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Story: Leigh and Joel

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napacaster:
Ch. 106 - Judy's KAFOs
 
 
When Judy arrived at our place for breakfast this morning, she seemed excited and was very upbeat. She was dressed very casually, in just her very worn KAFOs and a denim skirt; she wore nothing on top but her Minerva cast. Joel said to Judy, "You're looking quite chipper this morning, Judy, and you're dressed so casually, too. Is anything special going on today?" 
 
 
Judy replied, "Yes, there is, Joel! Collie and Billy called last night, and my new KAFOs and shoes are ready. Billy said to come in today to have them fitted. I'm so excited to finally get braces that fit me, and now I'll be able to wear cute shoes instead of these clunky old boots. The only thing I don't like about my old braces are these stupid boots, but now I'll be able to wear a variety of cute shoes and sandals with my braces. Can you come with me, Leigh? I'm so excited!" 
 
 
I said that it would be my pleasure and that I was anxious to see Billy's work. We ate breakfast, and I texted Kathy that I was taking Judy to get her new leg braces and would be in late today. Kathy wished Judy the best and told me to take the day off to spend with Judy, but to be sure to send pictures of Judy in her new braces. I kissed Joel goodbye as best I could with my facebows in the way, and Judy and I got in the car and headed to town.
 
 
We arrived at Jameson Orthotics just as Billy and Collene were opening up. Since they have help at the shop now, Gary and Rita come in late and then work well into the evening after dinner. They are both night people and really enjoy their new schedule.

 
When Billy spoke, he had a very pronounced lisp, and I inquired about it. He opened his mouth, revealing that he now had upper and lower expanders with a large tongue crib, along with the headgear he had been wearing. I asked how he was coping with his new appliances. He said they put a lot of pressure on his teeth and caused him to lisp, and that Collene loves turning his expanders for him. 
 
 
Collene interjected, "He sounds so sexy with his lisp, doesn't he, Leigh?" I said, "He does," whereupon Billy blushed. We went inside, and Billy was excited to show Judy her new KAFOs and the progress made on her Milwaukee braces. He led us to the fitting room, where Judy's braces and shoes were laid out on the table. They looked beautiful! We went over to examine the four pairs of braces: a brown pair and a white pair for daily wear, a fancy, highly polished black pair for going out, and finally a carbon fiber pair with footplates for athletic pursuits. 
 
 
The craftsmanship was excellent, and Billy was very proud of his work. He didn't want to have Judy try them on until Gary arrived so he could verify they fit correctly, so we went to the workshop to check out Judy's Milwaukee braces. Each Milwaukee brace matched a pair of KAFOs, and they were almost complete. All that was missing were the interchangeable throat molds and occipital pads; they had yet to arrive, but otherwise her braces were all done. These braces also looked to be very well crafted, and if they fit half as well as they look, Billy has a bright future in his trade. Since it would be a while before Gary and Rita arrived, Judy and I decided to crutch down to the park to enjoy the pleasant morning and then get a cup of coffee. 
 
 
We got a lot of looks from people as we crutched along in the park with her Minerva cast in full view, along with all our other braces. Judy, like Rebekah, loves to talk to people about her casts and braces. She hoped to meet someone to talk to this morning, and Judy was in luck.
 
 
We met a girl on roller skates who had what looked to be brand new white SATS on both wrists. She stopped to talk to us, saying her name was April, and Judy asked what had happened to her. April said that she had badly broken both wrists while roller skating, and she learned a hard lesson about always wearing her wrist guards. She said she had been wearing LATS on both arms for the last eight weeks, and it was really hard for her to be so helpless, but her husband took good care of her. April just got them off yesterday and had smaller casts applied to wear for the next six weeks. She said it was great to be back on wheels again; it was impossible to skate in her double LATS casts. 
 
 
I told her about Sam and Millie's skating accident, and April said she knew them well and followed their recovery closely. She said it's amazing how both girls are able to skate so well wearing their back braces, too. Then April asked about Judy's big cast and the braces we were wearing. Judy replied that she was wearing her cast until a back brace like mine was made for her and that we have spinal problems that require us to wear back and leg braces. We wished each other well, and as we parted ways, April said, "Oh, your smiles are so cute. I've always wanted to get braces, and yours look really cool!"
 
 
Judy and I then headed for the coffee shop. On the way, she got a text from her sister saying that Gary and Rita came in early and we should return to the shop, so we skipped coffee and headed back.
 
 
When we got there, everyone was in the office chatting, and Gary was looking at the schedule. After talking for a little while and catching up on what we all have been doing, Gary suggested we get Judy into her new KAFOs. Rita stayed in the office with Collene, and the rest of us went back to the fitting room. 
 
 
Billy said to Judy, "Well, there is not much to explain since you have worn Collene's braces while you were staying with us. You know how to swap out shoes and how to adjust your crutches. I am going to go over everything with you anyway, so Gary can observe me as if I were working with a regular client." 
 
 
Billy began to explain everything about the braces and showed Judy how to swap shoes and adjust her crutches. He also told her how to adjust all the straps on her new braces since they had a different configuration than her old ones. Now, Judy began to take off her old braces, and Billy asked her which pair she wanted to wear out of the office today. She chose the white KAFOs and paired them with white clog sandals—a nice summer look. We always have the braces we want to wear for the day fitted last. 
 
 
Billy first put Judy's legs into the carbon fiber KAFOs and strapped a pair of orthopedic sandals to her feet since she didn't bring any athletic shoes. Judy got up and crutched around, saying the braces felt great and conformed perfectly to her legs. Gary and Billy both checked everything, and all was well. 
 
 
Now all of Judy's other KAFOs were tried on, starting with the glossy black pair with highly polished metal. Judy attached a pair of high-heeled booties to these. They were a bit of a challenge to walk in, and she'll need to practice before a night out on the town, but she looked really sexy wearing them. Then the brown pair was tried on with a pair of Mary Janes, and they fit fine, too. Finally, Judy put on the white pair with clog sandals, and she looked really good in them, especially with the short skirt she was wearing. These braces also gained Gary's approval, and he told Billy that he had done excellent work.
 
 
As we were getting ready to leave, Gary said that Judy's Milwaukees would be done soon. The parts should be here in a day or two, and she could be fitted with those braces in a few days. Judy replied, "Take your time. I really am enjoying wearing my Minerva cast; it's so comfortable and cozy inside. I would wear a cast like this forever if I could. I just love it!" Gary said that since Judy was enjoying her Minerva cast so much, Billy should make her a Minerva CTLSO brace to wear too. Judy was overjoyed, and Gary said it would be a good experience for Billy. 
 
 
Gary then told Judy that she shouldn't wear her Minerva cast for more than six to eight weeks and to just let Collene or Billy know when she wanted it removed and her Milwaukee braces fitted. Judy said, "I'll wear it for the full eight weeks, Gary. I really love being immobilized like this; it feels great." We thanked everyone, and Judy gave Billy a big hug and once again complimented him on his excellent work, telling him her new braces are very comfortable and extremely stylish. 
 
 
Collene then crutched in to see Judy in her new braces and said, "Wow, Judy, you look great in those; they fit you so well. Billy did a wonderful job." Judy replied, "Oh, Collie, thanks for making all this possible. My new leg braces look and feel great, and I'm excited to get my new Milwaukee braces after my cast comes off. I love my bands, too, and I can’t wait to get my expanders and headgear. Thank you, Collie, I love you." The sisters hugged and shed a few tears of joy before we parted ways.
 
 
Once in the car, Judy asked if I had to get to work right away. I said no. Kathy told me to spend the day with her; we could do whatever she wanted. Judy wanted to go to the mall and look for some more clothing to wear with her cast since she would be wearing it for another six weeks, as well as sport sandals and athletic shoes to wear with her carbon fiber KAFOs.
 

When we got to the mall, we attracted quite a bit of attention. We visited several shoe stores, where Judy picked out sandals and shoes she could wear to the gym and pool with her carbon fiber braces. Next, we made our way to the discount clothing store, where Judy got some blouses a couple sizes larger than normal to fit over her cast and a longer denim skirt. Her cast and very short skirt, which are definitely not her usual style, were attracting a bit more attention than she was comfortable with, so she put on her new skirt and blouse before leaving the store. I wanted to see about getting a few new outfits for work, so we crutched to the other end of the mall to the upscale clothing store that Annie had bought some outfits at. 
 
 
As we approached the store, I saw that the same saleswoman, Jane, who had helped us before, was working today. She recognized me, and when she smiled, I could see Jane's jaw was wired shut with heavy archbars running along her teeth, with many loops of wire between them. Before I could ask about her wires, Jane, through her clenched teeth and with a muffled voice, said to Judy, "Oh, look at you. What happened to put you in that big cast and leg braces, too? You poor little thing." Judy simply explained that she has a spinal problem that has caused paralysis in her legs and is wearing her cast while her new back braces are being made. 
 
 
I then asked Jane if her TMJ problem was why her jaw was wired shut, and Jane said:
 
 
"Yes, my TMJ got really bad despite my splint, and I woke up several times in the middle of the night in horrid pain with my jaw dislocated. The doctor decided it was time to wire my jaw shut and let things rest and heal. The procedure was very painful, and I was miserable and in pain for the first few days. Then I became very frustrated with my situation. I remember what you told me, Leigh—it gets easier after a few weeks, and you were right. It's been a month now, and I am doing really well, and my husband is very supportive, too. He even takes all his meals blended like I have to; he's such a sweet guy, and that's made things a lot easier on me."
 
 
"Last week I went and saw Dr. Joe Robbins for a second opinion. He recommended that I be wired shut for eight weeks and that surgery is not the solution. Dr. Robbins said that my bite is the root of my troubles and that it must be corrected with orthodontics. In a month, my jaw will be unwired, and I will be getting braces, bands like you two are wearing, and a splint to position my jaw correctly. Then I'll be banded shut for another eight weeks to let everything settle in. After that, I will get expanders and headgear to correct my bite."
 
 
"This entire process has been really intense and intimidating, but I am very comfortable with it and have become used to being wired shut. In fact, I am sort of enjoying it for some strange reason, and I think my husband is, too. I'm looking forward to getting braces, and I know I'll look great wearing them, even at my age."
 
 
Judy told Jane that Dr. Joe was our orthodontist and that he's very good. We wished Jane well with her treatment, and after a bit more conversation, I picked out a few new outfits for work.
 
 
Judy and I then went and grabbed a bite to eat for a late lunch, and I got a few pictures of Judy for Kathy. I dropped her off at the shop so Emme could see her new KAFOs, and then she could get a ride home with Joel. It was a fun day, and Judy loves her new KAFOs. For some reason, I got the feeling that Jane is really enjoying her very intense TMJ treatment and that she and her husband may even be like us.

napacaster:
Ch. 107 – Judy’s New Job

 
Judy has really enjoyed wearing her Minerva cast, but the time has come for her to part with it. It's now extremely worn; the padding has become packed down, and the stockinette is torn in places and is not so soft anymore. Around her face, her cast is stained from makeup and sweat. It has also acquired a strong "lived-in" aroma from her active lifestyle. Judy's cast is covered in signatures and drawings from all the new friends she has made since moving here, too. However, she must part with it, begin wearing her new Milwaukee braces, and truly start her new life here.
 
 
Judy was at our place this morning for breakfast as usual, and I had taken the morning off to accompany her to get her new Milwaukee braces fitted. She was dressed very casually, wearing just a pair of shorts and her brown KAFOs with brown block-heeled oxfords that were rather high. Judy also had a bag with a change of clothes to wear to her meeting with Kathy and to start her new job this afternoon. We ate breakfast, and as we were getting ready to go, Joel gave Judy a big hug and wished her well. I think he just wanted to take one last close look at Judy's worn cast and get a whiff of its very strong odor. Joel is really into dirty and smelly casts, which is something I won't often indulge him with; I like fresh, clean casts and get mine changed often.
 
 
When we arrived at Jameson Orthotics, Collene was working at her desk wearing all her beautiful white braces and matching double-facebow interlandi headgear. She sure seems to enjoy wearing her double facebows just as much as I do, and she looks quite fetching with them. When Collene smiled as she got up to give us a hug, I immediately noticed something new with her orthodontic braces: she had surgical hooks on her archwires. When I asked about them, Collene turned red with embarrassment; they are obviously there for fun only, and Collene said:
 
 
C - It's a little embarrassing, but my hooks are only for fun. In fact, Billy got them too. After Judy told us about being wired shut that night, we were curious to see what it was like for ourselves. We even have surgical-type splints to wear, too. Billy's is like the one I have seen Leigh, Joel, and Rebekah wear in pictures. Mine is a little different because of my fixed bite block, but from the front, they both look identical. We have only put them in our mouths to see how they fit; we haven't wired or even banded each other shut yet. That will come after work on Friday for our wired weekend.
 
 
J - Oh Collie, you and Billy will love having your jaws wired shut. I only did it for that one night, and it was great! Once I get settled into my new job, I plan to spend two months wired shut. 
 
 
C - Well, you all seem to enjoy it, and I hope we do, too. Since everything is going so well in our lives, Billy and I have been having a bit more fun lately. I have even put casts on both of his legs a couple of times, but we didn't leave our apartment.
 
 
L - That's great that you and Billy did some casting; it's a lot of fun. Do you and Billy have everything you need for jaw wiring?
 
 
C - Yes, we sure do. Sally gave us everything we'll need.
 
 
J - When I was visiting with Emme the other day, she said she was going to get hooks on her archwires, too. She shares the same curiosity as you, Collie.
 
 
C - That's cool. I guess we'll all have to go out one day wired shut. That would be fun.
 
L - It certainly would, Collene. I love going out wired shut and talking to people. Of all the things I have done, a wired jaw seems to get the most attention. You'll love it!
 
 
We all went to the workshop. Billy was glad to see Judy and me and was excited to have Judy try on her new braces. He was very proud of his work. Gary said to Billy, "I think you can handle this yourself, but come get me if you need any help," and we went to the cast room.
 
 
B - Let's get you out of that smelly old cast, Judy.
 
 
J - Sounds good, Billy. It's gotten pretty nasty the last couple of weeks, but I still love wearing it.
 
 
B - I have never seen you walk without your braces, Judy, and your legs are quite atrophied. You can't walk at all without your braces anymore, can you?
 
 
J - That's right, Billy, I can no longer walk without braces; my legs are too weak. Why do you ask? 
 
 
B - I figured as much. I just need to know so I can provide you with the proper level of assistance today. That's all.
 
 
J - Oh, OK, Billy. As long as there is a seat in the shower and I have a wheelchair to get there, I'm fine without them, but I would like someone to scrub my back for me. I know I have been smelling pretty bad for the last couple of weeks and really need to get cleaned up. You are such a gentleman, and I trust you to provide me with any assistance I might need, and I am not afraid of you seeing me without my cast or anything else on.
 
 
B - I'm glad you are comfortable with me seeing you like that, Judy. For me, it is just part of the job. Here, I am a professional, not your sister's boyfriend; I'm glad you feel at ease. Have a seat on the table, and we'll take off your KAFOs so they don't get fiberglass dust on them, then I'll remove your cast.
 
 
J - Sounds great, Billy. I am really excited to wear the braces you made me, and I'm sure they will be perfect.
 
 
Judy removed her shorts, took a seat, and removed her KAFOs and shoes. Billy then began cutting her free from her cast. I warned Judy that her skin would be very sensitive once her cast was removed and that the air would feel cold and prick her bare skin. Judy asked Billy to be careful when cutting her cast off; she wants to save it.
 
 
Soon Judy was free of her cast; her back and neck were very weak. She had difficulty holding her head up and sitting up straight. Billy asked if she wanted a neck brace to wear while she showered, and she thought she would be fine without it. Billy then went to prepare the shower and got warm water flowing.
 
 
He soon returned, helped Judy into a transport chair, and took her to the shower. Once there, she removed her panties, transferred to the shower seat, and took a long, hot shower. She gently washed her newly exposed skin, along with shampooing and conditioning her hair.
 
 
While Judy was showering, Billy cleaned up Judy's cast so she could save it and also see what was drawn and written on the back. Judy then called for Billy to come scrub her back, and she spent a few more minutes enjoying the hot shower. Finally, she was finished, and Billy helped her to dry off, and Judy called for me to bring her panties and bra from the bag she had brought.
 
 
I took Judy's undergarments to her and helped her put them on, while Billy went and got her KAFOs. Judy put on her leg braces and shoes, and then she crutched to the fitting room with Billy carrying her bag of clothes. Now clean and refreshed, Judy was excited to try on her new Milwaukee braces.
 
 
 Judy's braces were laid out on a table, and Billy picked up the waterproof brace and began to put it on Judy. She said, "Wait! I need to put in my orthodontic splint first." Judy got the plastic case out of her bag, removed the splint from it, carefully placed it in her mouth, and I banded it in place for her. Judy then said to Billy with a strong lisp, "OK, now I can try on my braces, Billy."
 
 
The first brace was firmly strapped onto Judy's body, and Billy checked the fit, which was perfect. Judy stood up and crutched around the room, saying it was really comfortable. The process was repeated with her white and black braces, and finally with her brown one, which she would be wearing today. Billy said he thought to try it on last since it matched the KAFOs she was wearing, and if she was anything like her sister, her leg and back braces must match.
 
 
This brace also fit great, and Billy went to get Gary to pass the final judgment. When Billy returned with Gary, he ensured all was well and asked Judy if this brace felt like all the others. Judy assured him that it did and that it was very comfortable despite being extremely restrictive. Gary turned to Billy and said, "Excellent job, my friend. You have a natural talent for this work. It's hard to believe that these are the first Milwaukee braces you ever made on your own."
 
 
With Gary's approval of her braces, Judy got in her bag, pulled out a blue knee-length skirt, a white blouse, and a blue jacket, and got dressed. She got a small makeup kit from her bag and crutched to the mirror to apply her makeup and brush her hair. Judy was braced from head to toe, wearing a great-looking, well-tailored suit with cute high heels on her feet and a crooked, metallic smile. She looked absolutely stunning!
 
 
I told Judy that her look was perfect for our office and that she would fit in very well. Billy said there was one last thing and showed her the interchangeable throat molds and occipital pads that she could change to suit her mood or style. We thanked Billy and complimented him on his fine work, and Gary was very pleased with what Billy had learned from him in such a short time.
 
 
We crutched out to the office so Collene could see her sister's new braces. Collene said, "You look great, Judy! I'm so happy for you to be living the life you have dreamed of. It's too bad that you couldn't have had custom-made braces years ago when you began living like this, but look at you now! Braced from head to foot in beautiful custom-made braces with sexy bands on all your teeth, too. Good luck at your new job, and have Leigh drop you off at our place after work. I want to hear all about your day."
 
 
Judy replied, "Will do, Collie. Today is truly a new beginning for me, and I'm so excited and thankful for everyone and everything in my life. I feel and look great! See you and Billy this evening, Collie."
 
 
Just as we were crutching out the door, Judy turned to Billy and asked about her Minerva CTLSO. Billy said that he had a few things left to do on it and would bring it on Friday, when we're all going out to dinner. Judy was pleased and said she would wear it that evening. I told Judy that I would wear mine and would ask Rebekah and Emme to wear theirs, too. Four ladies in identical spinal braces will certainly attract the attention we all crave. With that, Judy thanked everyone once again and said goodbye. Billy carried Judy's braces to the car and placed them in the trunk. Now it was off for a quick lunch and then for Judy to start her new job.
 
 
We stopped for lunch at the cafe near the office and had a quick bite to eat. Judy did a good job of discreetly removing and replacing her orthodontic splint for her meal. After we ate, Judy thought it would be a good idea for her to crutch to the office from the cafe and go in alone to meet with Kathy. I agreed and told her to meet me at my car at the end of the day. We crutched out of the cafe, and I went to my car while Judy made her way to the office. She was so cute as she quickly and gracefully crutched down the street, looking so confident in her new braces while flashing her metallic smile.
 
 
Judy had to crutch a few blocks to the office, so I was already there by the time she arrived. She stopped and spoke with the receptionist, who led her to Kathy's office. Judy crutched by my office on her way to Kathy's, looking poised, confident, and beautiful as she passed. Kathy was at her door waiting for Judy, and the two went inside and spent over an hour together.
 
 
Finally, I saw both of them leave Kathy's office and head my way. They came into my office, closed the door, and sat down to talk. Kathy said that Judy will be a perfect fit for our company and will likely have a long and successful career here. Judy said that she was really looking forward to finishing school and working here full time. Kathy then said, "Let's go, and I'll introduce you to your manager and have you meet the entire marketing team. I'm sure you will fit right in." They both got up and headed to the elevator, and I was anxious to talk to Judy at the end of the day to find out how everything went.
 
 
When it was time to go home, I was at the car first and watched Judy get out of the elevator with the head of her division and several of her new co-workers. They were all smiling and seemed to be getting along quite well, almost like they were old friends. Everyone then went to their cars, and Judy crutched over to mine and got in.
 
 
Judy said, "Oh, Leigh, thanks so much for everything. I really hit it off with everyone, and I think I will be very happy working here. Everyone liked my ideas and way of thinking. The people here are all really nice, and the overall atmosphere is so pleasant and relaxed, but yet very professional." I told Judy I was very happy for her and hoped she would have a long and happy career here, like Kathy and I have. Judy then got on her phone to call Kathy to thank her, too.
 
 
It's great to see Judy so happy and looking so beautiful in all her braces.

napacaster:
Ch. 108 – My Petrie Cast – Application

 
With Judy settled in and enjoying life in her new braces, Kathy and I began planning cast adventures. We're retiring soon and would like to go to work in extremely immobilizing casts or braces one last time. I have always wanted to wear a cast big and immobilizing enough to confine me to a wheelchair or bed. I think I know what Kathy is planning, but I'm not exactly sure yet. Our adventures will overlap, which will be a lot of fun.
 
 
The only time I have worn bilateral LLCs was over long weekends, but they were only my 3D-printed casts. Not only do I want to wear bilateral fiberglass LLCs, I also want spreader bars that hold my legs spread far apart. I've seen videos online of this type of cast, and wearing one looks really intense. If my knees are bent and my legs spread far enough, crutches will be useless, and I'll be confined to my wheelchair and also need to use a catheter.
 
 
I asked Joel what he thought, and he said it sounded like a lot of fun if I could come up with a believable story; a cast like this is almost unheard of for an adult. I told him what I planned to tell folks, and with all the things I have done in the past, he thought no one would question it. Joel said he would love to have me in a cast like that, and he'll take good care of me. He also said he'll put new batteries in my wheelchair and get it checked out so it's ready for my long adventure.
 
 
As you know, I have been wearing my KAFOs full-time for quite a while now. Everyone is used to all my braces and orthodontic appliances, so now is a great time for this adventure to start. At work, I started to complain that I was having problems with my hips and that they were feeling, as best I could describe it, loose and unstable. Then I mentioned I was having pain in my hips, and I would wince when I stood up or sat down.
 
 
Several people took note and suggested I see a doctor, so I took off midday on a Tuesday and said I was going to get my hips checked out. When I returned to work the next day, I was asked what would be done for me. I explained that the ligaments in my hips have stretched because of the way I walk in my leg braces, and treatment would involve allowing them to rest and allowing them to shorten. I was then asked what my treatment would entail. I said that I would be getting full-leg casts applied to both my legs, and these casts would be connected with bars at my knees and ankles to spread my legs apart. This would allow my ligaments to relax, and I would need to wear the cast for eight weeks.
 
 
Someone asked if I would be able to walk with this cast, and I said no; I would be confined to a wheelchair or bed the entire time. Then I was asked when I would begin my treatment, and I replied that I have an appointment for my cast to be applied on Friday afternoon. Then, hopefully, I would return to work on Monday in my wheelchair. By the end of the day, the entire office knew what was going on. There's no turning back now!
 
 
The day has arrived; Joel will place me in my cast, and I'm both excited and nervous. My wheelchair has been polished up, and the new batteries are freshly charged. I have never been confined to my wheelchair for any length of time, and I wondered what it would be like to have my legs spread so far apart. I will soon find out.
 
 
We went to the cast room, I got undressed, and we discussed the final details of my cast. I wanted a black cast with black stockinette. I think black looks classy and is much easier to keep looking clean, and as you know, I like my casts to look fresh and clean. I also wanted my casts to have toeplates to protect my toes from banging into doorways, which I know will happen. Joel asked me how I wanted my knees and feet positioned, and I said I wanted my knees bent quite a bit so I could sit comfortably without my legs sticking out too far in front of me. Since there was no way I would be using crutches and walking in my cast, I wanted my feet to be positioned with my toes pointed slightly down.
 
 
Joel gathered the necessary supplies, placed them on a cart, and brought them to the table I was sitting on. I removed my KAFOs and Milwaukee brace, leaned back against the inclined table, and relaxed as Joel cast my right leg. He applied a perfect LLC that came up really high on my thigh with my knee bent and my toes pointed down. Joel asked me how it felt, and I said, "Oh, Joel, this cast is wonderful. It's one of the best you have ever made; it's really comfortable. Please get my left leg into one just as perfect."
 
 
Soon, my left leg was in a cast identical to the one on my right leg. Once again, it was perfect and very comfortable. Joel let the fiberglass dry for a few minutes, then he held the first spreader bar behind my ankles. He spread my legs and measured the distance between the tips of my toeplates to ensure they were spread as wide as possible while still being able to fit through doors. He was satisfied with the measurement but warned me that doorways would be a tight fit.
 
 
Joel began to incorporate the wooden spreader between my LLCs, securing it to my casts with several rolls of fiberglass and also covering all the wood with black fiberglass. Then he placed a second spreader bar at my knees, also securing it with plenty of black fiberglass. I watched intently while Joel worked, thinking about how immobilized I was and what my life would be like for the next eight weeks. When Joel was finally done, my two long leg casts had become one cast, a Petrie cast, and it felt divine. I laid back and drifted into a dreamlike state, enjoying the warmth of my cast as the fiberglass fully cured.
 
 
Once my cast was fully hard, I began to test its restrictions, despite my weak legs. Yes, my legs are becoming weak, just like Judy's, from wearing my KAFOs all the time and my lack of exercise. My new cast was extremely immobilizing, and my legs were now one unit that only moved together. Because I am so short, the almost three-foot-wide spread at my feet meant a very extreme angle at my hips. I naturally wanted to bring my legs together out of modesty, but I could not. It was a really strange feeling, and I felt extremely vulnerable despite being safe with my loving husband.
 
 
Joel then asked if I was ready to have my catheter placed, and I was. He gently placed the catheter inside me and secured the bag to my left leg. I felt even more vulnerable and insecure now with my catheter in place, but I said nothing to Joel. Then, with great effort, I sat on the edge of the table. My now useless legs stuck out in front of me with my knees, hips, and ankles fixed in a very relaxed and comfortable position—the position they would be in for the next eight weeks. There's no way I could possibly walk or even stand in these casts; I'll be totally dependent on my wheelchair for mobility.
 
 
I just sat there thinking about what life was going to be like for the next eight weeks as Joel cleaned up the room. Even though I had only been out of my Milwaukee brace for a short while, my back was already becoming painful. I asked Joel to put my Milwaukee brace back on me, and my spine instantly felt better. At this point, I realized how immobilized I really was. It was overwhelming, and I wondered if I had made the right choice. After a few moments of reflection, yes, this is the right choice; the next two months will be very pleasurable, despite many challenges.
 
 
While I was away with my thoughts, Joel made some adjustments to my wheelchair, and it was ready for me. He picked me up with one arm around my body and his other hand grasping the spreader bar between my knees. I put my arms around his neck, and we kissed before he gently placed me in my wheelchair. He made some adjustments for my comfort, since that's where I'll be spending the majority of the next two months, and strapped me in tightly.
 
 
As Joel finished cleaning up the cast room, I reclined my wheelchair into a very comfortable position and just absorbed my situation. Joel finally asked how I liked my cast and how it felt to wear it. I said, "Sitting here in my wheelchair feels just like I'm relaxing in my recliner, but with my legs spread very wide. My knees and ankles feel great, and I am very relaxed. The only thing is the spread of my legs; it's not physically uncomfortable, but it is very much so emotionally. I feel extremely exposed and vulnerable with my legs spread apart like this, and my catheter only intensifies these feelings. I naturally want to bring my legs together, but I can't. It's very unnerving."
 
 
Joel said, "Well, maybe that is because you are wearing nothing except your cast, Milwaukee brace, and bra. Let's get you dressed in one of the outfits you bought for this adventure. You'll feel better fully clothed." I raised the backrest of my wheelchair and carefully guided it towards our bedroom, with Joel following close behind.
 
 
With my spreader bars, all I can wear are dresses and skirts, and I would be without panties, too. Rebekah modified some clothing for me with Velcro down the back to make dressing easier. Before dressing, I had Joel pick me up and put me on the bed so I could see what it would be like to sleep in my cast. With some pillows under my legs, I was quite comfortable, so sleeping will be no problem.
 
 
Joel is taking me out for dinner tonight, and I thought it would be fun to let him choose my outfit. He picked out a long blue dress that's wide below the waist that would look good with my white Milwaukee brace. Joel helped me change my brace and get into my dress. He once again carefully picked me up, and we kissed again before he placed me in my wheelchair and pulled the straps tight around my body.
 
 
I wheeled over to my vanity and did my makeup and hair. I chose to wear my white facebows with interlandi straps to match my Milwaukee. It is nice to have my facebows unwired so I can change colors, but I miss being forced to wear my headgear 24/7. I wheeled over to the full-length mirror to take a look at myself, and I looked great. Everything about my look was perfect; my dress covered just enough but not too much of my cast, and my metallic smile and headgear looked great with my white-framed glasses. I was going to go out in public in my Petrie cast for the first time, and I was both excited and very nervous.
 
 
Joel got me and my wheelchair into the van, and we were on our way to dinner. So far, my Petrie cast is very comfortable, but I have only been wearing it for a few hours. Even though my dress covered me well, I still felt very vulnerable with my legs spread apart and found myself constantly trying to bring them together, which is impossible. I hope these feelings soon fade away as I become more accustomed to my cast.
 
 
When we arrived at Rancho Gordo, we were greeted by Shelly, our favorite waitress. We go here often, and Shelly has closely followed my progression from just my Milwaukee brace to wearing AFOs, then KAFOs, and she often asks me detailed questions about my situation; I think she might be one of us herself based on some of her questions. Shelly asked me why I was in such a big cast, and I explained that walking in my KAFOs had caused problems with my hips, and my cast was to let them rest for eight weeks.
 
 
Shelly asked if I was in any pain, and I said I was not, but right then I had a muscle spasm in my right leg, and I let out a little cry. Joel asked me if I was OK, and I said it was just a muscle spasm. I turned to Shelly and said, "Well, maybe a little pain, but it passed quickly." Shelly soon brought us our drinks, then our meals, which we greatly enjoyed. Sitting there eating, my cast felt so comfortable and natural that I actually forgot I was wearing it.
 
 
It was late by the time we got home, and both of us were ready for bed. We were glad to have already made arrangements to make sleeping in my cast comfortable for me. Joel asked if I wanted to put on my CTLSO, which I like to sleep in. I said that I did, and Joel carefully picked me up out of my wheelchair and kissed me before setting me on the edge of the bed. He undressed me and removed my Milwaukee brace.
 
 
Joel then strapped me into my CTLSO for the night and got me comfortable in bed with my legs on the stack of pillows. My cast and CTLSO felt great, and I was very comfortable and content. I don't think getting a good night's sleep will be any problem at all. Joel leaned over me and kissed me once again, as best he could, with my facebows in place. He told me how beautiful I looked laying there in nothing but my Petrie cast, Minerva CTLSO, and headgear, and that he loved me very much. I smiled with my metallic smile and said that I loved him, too, and that our life together has been a dream come true. Joel then laid down and pulled the blankets up over us.
 

We held hands as we drifted off to sleep.

napacaster:
Ch. 109 – My Petrie Cast – The Next Day

 
I woke up this morning amazingly refreshed, but my hips are quite sore. I had slept great in my Petrie cast despite the discomfort that had built up in my hips. Otherwise, my legs felt so relaxed in their warm, cozy cast. I just laid in bed, enjoying the feeling of my cast, CTLSO, and headgear, while Joel took a shower. When he returned, he had all the things needed to give me a sponge bath. Joel helped me sit on the edge of the bed and brought over my makeup stool, placing it under the spreader bar at my ankles so I could comfortably rest my legs.
 
 
Joel emptied my catheter bag, removed my CTLSO and headgear, and then gently washed my body. The warm washcloth and Joel's gentle touch felt wonderful, and it was very erotic for both of us. Once Joel finished washing me, he gently dried me off and rubbed lotion on all my exposed skin. We then kissed passionately and explored each others orthodontics. <CENSORED>
 
 
<CENSORED> Joel and I cuddled, then he massaged my aching hips. I was so happy and content, and he was, too. We have such a great life together and with our friends who share our odd desires. With my hips feeling a bit better, our thoughts turned to what we wanted to do today. I wanted to spend the day in public, and Joel wanted to be seen with me in my big cast.
 
 
I was glad that we had planned ahead with plenty of clothing that would fit around my cast. Rebekah did a great job modifying everything, so it was easy to put on with my legs immobilized. Joel asked me what outfit I would like to wear, and I told him I wanted to wear my green floral print knee-length skirt and a light pink sleeveless sweater.
 
 
My husband helped me get my facebows and headgear in place, choosing pink straps and facebows to match my sweater. He picked up my Milwaukee brace, but I told him I wanted to wear my Minerva CTLSO today, and he helped me put it back on. Joel easily fitted my skirt around my casted legs and then helped me sit on the edge of the bed once again. I put on my sweater, and Joel placed me gently into my wheelchair. I did my makeup and hair, and now refreshed and ready for the day, we went to the kitchen to enjoy a hot cup of coffee.
 
 
After a couple cups of coffee, Joel and I decided to go out for breakfast. Then to the park for a photo shoot of me with my cast, and maybe a movie in the afternoon. Joel got me into the van, and we went to eat; we were both very hungry. We had a great breakfast at a little roadside cafe on the way to Millrun Park, our favorite place for photo shoots. We always do a shoot whenever I get new braces or wear an unusual cast. We love looking at old pictures and videos of our adventures, and they are great to share with friends new and old.
 
 
Once at the park, Joel laid down a blanket near an oak tree. He picked me up out of my wheelchair and placed me on the blanket, leaning against the tree with a pillow behind me. I was very comfortable and loved looking at my legs in their cast. Joel then began taking pictures as I positioned myself in different poses as best I could. Joel even got a very lucky shot when the breeze picked up my skirt, and he happened to snap the shutter.
 
 
After our photo session, Joel and I laid on the blanket together to cuddle and talk. We got a lot of strange looks from people with me in all my orthopedic and orthodontic glory. Finally, Joel placed me back in my wheelchair, and we took the long trail around the park, with Joel snapping a few more pictures of me in this beautiful setting. He sent some pictures to my friends; they all knew about my plan, and I knew they wanted to see me in my cast.
 
 
My skirt was just the right length; it covered me very well and left the spreader bar at my knees exposed. However, when I saw the pictures of myself, I was a bit shocked. My cast seemed massive in the pictures compared to how I looked in the mirror at home. This is how I was going to appear to everyone for the next eight weeks, and it was really exciting and a little scary at the same time. I soon received several messages from friends after they saw the pictures Joel sent. Everyone said to have fun and wished me well on my adventure. However, they all expressed a bit of jealousy, too.
 
 
By the time we left the park, it was mid-afternoon, and we headed to town to see a movie. While waiting in line for tickets, a woman about my age approached and said, "Wow, you're in a Petrie cast! I had to wear a series of casts like that for many months when I was young. It was difficult at first, but I quickly got used to it." I replied, "I just got my cast applied yesterday, and so far I am doing well, and the pain in my hips is much better now."
 
 
She told me that she had Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease and ended up having to have hip replacements when she was only forty years old. She wished me well and hoped that I would cope well with my cast. I thanked her, saying my cast is very comfortable and I don't mind wearing it one bit.
 
 
We finally got to the ticket window, bought our tickets, and headed inside. Joel went to get drinks and popcorn, and I waited in the lobby. I was approached again, this time by a girl in her early twenties in a manual wheelchair. She was a tall brunette, if she could have stood up, with a very pretty face, braces on her teeth, cervical headgear, and pink fiberglass LLCs on both legs. She said, "It looks like you have it a lot worse than me. At least my leg casts are not connected together. I also only have one facebow, and I'm not in my neck brace anymore."
 
 
I laughed and said she did seem to be a bit better off than me, and I asked what happened to her. The girl said, "I had my feet up on the dashboard of the car. We got into a wreck, and I broke both ankles, dislocated my knees, and injured my neck. I just got new casts, and I don't have to wear my Aspen CTO anymore. It really sucked, and I couldn't wear my headgear, which really set back my orthodontic treatment. I'm just glad I don't have any pain now, and I love the attention I get because of my casts and wheelchair. So, what happened to you?"
 
 
I replied, "I'm undergoing treatment for ligament damage in my hips and will be in this cast for two months; I just got it yesterday. I'm still getting used to it, and my husband is taking great care of me." It was then that Joel approached, and the girl and I wished each other well. As we parted ways, she said, "By the way, your braces and headgear look really cute. I wish mine were like yours."
 
 
The movie was great, and on the way home, I called Rebekah and asked if she and Paul would like to go to dinner with us. She said she was getting ready to call me and ask the same thing. Rebekah, for some reason, suggested we bring the small para transit van. I told her that we would see them at six.
 
 
On the rest of the ride home, we wondered why Rebekah had asked us to bring the para transit van. When we got home, I wanted to wear my white Milwaukee brace the evening, and Joel helped me swap braces. By the time I got my braces swapped and fixed my hair and makeup, it was almost time to pick up Paul and Rebekah. Joel walked down to the shop to get the van and was soon back and got me loaded up, and we were soon on our way to Paul and Rebekah's house.
 
 
When we arrived, Joel blew the horn, and Rebekah crutched out of the front door in her KAFOs, Milwaukee brace, and double facebow headgear. She said that Paul was almost ready, then went back inside. A few moments later, we saw Paul approaching the front door, moving very slowly. All we could tell until he stepped onto the porch was that he was on crutches. Once Paul stepped outside, it was clear why he was on crutches; both of his legs were in heavy, brown leather KAFOs with Doc Marten boots on his feet. He was wearing a dark blue kilt, and his braces were very visible. Then we noticed his stiff posture and the chin rest protruding from his polo shirt; he was in some sort of spinal brace, too.
 
 
Paul crutched slowly towards us while Rebekah locked up the house. Joel got out to help his friend get into the van using the lift. It was then that I noticed the shiny silver brackets on Paul's teeth; he was wearing orthodontic braces, too. Paul took a seat, and I saw the large headpiece on the back of his brace, much like my CTLSO has. Rebekah climbed aboard without any trouble since she is used to wearing her braces, and she sat down next to her husband.
 
 
I was speechless upon seeing Paul in his braces. He looked so sexy, braced from head to toe. I pictured Joel wearing the same braces and became extremely aroused; what a wonderful vision! Joel started the van, began to drive away, and said to Paul, "So this is where you were off to early this morning to get your orthodontic braces. You never mentioned any of this; tell us about what you are wearing and what your plan is." With a very pronounced lisp, Paul said:
 
 
"Rebekah and I decided it would be a lot of fun if I started to wear braces when we went out. We decided that Rebekah would choose what I would be getting; I would have no input. Rebekah sent me to see Gary and Rita about a month ago. They made casts of my legs and a 3D scan of my body, so I knew I would be getting leg and back braces but didn't know what kind. I also went to Joe's last week to get my teeth checked and scans done there, too. Once again, I didn't know what Rebekah had planned for me, but I knew some bands would be involved since I got spacers."
 
 
"When I went to get my orthodontic braces applied this morning, I had no idea what appliances Rebekah had chosen for me. Joe explained that I would simply be getting molar bands, bonded brackets, and surgical hooks. That all sounded simple and painless, and soon everything was in place. Then Joe said there were a couple more things. He then bonded tongue tamers to my front teeth, top and bottom. These are what are causing my lisp, and my tongue is very sore and raw. Rebekah says that when we get home tonight, she will wire my jaw shut. To tell the truth, I'm not looking forward to it at all, but I promised her that I would let her do it. Dinner tonight will be my last solid food for at least a month."
 
Paul then began to tell about his leg and back braces:
 
"I guess we all know about KAFOS. Mine are the same as what Rebekah and Leigh wear, but built more heavily for an active man. So far, I only have two pairs of shoes for them, both Doc Martens. I have these boots and a pair of oxfords, but I want to get sandals, too. It feels great to wear KAFOs, and I understand why the girls love theirs so much. It's going to take me a long time to get used to them and be able to crutch along as fast and easily as they do, especially while wearing my spinal brace."
 
 
"As to my spinal brace, I had no idea what I would be getting when we went to get my braces fitted Thursday. It's a type that is no longer commonly in use, and Billy had to make it from pictures from an old orthotics textbook. It's called a Kuehnegger brace and was used to treat scoliosis, and it still is in some parts of the world."
 
 
"It's much more immobilizing than the Milwaukee braces the girls wear, but I don't have to wear a dental splint like they do. At the waist, it's like a Milwaukee brace, but instead of a throat mold and occipital pads, it is more like a CTLSO for a spinal injury with this large padded chin cup and a big padded headpiece in the back. I can't move my spine at all from my hips up, and I can't turn my head either, unlike the girls in their Milwaukee braces who can stretch and look to the side a bit. Despite this, it is actually pretty comfortable but extremely immobilizing, and it really limits what I can do. Combined with my KAFOs, about all I can do is barely crutch around, and Rebekah loves watching me struggle to do things. Hopefully, with a bit of time and practice, I'll be able to get around as easily as the girls do in their braces."
 
 
By the time Paul had finished telling us about his braces, we were arriving at The Ranch House, a great steakhouse and BBQ joint. It was quite busy, and I am sure that the four of us will be getting a lot of attention tonight.

napacaster:
Ch. 110 – Life in My Petrie Cast

 
Going out with Paul and Rebekah last night was a lot of fun. We enjoyed watching Paul struggle while wearing his extremely encumbering braces. With Paul moving about so clumsily, no one really paid attention to my cast or Rebekah's braces; Paul got all the funny looks and stares, which made him very uncomfortable. He also had a lot of trouble eating with his tongue tamers and even ate more slowly than I do with all my appliances. However, Paul looked so sexy struggling in his braces, and I'm embarrassed to say I was really turned on. When we got home, I told Joel that he absolutely has to get KAFOs, a Kuehnegger brace like Paul's, and some additions to his orthodontic braces. He assured me that he would do so very soon.
 
  
On Monday morning, Paul and Rebekah were at our place early, and Paul's jaw wire was firmly wired shut. I asked Paul how he liked his current situation, and he replied with a very slurred speech and a bad lisp, "It's difficult! I really don't like having my jaw wired shut, but I promised Rebekah I would do it. I don't understand why you girls like it so much; maybe I just need time to get used to it? My tongue is very sore from my tongue tamers, especially after eating my last solid meal last night. Maybe being on a liquid diet and not having to chew will be a good thing.
 
 
I told Paul that it took me a few weeks to get used to having my jaw wired the first time and that I never got used to my tongue tamers, but they are much easier to live with than a tongue crib. The guys then headed to the shop, where Paul, like me, will have a lot of curious co-workers when he arrives.
 
 
After the guys left, Rebekah helped me get dressed. I put on my white Milwaukee brace, and I let her choose my outfit for the day: a loose dark green skirt that would cover the spreader bar at my knees but not my ankles, a white blouse, and a jacket to match my skirt. She helped me get dressed, then did my makeup before placing my green facebows in my mouth and attaching them to matching interlandi straps, and then she styled my hair. She did an amazing job, and I looked ravishing.
 
 
Judy soon arrived for breakfast and to drive me to work. She had seen pictures of me in my cast but had not seen me wearing it in person yet. Upon seeing my cast, Judy said with excitement, "Oh wow, Leigh, that cast you're in is so cool! You look so comfortable in it, and I love how it keeps your legs spread apart. I wish I could have worn something like that when I was letting my legs go. You know, if you wear that cast long enough, your legs will waste away to nothing, just like mine. So, what's it like to wear that big cast?"
 
 
I cheerfully replied, "Oh, it is wonderful, Judy; I love it. Joel did a great job, and it is very comfortable despite being so immobilizing. Joel's been taking great care of me, and my cast really excites him; he always loves it when I'm in a big cast. The only thing is that I feel very vulnerable with my legs spread apart like this. It's going to take some time to get used to the feeling."
 
 
Rebekah helped Judy get me and my wheelchair loaded up in the van, and we were off to the office. Judy asked me many questions about my cast, and I told her that the best thing for her to do is experience wearing a cast like this for herself. Of course, she thought this was a great idea and said that someday she would once she got settled in more.
 
 
Once at the office, Judy was struggling a bit to get my wheelchair out of the van. Luckily, Kathy arrived and helped, despite being in her thumb spica braces. We all got into the elevator, with Judy getting off at her floor first. Kathy and I got off at our floor and entered the office together. Everyone knew I would be in a wheelchair and wearing a large cast, but no one paid too much attention to me.
 
 
However, I did get a few questions from people stopping by my office. One of which was what would happen if my cast didn't help my problem. I explained that if it didn't help, then I would have to wear a larger cast that would completely immobilize my legs, hips, and entire spine for a period of time, probably three months. A little while later, Kathy came in to visit with me and was very interested in how my cast felt and what it was like to wear. I told her it felt wonderful and that she'd have to try something like this after she retires.
 
 
I also told her about Paul's braces and showed her a picture of him I took at dinner the other night. She was really impressed with his braces and said he sure looked sexy. Then Kathy said if she were single, a sexy, braced man like Paul would likely make her change teams or at least become a switch hitter. We both laughed, and I told her that I was going to get Joel into braces just like Paul's and get him some additional orthodontic appliances, too. Kathy said she would love to see Lydia all braced up like that, too. We needed to get back to work, and I invited her to have lunch with me and the girls, and she said that sounded great.
 
 
It was fun making my way to the cafe for lunch with Emme and Rebekah. The sidewalk is fairly narrow, and people had to step aside to let me pass in my wheelchair. Emme and Rebekah were at the cafe when we arrived, and Emme was impressed with my cast and had many questions. She talked a lot about the body cast she had worn for a few days, which Judy found quite interesting. We had a great lunch together, and of course we got a lot of looks. However, Judy was very quiet, except when asking Emme about her body cast. I think she's jealous of my cast and wishes she could have worn one when she was, as she puts it, letting go of her legs.
 
 
The following weeks in my cast were great fun. A lot happened, not only to Joel and me but to our friends too. Joel and I spent a lot of time together talking about the future and what we would like to do when I retired. At the shop, they are hiring two full-time mechanics and an older fellow part-time, so he, Paul, Lydia, and Emme could be away for longer periods of time and we could go on group trips. I thought this sounded great and would be fun; we never go away as a group for more than a few days. I then told Joel that I'm having thoughts of allowing my legs to become like Judy's—atrophied and useless. He said he would support any decision I make and encouraged me to live out my dreams.
 
 
While in my Petrie cast, Joel and I went places every weekend. I often wore one of my CTLSO and thumb spica braces on these outings. I loved going out and appearing to be badly injured but still having fun and living a happy life. As time went on, I modified some of my old clothes to fit around my casts, including a couple pairs of shorts that really showed off how high my casts went on my legs and the fact that I was catheterized.
 
 
One weekend, I even wore my NI Halo CTLSO and LATS on both my arms, which also partially covered my fingers. My hands were useless, so I used a sip-and-puff control on my wheelchair. It was a real thrill to be out in public like that, and I spent some time wheeling around alone at the park, but Joel was always nearby if I needed help. I really enjoyed this high level of immobilization, and Joel loved seeing me like that, too. If I got braces like Jackie wore on the cruise, I think that pretending to be paralyzed would be a lot of fun.
 
 
Joel was true to his word and visited both the orthotics shop and the orthodontist. He's getting KAFOs, a Milwaukee brace, and a Kuehnegger brace made. He picks them up in a few weeks. While there, Billy showed Joel a pair of KAFOs and a Milwaukee brace he was working on for himself so he could experience what Collene's braced life is like.
 
 
I went easy on Joel at the orthodontist, with only a tongue crib and Forsus appliance placed in his mouth. I just adore how the ends of his Forsus push his lips apart, and a small bit of metal can be seen with his mouth closed. Joel's tongue crib makes him lisp badly; he hates it, but I think it's cute, and I hope his lisp never goes away.
 
 
Judy has been a constant presence in our lives, too. More so than just having breakfast with us and driving me to work. She is obsessed with my cast and comes over early in the morning to help me dress and stays late into the evening, asking me questions and talking about my cast. Joel and I don't mind Judy spending time with us. She has become like a daughter and doesn't make herself a nuisance; she senses when Joel and I need time to be alone. Judy often asks me if I'm "going to let my legs go." What she means by that is that if I am going to become like her and voluntarily become dependent on my leg braces, I told her I didn't know, but I am strongly leaning in that direction.
 
 
One evening, while Judy was visiting, she got a call from Collene and put it on speaker. Collene had two pieces of wonderful news to share. The first was that Billy had graduated early from prosthetic and orthotics school. They had gone out to celebrate, and while having drinks, Billy proposed to her and presented her with a beautiful engagement ring, and she accepted his proposal.
 
 
Billy's proposal had been seen by other patrons, and when Collene accepted, everyone cheered. We were all so happy for them, and we wished Billy and Collene a very happy life together. However, I could tell that Collene's happy news made Judy feel down. She has yet to meet a guy since moving here, and I know she is very lonely. However, Pete has put Judy in contact with his best friend, Jimmy, but they won't be able to meet for some time.
 
 
Jimmy is in the Army, which is why he can't meet Judy right away. Their meeting will come when he is on leave, but they talk on the phone or video chat daily. Jimmy is stationed at a large Army base in the Midwest and works at a vehicle overhaul depot. They have exchanged many photos, and Jimmy is quite a handsome young man, especially in his dress uniform. He knows about Judy's back and leg braces and the reason she wears them; Pete explained Judy's lifestyle to him. Jimmy has no problem with her lifestyle and is actually quite intrigued by it, but Judy is nervous that he won't accept her when they finally meet in person. Pete knows his friends well and insists that Jimmy and Judy are a perfect match.
 
 
The eight weeks in my Petrie cast passed quickly, and the time had come for it to be removed. I thought it would be best to get my cast removed on a Friday so I could have the weekend to get used to walking in my KAFOs once again, if I'm able to do so. On the appointed day, Joel and I went to the casting room, and he picked me up out of my wheelchair and laid me on the casting table. Joel then removed the cast that had immobilized my legs and held them spread widely apart for the last eight weeks.
 
 
Once out of my cast, my hips and legs were very stiff from their immobilization. My legs were atrophied, and any attempt to bring them together was extremely painful. My hips burned like fire. I had thought that in the last few weeks my cast felt very loose when Joel would pick me up. My knees and ankles did not want to move, and when they did, it was painful. Joel massaged my legs, and it felt heavenly. My knees and ankles felt a bit better, but my legs were weak, and bringing them together was impossible.
 
 
Then Joel helped me out of my Milwaukee brace and removed my catheter and headgear. He picked me up and carried me to the bathroom, where he placed me in our Jacuzzi tub. The water felt great, and I washed and shaved my legs, and that is when it hit me how atrophied they were. When wearing casts in the past, I was up and active, so my muscles strained against my casts, keeping them toned. With this cast, I just sat in my wheelchair or laid in bed for eight weeks; they really wasted away.
 
 
I soaked for about an hour, thinking about what Judy is always saying about letting my legs go. Joel helped me get out and dry off, and he carried me to our bed. I asked him to place a new catheter before I got braced and dressed. He placed my headgear and helped me into my Milwaukee brace before dressing me. When I put on my KAFOs, I could tighten the buckles several holes tighter now than I could before, and I still couldn't bring my legs together since my hips were so stiff.
 
 
Maybe I was becoming like Judy and beginning to really lose the use of my legs? In a way, I hoped so. I know that without her KAFOs, Judy can't stand on her own and is totally dependent on her braces for mobility. Right now, I think it's the same for me unless I start an exercise program. Joel brought me my wheelchair, and I struggled to get into it on my own. I might try walking with my crutches tomorrow, or maybe I'll just keep using my wheelchair. But, for now, we are off for an early dinner with me still confined to my wheelchair and unable to walk.

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