The trials and tribulations of having a back brace

These are some of the things I've discovered in my experience of having a back brace:

1. I look like Robocop. Or someone with a bullet proof vest. I get looks like "why are you wearing a bullet proof vest?" "what bomb do you know about, that I don't..."
2. I sit with terrific posture. having a back brace that prevents you from slouching is probably the best thing that you could do for your posture. (Having titanium rods in the middle of back probably helps too)
3. It's a great way to discourage clothes shopping. Can't take it off, can't bend over. So can't try on shoes, shirts, or pants.
4. Metal detectors at the airport can't detect titanium rods embedded in me. At least not the ones in the domestic terminals. I have yet to go through an international terminal with it.
5. Sitting is difficult. It was hard to sit for any length of time with the back brace.
6. Bending at the knees is crucial. I think I did about a million squats while I was with the back brace. I think I still do, just because I'm so used to it.
7. The Beaverton Pharmacy is the coolest store ever. They have every medical supply that one could possibly need. From walkers to ankle braces, they have it. They even had my handy dandy sock putter onner. If you don't know what I'm talking about, I will show you sometime. =)
8. Sitting in a car is difficult, depending on the car. Trucks are ok. VW bugs are ok. Integras are ok. Mazda 6's are ok. Acura TL's are ok. Camry's are not. Elantra's are not. Civics are not. RSX's are ok, as long as you're in the drivers seat =).
9. Getting a taller desk was cool because then I could stand or sit while working at my computer. I am also taller than my coworkers at that point too =)
10. Basketball is doable, sometimes. Chest pass, Ok. Bouce pass, Ok. Overhead passes, not ok. I didn't know that utilized the back so much, but it does. Shooting is ok.
11. Your body is the only one you've got, so take care of it!!!
12. Putting on the back brace is difficult when you are laying down and someone has to do it for you. When you are sitting up, it is fine.
13. If you can't bend over for whatever reason, get a reachy grabby thing. They may look corny on the infomercials, but they really do work!
14. The doctor didn't give me a handicap sticker thing to use on the car because he said that walking would be the best way to recover. I understand he was looking out for my health, but sometimes, in the middle of xmas shopping, you wish you can just pull into the first open spot you see, and not have to pay the meter...
15. I am not sure if the weird looks I got from people were because I was wearing a back brace and carrying around a cane...or because I was just me. =)
16. The back brace is hot. For the first few nights, I slept with it on, only later discovering that I didn't have to sleep with it. But during those nights, I sweat up a storm. It was a good thing I got injured in the fall because if it had been in the summer, I would have had major rashes and been incredibly uncomfortable.
17. After having it on for 6 straight weeks, it didn't feel that constricting. It felt like a security blanket.

I am sure there are more trials and tribulations...but those are the ones that come to mind right now =)