Bent, Not Broken: My Scoliosis Story (among other things)

Plaster Shell

So I got my brace measurements done today! I went to an orthotist my doctor referred me to named Andrea, and she was awesome. First, she sat down with my mom and I and talked about what the brace would look like, how we would mold it, and the process of getting and wearing it. Then, she let us ask some questions, and we got some pretty great news! Drum roll please! (bumbadabumbadabumbada-)

My brace is only going to come up to just under my bra in the front! This is super lucky, because I do have a somewhat high thoracic curve, but my lumbar curve is the supplementary one, so my orthotist says if we keep that one stable, we shouldn't have to worry about the top one! My brace will go almost all the way down my butt, and come up in one armpit, but it won't come up past my bra strap in the front! This is a relief for me, because I won't have to worry too much about necklines (although the armpit part comes across a little by my collarbone so i don't know how exactly that will come out. The only downside to this plan is that it means they have to bring the armpit thing across a bit and put a lot of pressure on my ribs to keep them from moving around a lot, which also means breathing will be difficult. When Andrea pushed on my spine to make it "straight" and applied pressure where the brace was while the plaster was drying, I could hardly breathe at all, and I was gasping when the plaster finally came off. It means I can be less self-conscious about the brace, though, so I'm hoping it's worth it. Speaking of, I thought I'd tell you guys a little bit about being measured! Everyone does it differently, but this was my experience!
    After we talked to the orthotist and she explained what I needed to do, she left so I could change into a huge, pantyhose-esque "dress." I looked a bit like a sausage. When she came back, I had to lay down on the table and she drew lines all over my elastic sausage casing. She took measurements to cross-check with my final mold, and got to work. She dipped strips of plaster in water and pulled them tightly over the top of my stomach, chest, and hips while I lay on my back. When it was dry, it was very heavy, and I could knock on my stomach like a desk or door. She had to help me flip over, because I felt a bit like a turtle on my back in my plaster shell. She repeated the process with my back, pushing with her hand to make my spine a bit straighter as the second piece of the cast dried. I could barely breathe, and had to take very shallow breaths. Soon, though, she pulled the two pieces apart, and I was free. I got to see the mold of my body, and even gave "myself" a hug. Overall, the process took about two hours. I got to pick the pattern for my brace, and was told I'll be fitted in three weeks. I'm pretty nervous about what everyone will think, but Andrea was really nice. It was ok. Until next time, guys! Love you!
-E