Straight Lines, Not a Straight Spine

Everyday Issues (technically not a chapter)

Song choice: "Quartet at the Ballet" by Christy Altomare, Derek Klena, Mary Beth Peil, and Ramin Karimloo. The ending is a chaotic mess of lyrics (but it gets worse than four people singing three different lyrics *cough* "Non-Stop" *cough*. Sorry, allergies I think. Anyway, it's just pretty.

1. Inflexibilty-this is not just not being able to touch your toes (I can't). I couldn't pick up anything from under my desk. I had to get out of my seat to. Also, getting things from my locker. My stupid self decided it was a good idea to put my binders at the bottom. Last for this category is sitting in a cushiony chair. What the heck? Can I please feel normal while I sit? Please?

2. Tying shoelaces-this belongs above technically, but it is a huge issue. I would very much like to bend down to tie my shoes like everyone else.

3. Clothing-four issues that I can think of.
First: The holes. Stupid Velcro.
Second and Third: Getting new clothes. Replacing the too small and replacing the ones with holes. It's difficult to do all that and gave enough clothing to wear.
Fourth: Pants. Always. Sliding. Down. Why can't they stay on the last strap? Why are shorts the only ones who don't have this issue?

4. Velcro-It's always caught on my shirt. It's also loud. And the holes. There's always holes.

5. So hot-It's so sweaty under four layers of cloth 1 (undershirt), foam, plastic, and cloth 2 (shirt or whatever's on top of the brace). Also, there will soon be mention of a prickly heat rash. My advice (even though it barely worked for me) is baby powder. Rub it where the rash is.

6. Changing-P.E. (Space (so tight), popular girls (not me), and the awkwardness of the brace itself. Also, the Velcro is super loud when I want to take it off. And then it either takes 30 seconds or 3 minutes to get the brace back on.

7. Habitat-There's literally no where to put the brace. It's too weirdly shaped. (more about why I need to put it someplace later)

8. Plastic torso-I never bumped into anyone too badly (yet), but if (85% chance) I need it back, what if I do? Also knocking into objects and not having a reaction to it in public would be really strange.

9. Always wanting it on-I'm really a rare case for this, but I really liked having my brace on. I felt like it would never get better unless I always had it on. Anyway, with this I have: showering, school (could have chosen not to have it on (oops)), sleeping (no choice but getting used to sleeping with it is hard), and big events (I think that's self explanatory).

10. Body Image-Before I do this, I want to say that I don't want to offend anyone. I know some outcomes are worse, but I want to spread awareness for scoliosis. Anyway, I get really awkward about everything that is off-balance and off-center (because scoliosis just is so fun like that). Also, the brace indented my hips because it had to stabilize them. Also, I felt super boxy and wider than I really was and I was afraid people would tease me.

11. Muscle atrophy-Can I please have physical therapy? My lower back hurts because I HAD TO WEAR A BACK BRACE FOR SCOLIOSIS!

12. Add your own! (if you have a back brace or know someone who has their own and complains about something endlessly) 

Hey, I 'm here two days earlier than expected! Is this even a chapter? I have a song suggestion so maybe?

So please add to my list in the comments. Also, I am always here to help! Please message me if there's something bothering you that I will answer to the best of my ability. If you have prickly heat, baby powder (cornstarch powder works too I think). Hopefully it works for you.

Today was my last day of school. I won't miss the building (no air conditioning), but I had some of the best teachers (except maybe Mr. G, I don't think he knew what he was doing). Mrs. M was probably my favorite.

So, I'm going to be away from the 19th to the 22nd, and other dates yet to be confirmed. Please don't panic. I will give warnings. I won't die (well, you'd know if I did).

Anyway, message me if anything is wrong. I mean anything. I promise to help with whatever to the best of my ability.

See you all soon! (idk when though . . .)