All of a sudden, Lori lost her leg and hand and had to wear braces and prosthetics for the rest of her life. They love each other now more than ever. If Chris truly loves you, your braces won't change anything.
 
 
Blake stopped crying, and Rita helped her put on a pair of lounge shorts, a sweatshirt, and change her boots out for comfortable sandals.
 
 
B: I guess you're right; all my braced friends are in wonderful relationships. Chris is the only real boyfriend I've ever had. I was always made fun of for my crooked smile and bad posture. Chris didn't care; he loved me anyway. We never actually broke up; life simply caused us to drift apart, but he'll never want to be with me now.
 
 
Blake breaks down in tears again.
 
 
R: Give Chris a chance. If he loves you, then he will be happy you are getting the medical treatments you need. If he doesn't, then he is not the man for you.

  
B: You're right, Rita.

  
Blake and Rita go to the kitchen to brew a pot of coffee. Rita puts the pot of coffee and four cups on a tray, and Blake very carefully carries them to the living room, where Collie and Lori are waiting.
 
 
C: How are you doing, Blake? I know you are having a hard time emotionally, but is there any physical discomfort? You can take your braces off; you don't need to wear them full-time right away.
 

B: I'm doing a little better now, Collene. My braces feel fine; I need to get used to them and how these pads push my spine into alignment. Other than that and the immobilization, I actually feel great physically—no pain, just a dull ache in my spine, and my knees don't hurt either. You look like you're doing well, Lori. What's it like with those heavy springs Billy installed in your halo traction brace? They looked powerful.

  
L: They are very strong, and to be honest, I'm in considerable discomfort at the moment. My spine is aching, and my halo pins hurt. In fact, it's time for my pins to be cleaned. Would you like to do it for me, Blake? The supplies are in my handbag.

  
B: Could I, Lori?

  
L: Of course, Blake. Rita can help if it's too difficult for you in your braces.

  
Lori got the supplies out of her bag, and instructed Blake on how to clean her eight halo pins. Soon the job was done, and Blake asked,
 
 
B: Did I do it right, Lori? I didn't hurt you, did I?

  
L: You did great; it feels good to have them clean. Thanks!

 
C: Lori, why don't you show Blake some of the pictures from your recovery? She might be interested in seeing what you went through.

 
L: Would you like to see Blake? I had to wear some very intense orthopedic appliances; they are not for the faint of heart.

 
B:  Yes, please show me. I'm curious what you went through, Lori.
 
 
Lori showed Blake many pictures on her phone with Collie and Rita looking on.
 
 
B: You're smiling in all the pictures, Lori. Even when your jaw was wired shut and you had all those rods sticking out of your arm and leg, you were smiling. You had to be in tremendous pain; those devices look horrifying. 
 
 
L: I was in horrible pain for months, but complaining or feeling sorry for myself would do nothing, though a good cry helped at times. I just stayed focused on the positive things: I was alive, and I had Scotty in my life.

  
B: You're so lucky to have Scotty. He must love you more than anything in this world.

  
L: He does; I love him so much, too. Without him, I never would have made it this far. Look at me; I can walk with my prosthetic leg and KAFO, and I had no trouble placing your orthodontic appliances after lunch with my prosthetic hand.
 
So Blake, why don't you introduce us to your horses? Once I'm out of my halo and wearing a brace like yours, I would like to try riding again.
 
  
B: That sounds great! I always feel good around them, especially Gordie.
 
 
The girls walk or crutch down to the stable, and Rita sends Leigh a text.
 
 
"Blake is doing better; no crying for a couple of hours now. She's still very emotional, but she's fine physically and still wearing all her braces. I'll check in later."
 
 
L: What beautiful animals, Blake! Collene, do you think I could ride wearing a brace like Blake's?
  
 
C: I think you could, and I would like to try, too. I have never ridden before, and it's been a dream since I was a little girl. The guys will have to devise some sort of hoist to lift me into the saddle.
 
 
B: I bet I can still ride, even in my braces! Help me get Gordie saddled up.
 
 
The girls got Gordie saddled. Then, with great effort, Blake climbed into the saddle, sitting tall and straight, and rode around the arena.
 
 
B: Look at me! I can ride Gordie while wearing my braces, but every step he takes sends a jolt through my brace to my chin but the splint in my mouth absorbs the shock. I had forgotten I was wearing it.
 
C: That's right, Blake. It protects your teeth and jaw.
 
 
Blake rode for a while, but it was getting dark. The girls unsaddled Gordie, put him in his stall for the night, and headed back to the house. When they arrived, the guys had dropped off the girls' bags.
 
 
R: I'm hungry!

 
C: It's been a long day; I'm hungry, too.

 
L: Since this is turning into a slumber party, how about pizza?

  
B: There is plenty of beer in the refrigerator; you always have beer with pizza.
 
 
Rita ordered several large pizzas, which wouldn't be delivered for quite a while, the girls went to change into something more comfortable for the night. Since Blake had already changed, she offered to help Lori.
 
 
L: That would be great, Blake. It's hard for me to dress myself in my halo brace; things hang up on the pins.
 
 
Blake showed the girls to the spare rooms. Collie and Rita would have to bunk together, but Lori got her own room. Once with Lori in her room, Blake asked,
 
 
B: What do I need to do for you, Lori?
 
 
L: Just help me with my top so it doesn't snag my pins. I'm pretty independent at this point.
 
 
With everyone comfortable for the night, they returned to the living room. Blake set up TV trays for their dinner and turned on some quiet music. Lori then began to take off her leg.
 
 
B: What are you doing, Lori? Why are you taking off your leg?

 
L: My stumps swell in the evening, and my prosthetics become uncomfortable. I like to take off my leg, hand, and KAFO while I relax in the evening. Scott usually carries me to bed, but I'll have to put them back on later to walk to bed.

 
B: Can I look at your stumps, Lori? I have never known an amputee before except for Pat, and I'm curious.

 
L: Not only can you look, you can touch. My stumps are very sensitive, but it feels good to have them gently massaged. Get that bottle of lotion; I like to keep my skin conditioned.
 
 
Blake got the lotion and gently applied it to Lori's stumps and her remaining arm and leg. Lori leaned back in the chair as best she could in her halo and enjoyed Blake's massage.
 
 
L: Oh, that felt great, Blake. Thanks!

 
B: My pleasure, Lori. Your stumps are so smooth and soft, with hardly any scars.

 
L: Ben did a great job, didn't he?

 
B: Yes, he did.
 
 
The doorbell rang; it was the pizza guy. Blake set the boxes on the coffee table and went to get the beer. While she was away, Collie texted Judy:
 
 
"Hey Sis. Blake's doing great. She is getting around well and even rode Gordie. I'll keep in touch."
 
 
The girls enjoyed their pizza and beer. Once the meal was finished, Blake sat on the couch between Collie and Rita to watch a movie. Then, Blake's phone rang. She picked it up, saw it was Chris, and began crying. Collie took the phone from Blake's hand and answered it on speaker.
 
 
C: Blake's phone, Collene speaking.

  
CJ: Hi, Collene. Blake's boyfriend, Chris here. Who's crying?

  
C: That would be Blake. She is having a hard time with her braces.

  
CJ: I know; I just spoke to Leigh. Can I talk to Blake?

 
C: You're on speaker; she can hear you.

 
CJ: Blake, what's wrong? Why are you crying?

  
B: I look hideous in my braces. You won't want to be seen with me.

  
CJ: Leigh told me about your braces, and I'm so happy for you...

 
B: That's a mean thing to say, Chris.

  
CJ: Let me finish, Blake. I'm happy that you're finally getting your back, knees, and teeth taken care of. I know how much pain you used to have, and I can only imagine that it's worse now. I'm glad you are getting the treatment you need, and I most certainly want to be seen with you. You're the most beautiful girl in the world!

  
B: But you don't know how I look in all this metal and leather with wires sticking out of my mouth.

 
CJ: Ooh, leather and metal; that sounds sexy.
  

B: Get your mind out of the gutter, Chris. You have no idea how I look wearing all this; it's definitely not sexy.

 
CJ: Well, let me see for myself. Here, let's do a video call. I want to see my sexy girlfriend.

  
B: Girlfriend? That was years ago.

  
CJ: But we never broke up, Blake; we just drifted apart. You're still my girlfriend.

 
B: You're still my boyfriend, Chris, and I hope it stays that way after you see me in my braces.
 
 
Chris switched to video mode, and Blake held the phone so her face could be seen.
 
 
CJ: Wow, that's quite the brace, Blake; it's just like Leigh described.

 
B: You're only seeing a small part. I'm braced from head to toe.
 

CJ: Well, let me see everything.

 
B: I don't know, Chris.

 
CJ: Just show me. I've seen your body many times; now I want to see your braces, too.

 
Blake handed her phone to Rita and stood up and Collene helped her take off her sweatshirt. Blake stood in the middle of the room, wearing just her shorts and braces, with Lori in the background.
 
 
CJ: Look how tall you are standing, Blake. You're not all hunched over anymore. Do you have any pain? Tell me about the braces on your legs. You seem to walk just fine wearing them.
 
 
B: I usually have a lot of pain in my back and knees in the evening. With my braces, I don't; there's just a dull ache in my spine from it being straightened. It's uncomfortable, and the immobilization is difficult to get used to.
 
 
CJ: Well, you look as sexy as ever, Blake. Your braces don't detract from your beauty at all. In fact, they enhance it by showing that you care about your body. Can I see the other style of brace Leigh told me about—the one that lets you turn your head a bit?
 
 
Lori, with Collene's assistance, begins to put her leg, hand, and KAFO back on, and Chris says,
 
 
CJ: Who are those ladies, and what are they doing?

 
B: That's Collene, and she's helping Lori put on her prosthetics and brace.

 
CJ: That one hell of a neck brace Lori's in!

 
B: It sure is. It's screwed into her head.

 
CJ: Intense!
 
 
The girls go to Blake's room, where she shows Chris all her new braces. He really likes her dressy black braces and says,
 
 
CJ: Your black braces look really cool—no, sexy. I can't wait to see you in them.

 
B: I'll dress up, and you can take me somewhere fancy for dinner.

 
CJ: How about tomorrow night? I'll be down to see you first thing in the morning.
 

B: That would be wonderful, Chris; I miss being with you so much. Let me put on a Milwaukee brace and my tandem bow for you to see.
 
 
Collene helps Blake remove her elastics and Kuehnegger brace. Blake's body slumps forward and to the side with her brace removed. She then gets into her brown Milwaukee brace, places her tandem bow appliance in her mouth, and proceeds to do a bit of modeling, showing Chris she has more freedom in this brace.
 
 
CJ: That looks so much more comfortable, Blake. You have a lot more freedom to move your head, but how do we kiss with that thing in your mouth?

 
B- It is more comfortable, and the girls say I can drive while wearing it with some practice. Kissing, well, that will take practice, too.
 
 
CJ: It's getting late, and I'll see you in the morning. I'm glad you are getting the treatment you need, and I would never leave you because of it. I'm excited for us to pick up where we left off years ago.
 
 
B: I think we left off with me getting ready to move in with you...
 
 
CJ: You're welcome here anytime, Blake, braces and all.

 
B: I love you, Chris!
 

CJ: I love you, too, Blake. Goodnight.
 

The girls got ready for bed, and Rita sent a simple group text, "All good!" with a thumbs up emoji.
 
 

Ch. 169 - Catching Up

 
It's been a while since I last wrote, and a lot has gone on. Emme, Rebekah, and I got our arm casts changed once in the last twelve weeks. Her wrist healed well, and we are no longer in any casts. Rebekah and I were doing exercises by straining against our casts, so we maintained pretty good muscle tone. However, Emme's arm was pretty atrophied, and she had to keep her arm in a sling for a few weeks while doing rehab.
 
 
Collie and I both got our DLLCs off a few weeks ago, too. My legs actually got a little more atrophied, which I didn't think could happen, but it pleased me greatly. Collene really enjoyed her casts, and so did Billy. The only time she has ever had casts was for molds for making her KAFOs and Milwaukee braces. Those were always plaster, and they were only worn long enough for the plaster to set before they were removed. She absolutely loved how her brightly colored LLCs felt and looked. She and Billy are looking forward to more casting adventures in the future.

 
Judy has had her jaw unwired for a month and it's been difficult for her. I had warned her that her jaw would be very stiff and painful once her wires and splint were removed, but it was really bad for her. After Jimmy removed her wires and splint, her jaw was frozen in place, with any movement being extremely painful. Jimmy put her splint back in with elastics, and they called Joe. He made her a series of 3D-printed splints that got gradually smaller until she was back to wearing her regular splint. She enjoyed the additional weeks of immobilization with elastics, but not the pain she endured during her rehab. Like Emme, Judy's life is now back to normal.

 
Oh, and Blakely. Blake and Chris are doing great with their rekindled relationship. They really did simply pick up where they left off. Blake has moved in with Chris, and she loves the modern style of her new home; it's much like Sam and Millie's condo. However, they both enjoy a more rustic setting at times, so Blake has kept her cottage in the woods that is decorated with hand-me-downs from Kings Mountain Retreat. The couple often spends their weekends at Blake's old home, where they enjoy a quiet and romantic time.

 
Blake sends group texts quite often, so to fill you in on other things, I'll share them with you:

 
Hi friends,


Even though I have spoken to all of you personally, I want to apologize again for how I acted while I was visiting. My emotions got the best of me, and I'm so sorry. It must have been awful for those of you who must wear their braces to hear me say how hideous I thought I looked in mine. However, I don't feel that way anymore; I love how I look and feel wearing all my braces. You all stood by me, and I can't thank you enough. I'm thankful for your love and compassion, and I'm thankful to have Chris back in my life, too.

 
I have some great news to share with you, too. Chris got a call from the district superintendent to inform him that he had been promoted to area supervisor! This means more pay and flexible hours. Chris and I set up our work schedules to match, and now we always have three-day weekends together.

 
The best thing is that he can take me to work in the mornings and pick me up in the evening when he does his daily patrols of Kings Pass. I don't have to drive to work anymore, so I can wear my big brace with the orthodontic part all of the time. Wearing my braces to work has been no problem. I'm more comfortable on my feet than sitting, so I'm working at the front desk full time now and love interacting with guests. I get a lot of compliments about my style, too. I don't try to hide my braces, and I wear high-heeled boots with them. I hope that by wearing my big brace, or Kuehnegger, as Billy calls it, I can make good progress with not only my back but my teeth, too.

 
Talk to you soon, Blake

 
After her checkup with Dr. Joe and seeing Billy for her spinal braces to be adjusted, she sent this message:

 
Hi,

 
Sorry that Chris and I couldn't get together with any of you while we were in town. We were just passing through on our way to a weekend in the big city. We only had time to have breakfast with my parents and for my appointments with Billy and Joe.

 
My back braces had started to feel a little loose on my body and needed adjusting. Billy said this is a good thing, as it means that my spine is becoming straighter. Billy made adjustments, and now I once again feel a lot of pressure being applied to my curves, and I stand even taller. It's all quite uncomfortable again, like when my braces were first fitted. I'll get used to it, and now I know what my brace adjustments will be like for the next few years.

 
Chris got his braces fitted, too. The ones he wanted so that he could understand what my life is like. He only has one set, brown in color, with KAFOs like mine. His spinal braces are just like mine, with all the same pads and straps, but his big brace doesn't have a place for an orthodontic attachment. He wore his Milwaukee brace and KAFOs the entire weekend and his Kuehnegger in the evenings and to bed. We had a really romantic time together, and I love him so much for wanting to understand what my life is like now.

 
However, my visit to Dr. Joe wasn't as positive; I'm feeling a bit down. My bottom teeth are moving just like Joe had planned, but my uppers are not. My palatal expansion is going well, but protraction is not; my teeth are simply not moving. I wear my Kuehnegger brace with the orthodontic component full-time, which I thought would help, but it hasn't. I rarely wear my Milwaukee braces, and when I do, I always wear my tandem bow.

 
My teeth only need to move a few millimeters to line up properly, and Joe is trying to figure out what to do. I don't want to have surgery, risk infection, and be wired shut for months on end. For now, he gave me even stronger elastics to wear, and I now wear four at a time. Two go straight between the hooks on either side of my mouth, and two more crisscross. They really pull hard, but it is not painful; it is just sort of an annoyance. I never liked these hooks sticking out of my mouth, but I do now. They are so much more comfortable than having elastics rub on my lips. I think I have a slight allergy to the elastics, but outside my mouth, they don't bother me. Joe says if this doesn't work, he has one last thing to try called rigid distraction or something like that; I wasn't up to hearing the details.

 
Despite the bad news from Joe, Chris and I had a great weekend together, and I got used to my back brace fitting tightly once again. Chris enjoys watching me 'grow' as he puts it as my spine straightens. In bare feet and with both of us in our braces, I stand at least an inch and a half taller than him now, and I still have a lot of curves to straighten out.

 
Chris sends his love, and we'll see you soon, Blake

 
I'm worried about Blake and the lack of progress with her teeth. Everything has been so hard on her, but now she seems to be taking it all in stride with Chris by her side. She's lucky to have such a loving and compassionate man in her life. Now, despite that little bit of bad news, Lori and Kathy are doing quite well. Kathy had been doing a lot of exercises and even hired a physical therapist to help her regain her strength in her spine. She can now hold her head up on her own, even with the added weight of her halo ring, which she is still using with her traction frame. Next weekend, she and Lydia are going on a trip, and Kathy will wear her halo CTLSO for one last time before her ring is removed and she goes into her Milwaukee and Kuehnegger braces.

 
Lori is also doing quite well, too. Her spine is slowly becoming straighter, and like Blake, she seems to be growing. Lori's special orthodontic attachment on her halo is working out really well, despite the funny looks she gets. However, she thinks it looks cool, as do the rest of us. Lori's smile is looking great, and the little gap between her top front teeth is beginning to appear—her trademark Lauren Hutton gap—which she misses so much.

 
Oh, and our waitress friend Shelly, or 'ShellCast' as she is known online, is coming for a visit this weekend while her husband is away on business. She is getting her bright green LLC removed, then she will exercise her knee and ankle before getting a new cast. She and George have sure been enjoying her cast.
 
 
Now that I am out of all my casts, I can drive again, and I have been enjoying my freedom. I don't have to rely on anyone for a ride, and I can use crutches easily again, too. I got a call from Shelly last night, and she asked me to pick her up so we could go to lunch today. Rebekah was visiting at the time, and I asked if she could accompany us, and Shelly said sure.

 
When we got to Shelly's, we crutched up the door, and she invited us in. Her bright green LLC was now covered in signatures and drawings. Her cast was a bit loose on her leg because of atrophy. As Shelly moved about and her leg shifted in her cast, the aroma of a well-worn cast drifted in the air. The smell was not unpleasant, unlike the odor from the LLCs that Collie and I wore; rather, it had a hint of sweetness and wasn't disagreeable at all. Joel would absolutely love it.
 
 
We sat and talked for a while, then decided to go have burgers at Pee Dee's. Shelly grabbed her overnight bag, and we were on our way. Over lunch, Rebekah asked Shelly what her plan for her cast was, and she replied, "I really love wearing my cast and want to lengthen my adventure and even add to it. I was thinking of getting another LLC on my left leg and also getting a SLWC on my right. I'll wear these for six weeks, then switch to DSLWCs for six more weeks. What do you girls think?"

 
"Sounds ambitious, Shelly. What about work? Don't you need to get back to waiting tables?" I questioned.

 
"Actually, no, I can work as a hostess for as long as I want," replied Shelly. "George and I are having so much fun with me in my cast; two would be even better, and I would get even more attention at work. It'll be fun!"

 
"What will you tell your boss? You need a believable excuse." Rebekah asked with curiosity.

 
"I have it all planned out. My left leg needs to heal in an LLC for a bit longer, and I now have a stress fracture in my right foot from wearing high heels and being on crutches, which also needs a cast. Then, I'll say I need two casts as my fractures continue to heal, and I'll begin waiting tables again. Just think of the tips a waitress in two walking casts will get! I'll be able to pay for orthodontic braces in no time." Shelly's plan is ambitious and sounds like fun.
 
 
Rebekah and I looked at each other, and I said, "That sounds like a great plan, Shelly. Let's go back to my place and get you out of that cast so you can do some exercises and take a bath. Then you can get your new casts tomorrow afternoon."

 
When we got back to my place, Rebekah and I cut Shelly out of her cast, and she went to take a long, hot bath. Her leg was rather skinny after six weeks of immobilization, but her knee and ankle were not very stiff; she could walk with only a bit of a limp. Rebekah and I waited in the den for Shelly and talked about how we both desired some sort of extreme immobilization adventure—something unlike anything we have done before—but we came up blank on ideas that would allow us to still leave the house. The rest of the afternoon we spent lounging around and drinking wine.
 
 
Joel and Paul made dinner, and over dinner, Rebekah and I expressed our desire for a new and different sort of adventure. The guys got a sparkle in their eyes, and Paul said, "We have been waiting for you to ask, and we have something all planned out. You just tell us when you're ready." We were both very excited and curious.

 
The next morning, Shelly was excited to get her new casts, but we waited until the afternoon before visiting the cast room. Shelly wanted yellow casts this time with toeplates on both casts. She had banged her toes while wearing her old cast and wanted to have them protected. I told her that a toeplate is often used for a fractured foot, so it would look medically necessary. Rebekah and I got to work on her casts. Soon, Shelly was enjoying the warm sensation of her casts curing, and then she got up to enjoy the feeling of crutching around in two casts; she was in heaven.

 
Shelly called her husband George to come pick her up and then said to us, "George thinks I was just getting a shorter cast on my left leg, not another long one plus a walking cast on my right leg. He will be so surprised when he sees me like this." Well, when George arrived, he was surprised and very anxious to get Shelly home for a little fun. We bid farewell to our friends, and Rebekah and I speculated about what sort of adventure our husbands have been planning for us. We will soon find out.
 

Ch. 171 - Getting Ready - Orthopedics I
 
 
By the time we got home, Rebekah and I felt bad for what we were putting our husbands through. We told the guys that if they wanted their habit rakes and compliance devices removed, it was fine with us; they were both in considerable discomfort. Joel replied, "Don't worry, girls; Paul and I will be fine. I remember when you got your tongue tamers, Leigh, and how you got used to them fairly quickly. It will be the same for us with our habit rakes." Paul added, "We don't mind always wearing our headgear, so the compliance devices are not an issue. But don't count on us being the only ones experiencing a bit of discomfort this afternoon; the day is not over yet for you ladies." The guys went to fix us cocktails, leaving Rebekah and I alone to talk.
 
 
Rebekah and I were now starting to put things together and had a pretty good idea of what was coming next, which was very exciting and arousing. Our theory was pretty much confirmed when there was a knock at the door. Joel answered it and said, "Good afternoon, young ladies. Come on in. I think Leigh and Rebekah are very curious to find out what they will experience next." It was Sam and Millie; both of them were wearing their double facebows, Milwaukee braces, colorful leather thumb spica braces, and KAFOs. Millie was on crutches with her knees locked, and Sam's knees were free, so she was walking without crutches. Sam was also carrying the small case that contained her piercing tools and a small selection of jewelry. Millie asked Joel to get their overnight bags from their car, then complimented him on his new orthodontic appliances.
 
 
Seeing Sam with her piercing toolkit in hand and recalling all the molds that Billy took of our bodies some time ago, we knew for sure what would be happening. However, we decided to play dumb and let the guys have their fun with us since we had caused them so much discomfort with their new orthodontic appliances.
 
 
After greeting our guests, we sat and talked. Sam and Millie were both very curious about all of our new orthodontic appliances, especially what the guys were wearing. Both young ladies had to take a close look, and Rebekah explained the compliance devices that force the guys to wear their reverse pull headgear or experience even more discomfort. I added that they have to wear their headgear 24/7 and be very careful when replacing the elastics; otherwise, it would be quite painful. The girls were very intrigued by and impressed with all the appliances the guys were wearing and wished them well.
 
 
I asked the girls how they liked being "braced bitches," as they like to call themselves. Sam replied, "Everything is going great for us, Leigh! We are so happy that we got married, and we love living in our condo downtown. It's so much nicer than our old apartment, and the nightlife is wonderful. Oh, and these braces we wear are wonderful, too. My back never hurts anymore, and Millie looks so hot all braced up."
 
 
Millie interjects, "Thanks so much, Leigh, for all you have done for us. Even though I don't need any of my braces and Millie only needs her Milwaukee brace, we can't imagine not wearing them. I don't think we'll ever do like you and Judy have done, but we do enjoy our braced life with all the attention it brings and the private pleasures we have together. Oh, and our orthodontic braces that we do need are really getting our teeth looking good, too. Joe says they will be perfect in another four or five years. We plan to simply keep all our appliances in place when our treatment is over, sort of like a retainer like Pete is doing. We love our metallic smiles and lisps!"
 
 
Rebekah, knowing full well what was in the case Sam was carrying, asked what was in it anyway. Before Sam could answer, Paul said, "Joel and I hope you ladies don't mind, but Sam will be piercing your tongues this evening. It is a very necessary part of the adventure we have planned for you. It might be a bit painful, but you'll do fine, just like Joel and I with our rather uncomfortable orthodontic appliances. Plus, you'll both look great with tongue piercings, and Joel and I hope you keep wearing one after your adventure." With that said, Sam got a coy smile on her face, and she looked away from Rebekah and me.
 
 
Joel and Paul went to make the girls cocktails, and we all enjoyed a drink and told Sam and Millie of our very interesting day. Once Rebekah and I had a few drinks to numb ourselves a bit for what was coming, Rebekah said, "OK, Sam, let's get this done while we're buzzed. A friend of mine had her tongue pierced and said it was not pleasant and hurt for a few days." Sam, Rebekah, and I went to our cast room, where we have a dental chair and a good light; it would be easier for Sam to work there. The others remained behind to give us privacy.
 
 
Once in the cast room, Rebekah and I flipped a coin, and she won or lost, depending on your point of view, and would go first. She sat in the chair, and Sam removed her thumb spica braces and put on rubber gloves. I wheeled next to Rebekah and took her hand in mine. I had no idea what it would be like for her or me to get our tongues pierced. Sensing our apprehension, Sam told us not to worry; it's not painful at all.
 
 
Sam then showed us the special jewelry we would be getting. They are small disks, about the size of an aspirin tablet, with a stud affixed to them. She told us that the disk is a rare earth magnet, and it's part of the surprise the guys have planned for us. Sam explained that Joel had the magnetic studs specially made for us and that our new orthodontic appliances are to protect our teeth from being chipped by the very hard magnets.
 
 
The piercing process was now explained to us. A mark would be made on our tongues where the piercing would go, and then special forceps would be used to hold our tongues in place while a cannula pierced them. Then the stud on the magnet would be placed into the cannula, which would be pushed out of our tongues. Finally, a retainer would be screwed into place on the stud on the bottom of our tongues. Sam said the piercing would fit close against our tongues, unlike what we might have seen other people wearing, and that the process would take less than a minute.
 
 
Sam asked Rebekah if she was ready, and she replied affirmatively. Sam had Rebekah stick out her tongue, and she made a mark on it. Then the forceps were gently clamped in place. Sam said, "OK, Rebekah, I'm going to do it now, and I'll be quick." I flinched and looked away as I saw the cannula pass through Rebekah's tongue, but she didn't seem to respond at all. When I looked back, Sam was screwing the bottom retainer into the stud. The magnet fit close but not too tightly, and it actually looked really cute, like the one that Jackie still wears. 
 
 
The process was all over, and I asked what it was like. Rebekah, now with a very different lisp, said, "It feels really funny, like my tongue is very heavy, but it doesn't hurt. Getting my nose pierced was much worse, and this is nothing compared to having my halo ring placed. It sure feels weird and makes me talk funny, too. Please hand me a mirror; I want to see how it looks." 
 
 
As she spoke, I could hear the piercing tapping against the plastic protecting her teeth from such contact. I handed her a mirror, and Rebekah stuck out her tongue to take a look. She said, "Oh, I love how this looks; I wish I had my tongue pierced a long time ago. I love how it fits so close and glints in the light as I talk, but it will take some time to get used to. OK, Leigh, your turn," she said as she got up from the chair.
 
 
We swapped places, with Sam and Rebekah helping me to my feet and then into the chair. In less than a minute, my tongue was sporting its new magnetic jewelry. Rebekah was right; it wasn't bad at all, and now I talk funny like her. Sam handed us each a bottle of partially frozen water to drink, and the cool water eased the slight discomfort, but swallowing was extremely difficult. Sam then gave us piercing retainers and several stylish studs we could wear after our adventure was over. Rebekah and I looked in the mirror; we really liked how our piercings looked, and we went to show the guys our new adornments.
 
 
The guys loved how our piercings looked and asked if we would continue to wear tongue piercings after our adventure. We both said that we would, that we really loved the look, and that we were excited to wear different styles. Paul asked us what it was like, and we played up the pain quite a bit to make them feel better about their habit rakes. The guys had not yet checked out our new orthodontic appliances in detail, and they took long looks at what was going on in our mouths. When we worked with Joe on our husbands' appliances, we made sure their reverse-pull headgear fit close to their lips so we could kiss. Joe did a good job, and we kissed our husbands, and a thorough exploration was made of their new appliances with our freshly pierced tongues. Sam and Millie giggled as they watched us awkwardly kiss and explore each other's mouths.
 
  
At this point, we were all getting a bit hungry. Millie and Sam offered to make an early dinner—something soft, of course. They scrounged around the pantry and refrigerator and made us a very soft and moist meatloaf with mashed potatoes. It was really quite good, and very small bites were easy for all of us to chew and swallow. After dinner, Joel suggested that Rebekah and I get bathed in preparation for the final surprise of the day, and we would all meet in his office in the workshop at seven. Paul and Rebekah went home; Joel and I went to our room, while Sam and Millie headed off to visit Jimmy and Judy.
 
  
Before Joel got me into the bath, I told him to strip down and that I had a surprise for him. I usually only give him a BJ on his birthday, but with everything that is going on today, I'll make an exception. I thought he would really enjoy one with everything that is in my mouth and also with what he is experiencing in his. I'll just say I thought a machine gun went off in my mouth. Joel then laid me on the bed and brought me great pleasure, too. We cuddled for a little while, then he got me out of my braces, and we bathed together. After our bath, he dried me off, carried me to bed, and placed a catheter inside me. Finally, he helped me put my robe on and strapped me in my wheelchair without any of my braces on. 
 
 
Joel then wheeled me out to his office. Sam, Millie, Judy, and Jimmy were all there watching TV, but Paul and Rebekah had yet to arrive. Judy didn't say hi; she just stuck her tongue out at me. There was now a small silver heart adorning it, which Jimmy seemed enamored with. Judy then lispfully said, "You and Rebekah can't have all the fun. Maybe I can talk Collie into getting her tongue pierced, too." Judy looked great; however, she was having quite a bit of difficulty speaking while trying to keep the little silver heart from getting caught in her expander and tongue crib, which we all found amusing.
 
 
Paul and Rebekah soon arrived, and Rebekah, like me, was in her wheelchair wearing only her robe, and she had a catheter, too. She wheeled over to me, and we quietly talked for a minute. Rebekah said that she and Paul had an encounter similar to the one that Joel and I had, and we were both very aroused by the thought of what was coming next. With everything that has happened so far today, we just knew that we would soon be placed in some sort of extremely immobilizing brace. We'll soon find out exactly what it will be.
 
 
Joel and Paul approached us, grasped the handles of our wheelchairs, and pushed us through the door Jimmy was holding open that led to the garage. It was very dark, and when the lights were turned on, we saw the most beautiful pair of full-body braces sitting in new power wheelchairs. We were right; the guys are going to completely immobilize our bodies in these braces for the trip we are taking next week. We will be doing just like Jackie did on the cruise and at Kings Mountain, controlling our wheelchairs with our tongues while being completely unable to move. The thought of being completely immobilized and totally dependent on others was intoxicating.
 
 
Everyone was in awe when they saw what Rebekah and I would be wearing. Jimmy said that almost all our friends knew what the guys had planned for us, and everyone had kept the secret. Judy said, "Only your husbands, Billy, Collie, Gary, and Rita, have seen your braces. None of us have until now, and they are absolutely magnificent. After seeing them, I think that Billy will be quite busy. I know that I want a set, and Emme will, too."
 

Rebekah and I wheeled over to take a close look at the braces that would soon completely immobilize our bodies. We were both trembling with anticipation of being placed in them and thoughts of what life would be like wearing them. These huge braces would soon be firmly strapped to our bodies and would render us completely helpless. Let me describe to you these works of orthopedic art, starting at the toes, and they do go all the way to our toes.