English > General
Story: Leigh and Joel
napacaster:
I want to share the story of Leigh and her old and new friends. I didn’t post this story when I started it almost a year and a half ago since the orthodontic content was very light. However, with the work that mr_90proof has shared with us that is about a lot more than just orthodontics, I though I would share my work. I did a short story here when Sparky proposed one if his writing challenges, which involved the characters from this story.
Since some of the first chapters are rather tedious to read, I was a very poor writer then, I decided to start posting in the middle where we meet a new character. An online search for ‘leigh and joel napacaster’ will bring up the entire story from the beginning. In this scene Leigh and her friend and boss Kathy, who is wearing some recreational casts, are picking Judy up at the airport. Kathy has just returned fro ma business trip wearing casts and with her headgear wired in place. Judy is the sister of Collene, who works with her boyfriend at an orthotics shop.
Nothing is this story is mean to be realistic or based on reality. It’s just a fantasy world that I think we all wished we lived in.
I hope you all enjoy, and If the response is positive, I’ll continue to post chapters every few days until I’m caught up to where the story currently is at other places (chapter 166 as of this date)
Ch. 101 - Meeting Judy
As we approached Judy's terminal, we saw a young, blonde woman on crutches wearing KAFOs and a Milwaukee brace, with an attendant standing next to her. She was a natural beauty dressed in a well-tailored ladies suit. However, her Milwaukee brace and KAFOs were not befitting of her beauty and style. They were very worn, and her Milwaukee brace was ill-fitting, forcing her chin up and head back.
I pulled up to this very pretty girl, and Kathy put down her window and said, "You must be Judy; I'm Kathy, and I'm here with Leigh. Collene asked us to pick you up." Kathy then extended her casted right arm out the window. Judy approached, shook her hand, and said with a quiet, sweet voice, "Hi Kathy, I'm Judy, Collie's little sister. I'm pleased to meet you, and thanks for coming to get me; it's very kind of you and Leigh."
With Judy closer, I saw her smile. She's definitely in need of major orthodontic work. Her teeth are very crooked and crowded; she has a severe overbite, and her incisors are rotated quite a bit, likely from her very ill-fitting back brace. Other than her smile, she is a very beautiful girl with a great sense of style, just like her sister. The attendant put Judy's bags in the back of the van, helped her get into the back seat, and gently shut the door.
I introduced myself and said it was wonderful to meet her, and Judy said likewise. As we were heading for the highway, Judy said, "Hey, I'm really hungry. Think we could stop and get a late lunch? My treat." That sounded great to Kathy and me, but I warned her that it takes us a while to eat with our orthodontic appliances. Judy said she could tell from our lisps and parted teeth when we smiled that we must have a lot going on in our mouths; Collene had told her about our complicated orthodontic appliances. Judy explained that she was used to eating slowly from growing up around Collene, who always ate slowly because of the various orthodontic appliances she had to wear.
Just as we decided to have lunch, we saw a shopping center at the next exit and pulled off to see what restaurants were there. We saw there was a Chevy's and thought Mexican food sounded great. Judy and Kathy both wanted a cocktail or three after their stressful flights and hustling around the busy airports.
We got parked, and Judy was shocked when she saw Kathy get out of the van. She had been sitting behind Kathy and did not realize that not only were both of her arms in casts, but both of her legs were in casts as well. Since Kathy knew that Judy was a pretender, she simply told Judy that all her casts were just for pleasure and that she had no medical need for them. She explained that she just wanted to have a little fun on her business trip, and in fact, that was why we were at the airport to begin with. Judy said, "Wow, your casts look so cool, Kathy. I have never worn a cast before, but I have always wanted to." I said, "That can be arranged, Judy. Anytime you want to try wearing a cast, just let any of us know. We are all experts at applying them."
Judy then took a good look at my KAFOs, Milwaukee brace, and extensive orthodontics and said I looked great in all my braces and that they looked like a lot of fun to wear. I said that they were all very comfortable and enjoyable to wear, and that my husband and I get much pleasure from them. I also said that her sister was really enjoying her new braces and how much better her back felt since she started wearing a Milwaukee brace again.
After Judy took another good look at Kathy and me, including another very close look at our orthodontic braces and headgear, we headed inside to eat. We requested the large table that was in a quiet back corner so we could have some privacy and talk. We all got seated, and Kathy rested her LLC on a chair and crossed her legs with her SLWC resting upon her LLC. It was very provocative, and the other patrons, especially men, couldn't keep their eyes off her.
As we began to talk, it was clear that Judy was much like her sister, with the same sweet and caring personality, but I got the impression she had a mischievous side like Rebekah. Judy is also a very beautiful young woman, just like her sister. If it weren't for their different hair and eye colors and Judy's crooked smile, they could be identical twins. As we talked, it was clear that Collene had told Judy all about me and my friends since she asked when she would get to meet Emme, Rebekah, and Lydia. Judy seemed to know a lot about us, so we asked her to tell a little about herself:
"Well, I'm a year and a day younger than Collie. We had a great childhood living overseas until Collie got sick. I was here in the US visiting our grandparents, and that saved me from contracting polio and becoming paralyzed. After Collie became paralyzed, it was tough on the family, and our parents split up. Collie and I moved back to the States with our mom. She was really traumatized by having her oldest daughter crippled and then getting divorced; she provided for us but didn't really care what us kids did."
"Our mom never started drinking or anything like that, and our father supported us well financially. Mom just became very detached and distant, and we hardly ever saw our dad. We moved across town just before I started 10th grade at a new school, and that is when I started wearing Collie's old braces pretty much full-time. Since we were both so pretty, no one gave us a hard time about our braces, and we were both really popular. The only thing we got teased about were our teeth—mine because they were so crooked and Collie because of her complicated orthodontic braces. She could hardly speak with all the appliances that were in her mouth. "
"All of Collie's medical and dental care was and is paid for by the company our father works for. However, I was never able to get my teeth fixed when I was younger, and now, from wearing Collie's old, poorly fitting Milwaukee braces, my teeth are really screwed up. As I grew older, I continued to wear Collie's braces, and I have been living as a handicapped woman for several years now. At this point, all my friends know me as a handicapped person. I have worn my KAFOs for so long that my legs have actually grown so weak that I can no longer walk without braces, and my spine is very weak, too. At first, when Collene found out I had let my legs go and couldn't walk without braces, she got very angry at me. As time went on, she accepted my decision and is now very supportive of my lifestyle, which I enjoy very much."
"My plan is to settle here and transfer to the college that Collie and Billy attended for my final year. The transfer has been worked out; I start classes in the fall. I'm also getting proper, custom-made KAFOs and Milwaukee braces made by Billy as part of his training. Collie has even set up everything for me to get orthodontic braces, and I'm so excited! I understand the orthodontist is very willing to work with patients to give them the treatment they need with the extras they desire, like you two have. I have always wanted braces on my teeth since Collie got hers, and now I can finally get them plus whatever other appliances I want, too."
Now that Kathy and I had learned a little more about Judy, the conversation became less one-sided.
L - Well, Judy, I think you have come to the right place to start your new life. You'll soon become friends with a lot of people with interests similar to yours. There is a fairly large recreational orthopedic and orthodontic community here. In fact, after we retire, we might start a business catering to these folks. It amazes me how many people enjoy wearing casts and braces.
K - Yes, I think you will be very happy here, Judy. There are a lot of great people here, and you will make a lot of friends. I know that our friends are all very excited to meet you, and I'm sure you will like them all. What is your major in college? We have a lot of contacts and can help you find a great job when you graduate.
J - Marketing is my major, specifically business-to-business products and services.
K - Oh, that's great, Judy. I can get you a paid internship at our company while you finish school, and if you are anything like your sister, which I think you are, it will lead to an excellent career after you graduate. We need some young blood in the marketing department at the company Leigh and I work at.
J - Gee, that sounds great, Kathy. Thanks! I have not even made it to my new town yet, and I already have a job!
L - And you will soon have all new custom-made braces and the orthodontic appliances you need and desire, too. I am sure we can find you a place to live that you can afford. My husband has a friend who owns quite a few rental properties in and around town.
J - You two are the greatest! Thanks for offering me so much help to make my new start. Collene told me how kind and caring you ladies are. Thank you!
The waitress then arrived with our meals, which we slowly ate, with Judy keeping pace and never rushing us. It was a very pleasant lunch with much more conversation. We finished up and hit the road to head home.
On the way home, Judy fell asleep, and Kathy and I quietly talked. I confirmed with Kathy my plan to retire in about a year and that she should plan for my replacement. I wanted to be able to freely engage in recreational orthopedic adventures and not have to cut things short or worry about making up stories at work. Kathy said she will be retiring shortly after me, and she has made the board of directors aware of our intentions.
We were stopped at a red light when Kathy handed me a brochure that read, "Kings Mountain Retreat: A resort for the differently abled" and said, "Dolores gave me this. She and Karl have been there, and it's wonderful. I've spoken to Lydia, and we plan to go during one of my more intense adventures. If we like it, maybe we can all take a vacation there together?" I replied, "That might be fun. Let's see how you and Lydia like it."
Judy slept all the way back to my house and woke up just as we were turning into the driveway. She looked around and said, "This is where you live, Leigh? It's so beautiful!" I told her this is where Joel and I live and that Rebekah and Paul have a home here, too. We parked, and Judy helped Kathy out of the van, and we all crutched into the house.
I showed Judy around, and she thought our house was beautiful. She noted that everything was handicap accessible and how easy it must be for me to get around with the wide doorways and plenty of open space. I said it was, and that Rebekah and Paul's house is also fully accessible. Kathy said she wanted her casts removed before Joel and Lydia got home, but she wanted to keep her SLWC and tell everyone at work she had a little accident on her trip.
We went to the cast room, and Judy was impressed by all the equipment and supplies. She said it was just like the clinic that Collene went to when they were kids, traction frame and all. As I was removing Kathy's casts, Judy then told us about when Collene would get new braces. She explained how casts were applied to Collene's legs and body to make molds for her braces and how comfortable she looked in traction while waiting for the warm plaster to dry. Judy said she was looking forward to experiencing it for herself.
I explained that her legs will get casts for her new braces, but her body will be scanned while she is in traction. Judy said she really wants to wear a cast or two someday but thinks she'll wait until she gets settled in. By now, I had just finished removing all but Kathy's walking cast, and I brought her some warm, wet cloths to wash her arms and leg and a razor to shave. Soon Kathy picked up her SATS braces and green shoe from right where she left them over ten days ago and put them on.
I then asked Kathy if she wanted her headgear unwired, too. She did, and she sat down in the dental chair, and I got to work removing the wires while Judy watched. The two little loops of wire were soon out, and Judy asked what I had just done. I explained that for the trip, Kathy had me wire her facebow in place so it would not come loose.
Judy said, "So Kathy, you wore your headgear the entire time, and you couldn't take it off even if you wanted to?" Kathy replied, "That's right, Judy. I have been wearing it for almost two weeks, 24/7. Leigh's is also wired in place and has been for many months at her request." With a look of wonderment on her face, Judy said, "I hope I need headgear and that I can get it wired in, too. The idea that I couldn't remove no matter what is really intense and exciting; I'd have to wear it everywhere I go."
Judy then inquired about Kathy's SATS braces, and Kathy explained that she started wearing them just for fun, but now her wrists have become so weak that she must wear them or casts to prevent her wrists from becoming painful. Kathy also said that she has them in a rainbow of colors to match her outfits, and the same goes with her headgear straps and facebows. Judy was very intrigued by the idea of wearing wrist braces simply for pleasure.
Judy and I crutched out to the den, with Kathy following in her SLWC. We talked while awaiting the arrival of Joel, Lydia, Billy, and Collene.
napacaster:
Ch. 102 - Judy's New Friends
As Kathy, Judy, and I sat and talked, various topics came up:
J - So tell me all about your orthodontic treatment. I'm very curious since Collie has arranged for me to get braces from your orthodontist, too.
L - When I was a teen and first started wearing a Milwaukee brace, we couldn't afford both orthopedic and orthodontic treatment. I had to wear a large rubber splint in my mouth in an attempt to protect my teeth. It was horrid and didn't work well, and I stopped wearing it when I went to college. It was then that my teeth really started to get crooked. I stopped wearing my Milwaukee brace when I entered the business world, and I just lived with my crooked smile and back pain.
When I resumed wearing a Milwaukee brace later in life, I also got orthodontic treatment to go along with it. I only really need braces and a splint to protect my teeth. However, I have developed a real love of orthodontics and want as many intrusive appliances in my mouth as possible. Almost everything in my mouth, including my double facebow headgear, is not really necessary; it is just to satisfy my odd desire. I love what most people would despise.
J - Leigh, would you tell me about your appliances, please? I'm very curious about what's in your mouth. It looks like quite a mouthful, and I am surprised you can speak at all.
L - Well, like I said, I really only need basic orthodontic braces, even just clear ones, and a removable splint. My expanders were used for a slight adjustment to my bite, but they are not active anymore. I keep them because they give me this really bad lisp that Joel thinks is sexy. My bite blocks do the job of a removable splint, but they are much larger than necessary; they hold my mouth partially open and make eating very difficult, as you saw at lunch. My tongue crib and wired-in double facebow headgear are also just for pleasure. My friends and I wear full bands because we love how they look, but now Joe uses them quite often with regular patients who are willing to wear them. He believes they provide better results than bonded brackets in most cases.
J - How about you, Kathy? What's the story with your braces?
K - Some time ago, I had Leigh help me with a little adventure. I wanted to experience wearing a long leg cast, and Leigh put a beautiful black cast on my left leg. After my cast was applied, I told Leigh how I was fascinated with the wires on her teeth on the occasions she'd had her jaw wired shut. I wanted to experience that, too, and asked if it was possible. Leigh had a kit that allowed her to wire my jaw shut quickly and easily, and I remained that way for many months. But it took a real toll on my teeth, and they became very crooked. I have worn braces several times in the past, and now here I am with them again, plus a lot of extras just because I want them.
J - So, Leigh, you have broken your jaw several times in the past and had it wired shut? That had to be a miserable experience for you, and Kathy, you had your jaw wired shut just to see what it was like?
L - No, I've never broken my jaw, and yes, Kathy had it done for pleasure only. I like being wired shut for my enjoyment, and I do so quite often. It really grounds and relaxes me; I absolutely love how it feels. We all have hooks on our braces that can be used to wire our jaws shut. You can get them on your braces too, Judy. It's really something to experience. You will either love it or hate it, but if you hate it, give it a week or two to grow on you. The first time I was wired shut, I had a panic attack and hated it for the first week. Now, I absolutely love being wired shut, and so does my husband, Joel. In fact, almost every evening after dinner, I wire Joel's jaw shut. He loves the feeling of waking up in the morning with his jaw completely immobilized, and I like it since it prevents him from snoring.
J - Wow, that's something I'd like to try. There are so many things I hope to try after I get settled in. I think I'm really going to enjoy my new life here with you and all your friends. Collie has told me how wonderful and understanding everyone is. This is the first time I have ever been around people who understand me and share my feelings. So, what other things have you ladies done?
L - Rebekah, Emme, and I even experienced what we consider the holy grail of immobilization: we all wore halo braces. Rebekah and I had ours at the same time and wore them for nine months. We spent several weekends in spinal traction, too. It was a really intense experience, and we enjoyed every second of it.
The only downside is that getting the halo ring applied is very painful, as is when your pins are re-torqued. Otherwise, there is a constant feeling of pressure from the pins, but you get used to it. Our friend Emme wore hers for around six months just for fun. She even had to wear one for real as a teen after a very tragic accident that took the life of her best friend.
J - Collie sent me the pictures of you two in those braces and in your traction wheelchairs. You both were all smiles in the pictures, looking like you were having a great time.
L - That's right, it was a lot of fun. It was really quite a thing to experience living with braces screwed into our heads for so many months. You get very used to the immobilization and pressure from the pins and don't really think about it until someone asks about your brace. The brace just becomes part of you, and the longer you wear it, the less you notice it. The feeling of being rigid from my hips to my head simply became normal, and when I was back in my Milwaukee brace, it felt very strange and foreign to be able to move around a bit.
K - I plan to wear a halo brace sometime really soon, too. Leigh looked so cute in hers, and she got so much attention while wearing it, especially from Joel. I know Lydia would go wild with me wearing one.
J - Well, you all seem to be living the dream, and I am so glad I met you.
It was then that Joel and Lydia came through the front door, and we introduced them to Judy. After a short conversation, they went in to shower and get dressed for going out. We sat back down, and Judy asked, "Does everyone around here wear some sort of orthodontic or orthopedic braces?" Kathy and I laughed, and I said, "It seems so. Almost all our close friends are living the recreational orthopedic or orthodontic lifestyle, and many of us do both."
We then heard another car pull up; it must be Billy and Collene. Judy got up and went to the door to greet them. She and Collene had not seen each other for well over a year. When Collene came inside, the two sisters hugged and started crying, saying how much they missed each other. Judy then hugged Billy and thanked him for making her sister so happy.
Collene took a long look at Judy and said, "We have got to get you out of those old braces and into some that look as good as you do and fit properly, too. I didn't realize how worn-out your braces are or how poorly they fit. Those teeth of yours are going to be getting in line, too. I have everything arranged just like we talked about it. You should be all fixed up in a few weeks with new braces from head to toe."
Judy replied, "Oh, that's great, Collie. You're so supportive of me and my lifestyle, and these friends of yours are great." Collene said, "They are great people and have helped make a wonderful life for Billy and me, and I'm sure they will do the same for you. Just wait until you get your new braces; you'll be able to wear sandals and high heels like me, and they will be so much more comfortable than my old hand-me-downs."
Joel and Lydia soon emerged from their rooms, nicely dressed for a night out. Then I got a text on my phone from Rebekah. She asked if Joel and I wanted to go out for dinner, and she was sorry it was on such short notice. I texted back that we were getting ready ourselves and had a guest that would really like to meet her, and suggested that we take one of the buses awaiting conversion since there are so many of us.
I told everyone that Paul and Rebekah would be joining us for dinner and would be by to pick us up. Judy said, "That sounds great; I really want to meet Rebekah and Paul, but how are we all going to ride together? There are nine of us in all; we'll need a bus." Just then, the roar of an old Detroit could be heard, followed by the hissing of air brakes.
Judy looked out the window and said, "Shit, we are taking a bus!" when she saw the Scenicruiser that just pulled up. We all laughed, and Joel asked Judy if she knew the business that we were in. She replied that Collene never mentioned it, but it must have something to do with buses. Lydia said, "We are all partners in a company that repairs buses and converts them into motor homes. It's been a great business venture, and we are all so happy with how things turned out." We all then walked or crutched out to the bus for Judy to meet Paul and Rebekah and go to dinner.
As we approached, Paul opened the door, and he was dressed in a 1950s Greyhound driver's uniform. We had never seen him wearing it before and had a good laugh. Paul said he found it on eBay and just had to purchase it. We introduced Judy to Paul and Rebekah and took our seats, with Judy sitting next to Rebekah. The old bus was a bit noisy, so I couldn't hear what they talked about, but there were a lot of smiles and laughter. Rebekah and Judy seemed to really hit it off.
I leaned over and said to Collene that it looks like Judy is really enjoying herself. Collene replied, "Yes, she looks to be so happy meeting all of you. I have not seen her this happy in years. It hit us both hard when our parents split, and she is still not over it. I hope that a new start here will bring her happiness, and once she gets settled in, she can meet someone like Billy. She needs a man like him to brighten up her life."
We had never discussed where we were going to eat, and we found out when Paul pulled up in front of Harry's Grill. We attracted a lot of attention with the old bus, then even more as all of us braced and casted ladies carefully got off and crutched to the entrance. Paul had to go find a place to park the bus, so we all ordered cocktails and waited for him in the bar. When Paul finally arrived, we got settled in the dining room.
Over dinner, we all talked quite a bit more, mostly about getting Judy settled in. We all volunteered to host Judy while she found a place to live since Billy and Collene's apartment is so small. Judy thought it would be a fun way to get to know all of us better, too. Joel said he had purchased a fully handicap-accessible motor home that has a blown engine that he wants to repair and resell but is too busy to work on it. It's just parked behind the shop at home, and Judy was welcomed to make it her temporary home. She thanked him profusely and said it would be wonderful, like living in the little studio apartment she loved so much at her old college, plus it would be out in the country.
Paul asked if Judy had transportation lined up, and she said no; she always uses public transit. We explained that things are spread out here and that she really needs a car to get around easily. Lydia said that she and Kathy have a Lexus that the dealership low-balled them on when they bought Kathy's new car. They never drive it, and they asked if Judy would like to have it. Before she could reply, Joel said he would install hand controls in it for her.
Judy and Collene both began to cry, and Collene said how kind we all are and thanked us for helping Judy out. Collene said she was so glad that Billy had that chance encounter with Rebekah and me that made him want to talk to her. She was also thankful that I introduced her to Gary and Rita. Not only does she now have the most comfortable braces she has ever worn, she has a job she loves, and Billy is also making a living while learning his trade. Kathy said it is only right that we help them all out a bit with the success we have in our lives and told about how Joel's friend Ted helped us make our bus repair business a reality.
After dinner, we all loaded up the bus and headed home. Paul and Rebekah dropped us off at my house, said goodnight, and headed home. Kathy and Lydia got on their way home, and Kathy said she would be taking the rest of the week off and that I should do the same. She would notify the office in the morning. Collene said that I should come with her and Judy tomorrow for Judy's consultations with Gary and Joe. I thought that sounded like fun, and we offered our guest rooms to Billy, Collene, and Judy.
We were all exhausted and turned in for the night. Tomorrow would be another busy day with Judy's consultations, and I could tell she was very excited.
napacaster:
Ch. 103 - Judy’s Consultations – Orthodontics
Billy and Collene were up early this morning and off to open up the orthotics shop, and Joel soon left for the bus shop. Judy and I took a more leisurely approach to the morning and enjoyed several cups of coffee and some great conversation. I really like Judy; she's like the daughter I never had, and she even looks like me when I was her age. We got dressed and headed into town, stopping for breakfast on the way.
As we drove to town, Judy was very excited to find out what sort of treatment plan Joe would come up with for her teeth. I told her that, with the way her teeth look, her treatment would be complex, likely with expanders and headgear, and it would take a very long time. I also reminded her that since she wears a Milwaukee brace, she'll need some sort of splint or other device for long-term stabilization of her bite once it is corrected.
Judy asked me what I meant when I said her teeth would need long-term stabilization. I explained that this means wearing a special retainer like Collene tried, but usually it means continuing to wear braces and a splint for as long as she wears her Milwaukee brace. After I said that, Judy seemed to become even more excited about getting orthodontic braces, knowing she would be in them for a very long time, maybe even forever, like Rebekah, Emme, and me.
We met up with Collene at the shop; she is going with us to Judy's orthodontic consultation. She needs to see Joe today anyway to get her bite blocks and expanders removed and her removable splint placed. The active phase of her treatment is now complete. We all crutched down to Joe's office and got checked in, and soon Sally came and got us.
As usual with new patients, Sally took X-rays and 3D scans of Judy's teeth before we went to the larger of the four exam rooms. Sally asked Judy to please remove her Milwaukee brace so the doctor could more easily work in her mouth. She removed her blouse and her very ill-fitting Milwaukee brace and sat in the dental chair wearing only her bra, skirt, and KAFOs. We chatted with Sally a bit about her braces and how things were going with Stan while we waited for Joe.
Joe knocked on the door and entered. He introduced himself to Judy and said, "Hi Judy, I understand you are Collene's sister, and you have severe malocclusion from wearing a poorly fitted Milwaukee brace. You desire to have this corrected and prevent any further problems from wearing your back brace. I also see that this is a special consultation, so your interest in getting braces is more than just about needing them. Is this correct, Judy?"
Judy replied, "Yes, sir, that is right. I'd like to have my teeth fixed, and I'm willing to accept whatever treatment you believe is best, no matter how intrusive it may be. My desire to wear braces is more than just about needing them. I share the same feelings that Leigh and Rebekah do about orthodontics. I am very curious to find out what you want to do with my teeth and very excited to get braces; I have wanted them even since Collie got hers when we were kids."
"Very well, Judy. I am glad you have such a positive attitude and are excited to wear braces. I'm sure you will enjoy them as much as your friends do." said Joe as he took a look at her scans, and then he reclined her chair and examined Judy's teeth. After a thorough examination and several minutes of staring at the computer in deep thought, Joe turned to Judy and said,
"Your teeth are very healthy, but of course they are very displaced. I have a plan to straighten your teeth that should be relatively painless, but it will take many years to correct your bite. Then you will require braces and a removable splint for as long as you wear your Milwaukee brace. I don't think retainers will work for you since they did not work for Collene. Your malocclusion is severe, and I would like to correct it very slowly; I find that going slow gives better long-term results. I can use clear or metal brackets, but I would prefer to use bands like those Leigh and Collene wear for cases like yours. I've been using them more and more with patients who are willing to accept them."
"The first step will be to band all of your teeth and begin to get them into better alignment. Once your molars are in better alignment, I'll fit upper and lower palate expanders and a tongue crib on the upper expander, similar to what your sister has. You'll also be getting headgear at this time, too. Once your teeth have been aligned, a process that I can see taking around six years, as it did with your sister's original treatment, the active phase will be complete. Then we will go to the retention phase, where you will continue to wear braces; you can get whatever kind of brackets you want, or even keep your bands and begin wearing a magnetic splint like Collene is getting today."
"Speaking of splints, you will be wearing a removable splint for the duration of your treatment to be worn whenever you are in your Milwaukee brace. If you choose to have treatment, you will leave today with spacers between your teeth and a temporary splint. I know it's a lot to take in, and I'll give you a few minutes to think about it while I enter your treatment plan into the computer."
It was a lot for Judy to take in, but she was pleased with the plan. She took a moment to think, then asked Collene for her opinion: "Go for it, Judy. You like attention, and with all that in your mouth, you'll get plenty of it. You have always wanted braces, and I know you'll have fun wearing them and all the other appliances, too. Plus, you're getting bands, and they look so cool. We will look so cute with matching braces!"
Judy turned to Joe and excitedly said, "Let's do it! I've wanted braces on my teeth ever since Colleen got hers years ago. She looked as adorable in them then and even more so now, and I will, too." Joe said, "That sounds great. Your teeth are going to be a bit of a challenge and will test my skill, but it will go so much easier with your great attitude. I wish that all of my patients were as cooperative and positive about their treatment as you are. It will be a pleasure to have you as a client, Judy."
Joe turned to the computer and activated the 3D printer to make Judy's temporary splint before putting spacers between her teeth. "All done for today except for your temporary splint; it will be ready in a few minutes," Joe said after placing her spacers. "Why don't you put your Milwaukee brace back on and trade places with Collene so she can get her bands and expanders off and get her brackets and splint?" Judy got up, and I helped her back into her Milwaukee brace, but Collene did not take her place in the chair.
"I would like to keep my bands and appliances for a while, Joe. I am very used to them and like how they feel in my mouth, and I love my banded smile. Oh, my lisp! I adore my lisp. I spent so many years with appliances like these that I would feel naked without them. Please, can I keep them, Joe?" pleaded Collene.
Joe laughed and replied, "I don't see why not, Collene. We won't turn your expanders anymore, and you should stop wearing your reverse-pull headgear. You no longer require it unless you want to wear it with very loose bands like Rita does so it doesn't move your teeth." Collene got up and gave Joe a big hug and said, "Thank you, Joe. This is so cool, and Billy will love it, too. It will be so much fun for all of us to have lisps and wear all these appliances at the same time. Doesn't he come in next week for his expanders?"
S- Yes, Billy transferred his case to our office, and he gets his expanders next week. His will be just like yours, Collene.
C - Joe, could I get headgear like Leigh's just because I think it looks so cool and I know Billy would love it too?
J - Yes, that's also no problem, Collene. It will be non-functional like Leigh's, and we won't wire yours in; Sally will fix you up. Is there anything else I can do for you, ladies? I have other patients to see, and Sally will fit Judy's temporary splint and Collene's headgear.
There was nothing else the girls wanted, and we thanked Joe for everything as he left the room.
Sally said, "Let me get your splint, Judy. I'll warn you though; it'll be a real mouthful, and you'll probably be unable to speak while wearing it." Collene and I said that Sally was right; speaking is almost impossible when wearing the splint. Judy said, "I know. I talked to Collie on the phone and had her put hers in her mouth. I could hardly understand her; she sounded like when she had to wear her Van Beek appliance when we were kids. I was so jealous!"
Sally left the room and soon returned with the splint. It was similar to the one Collene had worn, with a hole in the front between the teeth. Sally handed it to Judy and told her to put it in her mouth, to which Judy replied, "Will it even fit in my mouth, it's so big?" Sally assured her it would, and since Judy was in her Milwaukee brace, she told her to stretch her neck so she could open her mouth wider.
Judy opened her mouth wide and placed her splint in her mouth, then attempted to speak. We couldn't understand anything Judy tried to say; all that came out of her mouth were grunts and groans. Sally handed her a notepad and pen, and Judy wrote, "Oh, wow! This thing is huge, and I am literally speechless. Please give me a mirror; I'd like to see how I look." Sally handed her a mirror, and Judy looked at herself. "You know, this thing looks cool and is actually very comfortable. I just need to learn how to talk again," Judy wrote after seeing herself with all the plastic between her teeth and her lips held wide apart.
Sally then asked Collene to take a seat in the chair so her non-functional headgear could be fitted. Collene was asked what color facebow she desired and what kind and color of straps she desired. She replied, "All the colors you have, so I can match them to my outfits, and I want all the styles of straps you have, so I have different options.
Sally went to the supply closet, came back with facebows and straps in all the colors available, and began fitting them to Collene's molar bands. Soon, all the facebows had been adjusted to fit just right, along with all the straps. Sally asked which headgear Collene wanted to wear today. Collene chose to wear her plain metal facebows, upper and lower, with black interlandi straps. Sally showed her how to insert and remove the facebows and how to attach the straps. Collene's long hair and Milwaukee brace made placing her headgear straps difficult, and they were in full view with her hair under them; she looked quite fetching. Judy wrote on her notepad, "Oh, Collie, you look so sexy. Billy is going to go wild when he sees you wearing all that!"
Sally then packed Collene's facebows and headgear straps into a small bag and handed it to her, asking if there was anything else we needed today. I thanked Sally for all she and Joe have done for the girls, and Sally told Judy to come back next Monday at nine to get her bands placed. Judy replied, "Ank oo, Ally. E oo en." (Thank you, Sally. See you then.)" and we were on our way back to the orthotics shop. Both girls were very satisfied with their visit to the orthodontist today.
We returned to Gary and Rita's shop so Collene could get back to work and Judy could get casts and scans made for her new braces. Rita had many questions after seeing Judy with her splint and Collene still wearing her expanders, tongue crib, and bite blocks, and now also sporting double facebow interlandi headgear.
Collene stated that she simply wanted to keep what was in her mouth for a while, maybe forever, as she really enjoys her appliances, as well as to wear headgear since she thinks Billy will find it really sexy. Since speaking was difficult for Judy, I explained to Rita that Judy's splint was only temporary, like the ones Collene and I wore, and that Judy would be getting full bands and many other appliances as time went on.
It was then that Billy came in from the workshop and saw Collene with her double-facebow headgear and her appliances still in place. He said to her, "Wow, you've got headgear just like Leigh's, and you look great, sweetie. Oh, and all your other appliances are still in your mouth, too. I am so glad your outlook on braces has changed, baby; you look like a dream! Collene, let me try to kiss you, but it might be hard with three facebows in the way." The couple awkwardly kissed, and we all had a good laugh watching them.
Billy then said to Judy, "Oh, you poor thing, Judy. I remember when Collene had one of those. It was not easy for her, but she did well with it, and I'm sure you will, too. You only have to wear it for a short time until you get your braces on. It won't be too bad."
Then Billy asked Judy, "Do you still want to get your casts and scans done for your new braces today, Judy?" Judy simply gave two thumbs up, and then Billy's demeanor changed. He became very professional and said, "Miss Jenkins, I'm William Rogers, but I go by Billy. I understand you've come to get new KAFOs and Milwaukee braces made. Is this correct?" Judy once again gave two thumbs up, and Billy said, "Very well, Miss Jenkins, please follow me so we can begin."
napacaster:
Ch. 104 – Judy’s Consultations – Orthopedics
I followed Billy and Judy to the casting room, where her casts will be made and a 3D scan done. Collene remained in the office; she knew the procedure Judy was about to experience all too well. Rita would assist Billy, and Gary would observe. This would be Billy’s first time doing these procedures as the lead technician instead of just assisting. As Gary and I sat down to watch, he asked me to make mental notes of Billy's performance. Billy then began to explain to Judy what would be happening today.
"Miss Jenkins, I want to introduce you to Rita Jameson; she is one of the owners here and will be assisting me today. I see that you are wearing an orthodontic appliance that makes speech difficult or impossible. Many of our clients wear a similar appliance, and I know communicating is difficult for you. In fact, my girlfriend recently had to wear an appliance just like yours, so I personally know the hardships it causes. Since part of the procedure today will involve you being placed in traction, you will be unable to nod your head. Please give a thumbs up for yes and a thumbs down for no. Make a fist if you would like pen and paper to communicate with. Does this sound like a workable plan so we can clearly communicate, Miss Jenkins?"
Judy gave it a thumbs up.
"Very well, the first thing we will do today is apply plaster casts to your legs. These will be used to make molds for your new KAFOs. Since you are currently wearing leg braces, I'm sure you are familiar with this procedure; however, I'll explain how we do it here. I'll ask you to remove your skirt, then get on the table, and then we'll remove your KAFOs. The process of casting your legs will then begin. Your legs will be covered in plaster bandages that will quickly dry, and then the casts will be carefully removed. The casts will warm up as they dry, and many clients report that the feeling is very pleasant if they have sensation in their legs. Once your casts are made, we'll get your legs cleaned up and help you back into your KAFOs. Do you have any questions so far, Miss Jenkins?"
Judy gave a thumbs down, no questions.
"Good. The next thing will be a 3D scan for your Milwaukee brace. This will be used to make molds for forming your Milwaukee braces instead of a plaster body cast. The best thing is that it only takes a few moments to complete the procedure; you don't have to remain in traction and wait for the plaster to dry. You will need to remove your blouse and Milwaukee brace, but you may leave your bra on if desired. Rita and I will then place you in the traction frame and apply forces to your body to bring your spine into proper alignment. This may be a bit uncomfortable, but it will only take a few minutes for the entire process. The scan takes only seconds once you have been properly positioned and traction applied. Any questions at this point, Judy?"
Judy once again gave the thumbs down; she had no questions.
Billy asked Judy to remove her skirt, and then he helped her get on the casting table. Billy and Rita each removed one of Judy's KAFOs and set them aside. As they worked, Billy explained everything they were about to do; nothing would come as a surprise to Judy. The casting process began, and soon both of Judy's legs were covered in wet plaster bandages, and we waited for them to dry enough to be removed. The fast-drying plaster, of course, dried quickly, and Billy and Rita were soon carefully removing Judy's casts. Once they were removed, Judy's legs were cleaned up and her KAFOs and boots put back on.
Billy looked at Gary for approval, and Gary smiled widely and nodded. He was pleased with Billy's performance so far. Billy now explained to Judy that the 3D scan for her new Milwaukee braces would be done and that she needed to remove her blouse and the brace she was currently wearing. Rita assisted her in undressing and removing her brace, and Judy also removed her bra. Billy helped her to the traction frame and got her properly situated. The straps were applied around her waist and a sling to her head, and Judy's spine was stretched into proper alignment. Billy asked if she felt OK, and it was a thumbs up. Billy activated the scanner, and it quickly did its job.
At this point, while still in traction, Judy made a fist, and Billy handed her a pad and pen. Judy wrote, "This feels so good—much better than Collie's old brace that doesn't fit right. Is it possible for me to wear a cast that holds my spine and neck in this position while I await my new braces to be made? I have always dreamed of wearing a big cast; I know I would really enjoy it!"
Billy showed the pad to Gary to get his take on this unusual request. Gary said that Judy could get a Risser cast until her new Milwaukee braces were ready. I suggested a Minerva cast so she would not have to wear her orthodontic splint. With its forehead band pulling her head into her cast, there wouldn't be much pressure on her chin. Gary thought that was a great idea and would be a valuable experience for Billy since casts like that are so rarely applied.
Gary explained to Judy what her cast would be like, covering her entire torso from below her waist and extending to her chin and behind her head with a band of fiberglass around her forehead. I told her that I had worn a cast like that for some time, just for fun, and despite being very immobilizing, my cast was extremely comfortable and a lot of fun to wear. Knowing her interests, I told her she would really enjoy it. Gary confirmed with Judy that she wanted to proceed and have such a large and cumbersome cast applied, and the answer was two thumbs up and a broad smile. Rita then showed her the cast color samples, and Judy pointed to black.
Since Billy had never applied a cast like this before, Gary said that he would apply Judy's cast with assistance from Billy and Rita. Judy was released from traction, and a stockinette was placed over her body with the traction straps under it. She was then placed back in traction, and the padding was applied. Gary used the application of Judy's cast as an educational experience for Billy, explaining how to ensure proper immobilization while ensuring her cast would be comfortable for long-term wear. He showed Billy how to apply the padding in the right places and in the right amounts. Then the black fiberglass tape was applied to Judy's body, conforming perfectly to her slender body and completely immobilizing her spine.
After quite a bit of work, Judy's Minerva cast was complete; it was just like the one I had worn, and I knew she would love every minute wearing it. Judy seemed to be really enjoying the warmth of the fiberglass as it cured; she was in a dreamlike state with her eyes closed. She looked so cute, with the black cast contrasting with her fair complexion and blonde hair, and her lips parted by her splint.
When the cast was completely dry, Judy was released from traction, and the straps worked out from under her cast. I told Judy that she didn't need to wear her splint since the forehead band was mostly immobilizing her head, not the part of the cast around her chin. She immediately removed her orthodontic splint and said, "This feels so good; my spine and neck are completely supported and immobilized. It feels so much better than Collie's old braces, which I have come to rely on since my back has become so weak. Will my new braces feel like this, Gary?" Gary said that they would fit just like Collene's and my braces, completely immobilizing her spine but allowing some movement of her head and neck so she could turn her head if she stretched.
Judy got dressed, but only her skirt would fit over her cast; her cast would be completely exposed. It's a good thing it covered her breasts, as my cast did. Gary said to Billy, "You did an excellent job today and were very professional. I liked how you explained everything before you began and then again as you went along. I could tell it made Judy feel at ease; I never saw her tense up or seem nervous at any point, even when getting her Minerva cast applied, which is a very intense and intimidating cast to wear."
"You did an excellent job on her cast, and I am glad she requested it. We do apply casts like that on occasion, but not very often; usually only when someone needs a brace repaired and has no spare. Also, the way you offered alternative modes of communication since Judy couldn't speak with her splint was great. That's something I'd never thought of before. Nice work, Billy, and we both learned a few things today. Leigh, do you have any comments about Billy's performance today?"
I replied, "I agree that Billy coming up with an easy way to communicate with Judy was very clever. As a woman, I can tell you that Judy will appreciate the way her cast was formed around her breasts. Her cast will be very comfortable, just like my Minerva cast and all my braces, with ample room and support in the chest area."
We now made our way out to the office, and Collene was very surprised to see her little sister in a Minerva cast and had many questions for her.
C- Why the hell are you in that big cast, Judy?
J - Being in traction felt really good, Collie. You know my back is weak, and my old brace doesn't fit well, so I asked if I could wear a cast to support my spine until my new braces are ready. Gary thought it would be fine and also a great learning experience for Billy. My cast is very comfortable, and I love how it feels. Plus, Leigh says I don't have to wear my orthodontic splint with my cast. What do you think of it, Collie? I think it looks and feels so great, and I can't wait to go out and have people see me wearing it and to collect signatures."
C - Well, if you like it, Judy, I do as well. You do look super cute with your face peeking out of all the black fiberglass and your hair cascading down over your cast. Come over here, and I'll fix your bangs and make them curl around the part of the cast covering your brow; it'll look cute like Leigh's hair did in her halo brace.
Judy crutched over to Collene, and she fixed her hair, brushing Judy's bangs down over the forehead band on her cast. It did look really cute; I always loved that look when I had my halo.
C - That's better; you look really good now, and you do look sexy in your cast. So what's the plan? How long are you going to wear that thing?
J - I'll wear it until Billy gets my new Milwaukee braces done. Billy, please get my KAFOs done as soon as possible, but take your sweet time on my Milwaukees. I won't mind being in this cast for a while, maybe even a couple of months. It's something I have dreamed about wearing since that cheerleader in school broke her neck and back. She got so much attention in her cast and I will, too!"
B - OK, Judy, KAFOs first and Milwaukees later. It sounds like a plan, and I hope you enjoy your cast. It was a lot of fun putting you in it, and I learned a lot, too.
I asked Judy if she wanted to go to lunch and then shop for shoes for her new KAFOs. Judy thought that was a great idea, and she was very excited to be seen in public in her big cast and interact with people while wearing it. We said goodbye to everyone, and we were on our way.
At the mall, we attracted a lot of attention with Judy in her Minerva cast and KAFOs and me in my Milwaukee, KAFOs, bands, and double facebows. We went to several shoe stores, and I assisted her in selecting shoes that would work well with her new KAFOs. She picked out many styles, about ten pairs in all, ranging from flats to a pair of block-heeled party shoes. Billy will sure be busy modifying all these shoes to fit her KAFOs.
On the way back to Gary and Rita's, we stopped by the bus shop so Judy could see the facility. Lydia said that Judy is just like Kathy, always taking things over the top. Emme was really happy to meet someone about her age who was into casts and braces. She asked Judy if she wanted to have dinner with her and Pete tomorrow night and maybe spend a few nights at their place. Judy happily accepted Emme's offer.
When we got back to Gary and Rita's, there were eight large boxes stacked in the waiting room addressed to Judy Jenkins in care of Jameson Orthotics. They were taped shut with various colors of tape and contained all of Judy’s sparse belongings. I told her that I would ask Joel to take them to Billy and Collene’s place for her that evening. Judy said that the ones with the green tape should go to Collene’s; they have all her clothes, but the others could go to my place. They have all her belongings that need to go into the coach we offered to let her live in.
All during our outing, I was so jealous of Judy in her Minerva cast and also how she had allowed her legs to become atrophied and essentially useless if she was not wearing her braces. She was having so much fun talking to people and telling them about her cast and KAFOs. Since wearing my KAFOs full-time, I have not worn casts except for short weekend adventures. I think I need a good, long-term cast adventure once Judy gets settled in. I enjoy my braces, but I like the thrill of being in a cast, especially big casts like Judy's.
napacaster:
Ch. 105 – Judy’s Bands
Judy spent a few days with Emme and Pete and had a wonderful time. Emme was wearing a pair of red SLWC's with toeplates and walking heels, which she is still wearing. When they went out, which was often, Emme wore her halo brace with the soft-tipped pins Joel made her. It's great that Judy is making friends of her own age who share her interests. Hopefully, Pete or Emme know a young man that they could introduce Judy to. Collene told me that Judy really wants to settle down with someone, but she knows finding a man who will accept her and her voluntary disability will be difficult.
Joel moved Judy's coach from behind the shop to down by the creek. It's a beautiful setting, and Judy really loves it. She has been helping Collene or Emme out at work on days she's not exploring town. It's amazing how well Judy gets around wearing her KAFOs and Minerva cast. They don't slow her down at all or seem to interfere with her life in any way. She's having a lot of fun!
Over the weekend, Collene helped Judy get things arranged with her coach. It's really starting to feel like home to her, and she'll be moving in soon. As far as Joel and I are concerned, she can stay as long as she wants; Judy and I are quickly becoming very close. Maybe we can build her a small cottage to live in. I would really like it if she stuck around.
Judy asked Emme to accompany her to get her bands applied, and Emme happily agreed. I asked Judy to email me a picture once her bands fitted; Kathy and I both wanted to see her new smile. I was eating lunch with Kathy, and she was talking about how much she enjoys wearing her walking cast when Judy's email came:
Hi Leigh,
My bands are on, and I absolutely adore them! It's great to be on the road to a perfect smile while indulgently pursuing my orthodontic fantasies. I can't wait to get the rest of my appliances! My treatment plan would be a nightmare for most people, but for me, it is a dream come true. I'm sure you remember all about getting your bands, but let me tell you what it was like for me.
Paul gave Emme and me a ride to my appointment. When we got to Joe's office, Sally was very surprised to see me wearing my Minerva cast and asked all about it. I explained, "I'm getting new Milwaukee braces made because my old ones fit so poorly. While I was in traction for my body to be scanned, my back felt so much better that I asked if I could wear a cast to keep my spine immobilized and aligned until my new braces were ready. It was agreed that wearing a cast would be fine, so I was placed in this wonderful Minerva cast. It's very comfortable and supportive; I really like wearing it, and my back feels so much better, too.
Sally then asked me what it was like to wear a cast like this, since she never asked you what wearing one was like. I told her it was extremely immobilizing but yet very comfortable, and the inside is so soft and cozy. Then I explained how my spine is completely supported as it is held in perfect, rigid alignment, even if I fully relax my body. Sally said it sounded like a very interesting experience that she might want to try for herself someday. I told her that she would probably really enjoy it.
Sally then had me sit down in the chair and recline it so she could remove my spacers and clean my teeth before my bands were applied. My cast did not impede access to my mouth since Gary had left it a bit loose around my chin. Soon, my teeth were cleaned and polished.
Joe then entered and said, "Good morning, Judy. Are you ready to become a brace face this morning?" I said, "Yes, very much so. I've been longing for this day ever since Collie got braces all those years ago." Joe put on gloves and said, "Let's get this done. It shouldn't take too long." He didn't say a word about my cast. Maybe because I'm just another one of your crazy cast and brace-loving friends?
Joe started putting the bands on my teeth. They seemed to fit on my teeth very easily when I bit down on the tool to seat them. Soon, all my teeth had metal bands cemented in place. I could feel the smooth metal on the inside of my mouth and the rougher part against my cheeks and lips before my archwires were placed. Joe and Sally then placed my archwires and tied them in place with small tie wires on each band. I began to feel pressure on my teeth as each of the ligature wires was twisted tight.
I felt a lot of pressure when my archwires were tied to my very crooked front teeth. It was sort of painful, but I enjoyed how it felt. My braces were now on, and my dream of being a metal mouth had come true. There was one final thing, and that was to place hooks for my splint to attach to. Joe crimped hooks onto my upper archwire, six in all, and banded my splint into my mouth. It felt really good, and it held my jaw in a neutral, relaxed position. Joe told me I didn't need to wear it while I was in my cast, but I decided to keep it in my mouth anyway to get used to how it felt and affected my speech. He told me to remove it when I eat and to clean it when I brush my teeth.
Joe was all done and asked if there was anything more I needed. I asked Joe if he could apply hooks to my bottom archwires and some more to the top. The hooks were quickly crimped in place, and I'll have fun with them later, maybe even tonight. Joe said he would see me in a few weeks for a checkup, and I thanked him as he left the room. Sally handed me a small bag of elastics for my splint, and knowing my special interests, she said she hopes I enjoy having my jaw wired shut. I was a bit embarrassed, but she was right; that is exactly what I plan to do.
Sally helped me out of the chair and handed me my crutches, and I went to check out my new smile in the mirror. It was amazing! Just like you, hardly any of the white of my teeth showed around my bands. My teeth are almost completely covered by metal, and my splint held my front teeth slightly apart and gave me a lisp. My upper archwire seemed to go every which way and make my teeth look even more crooked. Emme was really jealous of how my crooked teeth looked; she loves crooked, braced teeth. I've attached a photo, but you'll get to see me this evening. I want to give Billy and Collie their privacy, and I'll be living in my coach from now on. Tonight, I want to be alone, enjoy my cast and braces, and maybe have you wire me shut, too.
Kathy and I looked at Judy's picture, and her banded smile looked great! Judy was right; her bands and archwires did make her teeth look even more crooked and out of place than before. I replied to Judy's and suggested she have dinner with Joel and me before she spent the night alone, enjoying her new braces. Judy accepted my offer, saying that only her front teeth were sore and that she thought she could eat normally.
I saw Paul and Rebekah's car pull up in front of the house that evening, and Judy slowly got out and thanked them for the ride. She must have spent the day with Emme and Rebekah at the shop after she got her braces. Joel then pulled up in his old Dodge truck just as Judy was crutching through the front door. We all went into the den to have a glass of wine before dinner, but first I wanted to put on a more comfortable brace for the evening, so I changed into my Minerva CTLSO.
Judy really liked my brace since it was basically a removable version of the cast she was wearing. Over our glass of wine, she once again thanked us for everything we had done for Collene, Billy, and her. Joel stated that we simply enjoy seeing people fulfill their unusual desires and enjoy helping people get a start in life. I asked Judy how her teeth felt, and she said that there was a little more pressure than earlier but that they felt pretty good. After we finished our wine, Judy and I went into the kitchen to prepare a simple dinner of fettuccini Alfredo.
After dinner, Joel brushed his teeth and wanted his jaw wired shut for the evening. He asked if Judy wanted to watch. She did, and she was fascinated by the procedure. When I was done with Joel's wires, Judy asked if I would do the same for her. I got her a toothbrush so she could go clean her teeth, and then I would wire her jaw shut.
I could see the delight in her eyes as I pulled the wires tight. Judy was overjoyed, and she was barely able to speak clearly enough to tell me how much she loved how it felt and to thank me. Joel and I escorted her to her coach, where Joel ensured that everything was in order for her first night alone, and I made sure that she was comfortable. I told her we have breakfast at seven thirty in the morning, and she was welcomed to join us. She could have her wires removed then or keep them on longer if she desired. Judy didn't seem to be paying any attention to what we were saying. She just wanted to be alone with her KAFOs, Minerva cast, and wired jaw.
When Judy came up to the house for breakfast this morning, she asked me to remove the wires that had immobilized her jaw for the night. She thought that spending many weeks wired shut would be a lot of fun, and she wants to try it for a month or two in the future.
Over the next few days, Judy really got settled in. She's very comfortable in her coach and is happy living there. Judy has breakfast with Joel and me every morning and gets a ride into town with one of us. We really enjoy having her around.
Tonight is the military vehicle club meet, and we asked Judy if she would like to tag along. She thought it would be fun, and it would be a chance to be seen in her Minerva cast. Joel went and got his Jeep, helped Judy into the back seat, and then he picked me up and set me down next to her. Joel then snapped a picture of us sitting side by side, both of us in KAFOs and bands, with me in my Milwaukee brace and headgear and Judy in her Minerva cast. He showed us the picture, and we sure looked cute. Joel got in, cranked the engine, and we were off to Pee Dee's.
On the way, I told Judy about Sam and Millie and how they both have braces on their teeth and also wear Milwaukee braces, but Millie's is recreational. I've not seen Millie in her Milwaukee brace yet, and I wondered how well she could skate wearing it. When we got to the drive-in, Millie was on break, sitting with Sam and having a cold drink. Joel parked the Jeep around back with the other trucks, helped us to our feet, and we crutched over to Sam and Millie.
As we approached, we saw that both girls were wearing their Milwaukee braces with roller skates on their feet, with Millie in her car hop uniform. Both girls had on their custom wrist guards, Sam's in hot pink and Millie's matching her uniform in pink and blue, with their combination headgear straps matching their wrist guards. When the girls saw us approaching, their smiles revealed their bands, and the mouth guards banded to their teeth. I introduced the girls to Judy, and we sat down to talk.
M - That's quite the cast you are in, Judy. What happened?
J - Nothing; it's just for fun.
S - Oh, that's cool. I have wanted to wear a cast like that since I saw Leigh in hers some time ago. It looks like fun. Are your leg braces just for fun, too?
J - Well, yes and no. I have no condition that requires them, but I have worn them for pleasure for so long that my legs cannot support me anymore. I now have to wear them; you can see how atrophied my legs have become.
L - I'm actually thinking of doing the same thing. I love wearing my KAFOs, and I wish I really needed them. Changing the subject, how are you two doing with all your braces?
S - I'm doing great! I love my bands and headgear, and I can skate wearing my back brace with no problems.
M - Me too; I love my orthodontic work, and I get along really well in my Milwaukee brace. I'm able to do all my dance routines without too much trouble. When you go inside, there is a picture by the door of one of the carhops in the 70s with bands, headgear, a Milwaukee brace, and raven pigtails. I look just like her! Oh, look, the girls are getting ready to dance; I have to go join them.
We watched the skate dance routine, and it was amazing to see Millie skating around in her Milwaukee brace. It didn't seem to inhibit her in any way, but it was obvious she didn't move quite like the other girls did. Judy was very impressed with Millie's abilities. After the show was over, Millie got back to work, and Sam skated over to look at the trucks, doing circles around Judy and me as we crutched along.
Judy spent a lot of time talking with Sam and Millie over the course of the evening. When it was time to go, Judy asked if I would pick her up at Sam and Millie's place after work tomorrow. All three girls had nothing going on tomorrow; they wanted to talk orthopedics and orthodontics and spend a day out on the town.
As Joel and I drove off, we saw Judy crutching down the sidewalk with Sam and Millie slowly skating alongside her. They looked so cute.
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