When Blood Collides
Viewing comments for Chapter 92 "Zero Options "A family's love is tested.
42 total reviews
Comment from Unspoken94
I think this is a story as much about you as it is about Bobby.
Your story is very well written and I could find no spags. I have
given that test to many persons and I would have never suggested
medication for his age. Neurologists are like blind dates. You never
know what you:re getting. Mine, I adore. She is so up and
encouraging (I have Parkinsons).
I look forward to more of this story. Bill
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2016
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I think this is a story as much about you as it is about Bobby.
Your story is very well written and I could find no spags. I have
given that test to many persons and I would have never suggested
medication for his age. Neurologists are like blind dates. You never
know what you:re getting. Mine, I adore. She is so up and
encouraging (I have Parkinsons).
I look forward to more of this story. Bill
Comment Written 07-Jun-2016
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2016
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Neurologists are like blind dates. -- good one!
Interesting what you say about medication at his age. He's a four shot a day diabetic too. Now, I have to monitor his shots or he would forget all together or even overdose.
Good luck to you. Parkinson's is no fun either.
Comment from create4christ
This was very good...and very sad. My father-in-law's girlfriend had Alzheimers. It was so sad watching her lose her mind. She forgot all of us. I'll never forget the day she came to the hospital to visit my brother-in-law...She had mascara on her lips and lipstick on her eyes! My father-in-law said he tried to get her to change it, but she wouldnt. Seems like the worst disease...even worse than cancer.
Thank you for sharing a precious story about your love.
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2016
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This was very good...and very sad. My father-in-law's girlfriend had Alzheimers. It was so sad watching her lose her mind. She forgot all of us. I'll never forget the day she came to the hospital to visit my brother-in-law...She had mascara on her lips and lipstick on her eyes! My father-in-law said he tried to get her to change it, but she wouldnt. Seems like the worst disease...even worse than cancer.
Thank you for sharing a precious story about your love.
Comment Written 07-Jun-2016
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2016
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Refusal to change anything is part of the disease. I would agree it's worse than cancer. As long as you have your mind, you have everything. Appreciate the story you shared. Thank goodness, the victims are unaware.
Comment from foxangie123
I think that sleep depravation plays a bigger role in life than what is realized yet. I thought maybe he developed Tourette's Syndrome. It just worsened through the years. It could as well be not getting relief from pain too. The Thyroid Gland can be removed yet one has to take medication the rest of their life. It is as well more responsible for weight issues versus that mental it has been found. A stroke isn't vascular but neurological and the effects of attribute to losses in that particular role of the body. It's a great write style and all.
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2016
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I think that sleep depravation plays a bigger role in life than what is realized yet. I thought maybe he developed Tourette's Syndrome. It just worsened through the years. It could as well be not getting relief from pain too. The Thyroid Gland can be removed yet one has to take medication the rest of their life. It is as well more responsible for weight issues versus that mental it has been found. A stroke isn't vascular but neurological and the effects of attribute to losses in that particular role of the body. It's a great write style and all.
Comment Written 07-Jun-2016
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2016
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Wow, you're full of medical information. Sleep deprivation definitely alters personality. I didn't know that stroke isn't vascular. Thanks for your knowledge. Were you a nurse at one time?
Comment from giraffmang
Hi Shari,
Well written and affective chapter here.
It does really deserve to be read by as many people as possible and I can see why you wanted to pump this up.
I've stuck a couple of pumps on and a banner supreme which hopefully will keep it up until the end of the post period.
Excellent write and, indeed, service.
All the best
G
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2016
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Hi Shari,
Well written and affective chapter here.
It does really deserve to be read by as many people as possible and I can see why you wanted to pump this up.
I've stuck a couple of pumps on and a banner supreme which hopefully will keep it up until the end of the post period.
Excellent write and, indeed, service.
All the best
G
Comment Written 07-Jun-2016
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2016
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You're a sweetheart for sure. I changed the description line to hopefully rope in more readers. Surprising how the title and one line summary can do that. Twenty nine reviews so far, but who's counting. :-)
Comment from Dean Kuch
"For the next exercise I want you to spell "earth."
"E-A-R-T-H"
"Good. Now spell it backwards."
Uh, oh. I knew Frank would fail this.
"T-H-R-E-A"
"Try again," the doctor urged.
"Um. H-T-A-R-E? Doc, it's all I can do to spell, let alone backward," Frank whined.
... Hahaha. You just gotta love a guy who gives responses like that, lol ...
Dr. Rubin's P.A, Jan, administered the mini-mental state exam (three words to remember and a word to spell backward) and the mini-cog test. The latter included drawing a clock, putting in numbers and hands pointing to a specified time (3:30 in this case). Hubby penciled the semblance of a circle, put in ant-size letters (he always wrote small) and managed to get the time almost right. What's an hour or two among friends? ... Which explains the artwork you've chosen to accompany this particular chapter. NOW I get it, heh-heh ...
The chubby chick gathered all the drawings and completed a form on her desk. "Right now," she clucked, "your score indicates mild impairment. We'll put you on Aricept and see you again in three months." ... You can take alliteration out of poetry, but you can't stop a poet from using it in prose, LMAO ...
My dad went through all of these very same tests last June, Shari. The diagnosis in the end was that he is in the early stages of Alzheimer's.
Right now, Dad is taking Memantine to help slow down the progression of the disease, but in speaking with him on this past Friday on the phone, it's already apparent that he's beginning to forget names. He stumbled when trying to remember the names of my two younger brothers.
So sad, my dad is my hero, and he's always my "go to" guy when I have a problem I can't seem to solve, or just need a few answers to tough questions.
Yet another excellent chapter, Shari...
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2016
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"For the next exercise I want you to spell "earth."
"E-A-R-T-H"
"Good. Now spell it backwards."
Uh, oh. I knew Frank would fail this.
"T-H-R-E-A"
"Try again," the doctor urged.
"Um. H-T-A-R-E? Doc, it's all I can do to spell, let alone backward," Frank whined.
... Hahaha. You just gotta love a guy who gives responses like that, lol ...
Dr. Rubin's P.A, Jan, administered the mini-mental state exam (three words to remember and a word to spell backward) and the mini-cog test. The latter included drawing a clock, putting in numbers and hands pointing to a specified time (3:30 in this case). Hubby penciled the semblance of a circle, put in ant-size letters (he always wrote small) and managed to get the time almost right. What's an hour or two among friends? ... Which explains the artwork you've chosen to accompany this particular chapter. NOW I get it, heh-heh ...
The chubby chick gathered all the drawings and completed a form on her desk. "Right now," she clucked, "your score indicates mild impairment. We'll put you on Aricept and see you again in three months." ... You can take alliteration out of poetry, but you can't stop a poet from using it in prose, LMAO ...
My dad went through all of these very same tests last June, Shari. The diagnosis in the end was that he is in the early stages of Alzheimer's.
Right now, Dad is taking Memantine to help slow down the progression of the disease, but in speaking with him on this past Friday on the phone, it's already apparent that he's beginning to forget names. He stumbled when trying to remember the names of my two younger brothers.
So sad, my dad is my hero, and he's always my "go to" guy when I have a problem I can't seem to solve, or just need a few answers to tough questions.
Yet another excellent chapter, Shari...
Comment Written 07-Jun-2016
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2016
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As always, your reviews are as good as the piece--almost. LOL
So sorry to hear about your dad. One more broken rung in your support group. Sounds as if the medication isn't helping. After Aricept, the P.A. prescribed Galamantine. But he had a bad reaction to that. Don't remember what, though.
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It's easy to write a good review when the work you're reviewing is flawless, Shari.
You're very welcome.
<---(he's spitting fire, Spit. Get it? ) Heh-heh...
~Dean
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Ha,ha,ha. No wonder I'm hot. :-)
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I know, right?!?
Heh-heh... ;)
Comment from mvbrooks
I enjoy your writing because, as I begin, I'm aware I'm reading something. But as I continue, I forget I'm reading words and start visualizing the scene. The pacing and shorter paragraphs are very inviting.
Phrases like " "How many times did we move?" I answer, "I don't remember. Go back and read what you told me," show the banter that comes with being with someone for many years. In other places, the genuine love comes through.
Your dialogue is excellent and makes the reader feel as if we are in the room, watching this play out.
You definitely have the gift of a story-teller and have balanced the personal side of this story with enough facts to keep the ready involved and make the story more real to us.
While you definitely have your own clear writing style, this story did make me thing of Erma Bombeck. I think it was the "sensible" tone of the narrator.
You end at a place that keeps the reader interested and looking forward to the next installment.
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2016
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I enjoy your writing because, as I begin, I'm aware I'm reading something. But as I continue, I forget I'm reading words and start visualizing the scene. The pacing and shorter paragraphs are very inviting.
Phrases like " "How many times did we move?" I answer, "I don't remember. Go back and read what you told me," show the banter that comes with being with someone for many years. In other places, the genuine love comes through.
Your dialogue is excellent and makes the reader feel as if we are in the room, watching this play out.
You definitely have the gift of a story-teller and have balanced the personal side of this story with enough facts to keep the ready involved and make the story more real to us.
While you definitely have your own clear writing style, this story did make me thing of Erma Bombeck. I think it was the "sensible" tone of the narrator.
You end at a place that keeps the reader interested and looking forward to the next installment.
Comment Written 07-Jun-2016
reply by the author on 07-Jun-2016
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As always, your reviews are as good as the piece--almost. LOL
So sorry to hear about your dad. One more broken rung in your support group. Sounds as if the medication isn't helping. After Aricept, the P.A. prescribed Galamantine. But he had a bad reaction to that. Don't remember what, though.
Whoops, forgot to thank you for the six.
Affectionately,
Shari
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Whoops. The wrong review slipped through. Here
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Geez, I keep screwing. Maybe dementia is catching! Here's your reply"
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A comparison with Erma. Wow, that's the best it can get. Thank you so much of the six, mv. And for citing what you specifically liked as in the banter between hubby and me. I love writing dialogue too. Thanks again for telling me what works.
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Did I really say "I'm screwing!" LOL
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You're wonderful to take the time to give detailed, positive feedback and concrete suggestions. no problem.
Comment from Sissy
Hi Spitfire,
My uncle was diagnosed with dementia about five years ago. He was always a bit of a character, so we finally realized something was wrong when he decided he needed to drink foot fungus medication because it would help his health. It was a really hard time, and we all tried to keep him home, but he's a smart guy. Would find the hidden keys, drive away (caused an accident), all kinds of things. Finally when he snuck out again to Rite Aid to get (you guessed it), more foot fungus medicine to drink, we had to get him into a home. We found a nice one through the VA, and that lasted a couple of years, until he broke out. (He was headed to a bar with a few buddies). Now he's at the VA. He has declined fairly rapidly. It's really hard to watch and you just feel helpless. I swear, the meds made things worse instead of better. He likes it where he is, which is nice, but you never know if he's going to know who you are or not, these days.
What stuck in my mind from this chapter was how you stated there is no definitive diagnosis for dementia or Alzheimer's. This is so true. I've heard all kinds of things about my uncle, and feel no one really knows. Just that it has a fast progression.
Overall, this was a really strong chapter. Very well written, and very smooth. I picked up a couple of small things, but nothing to knock a star over. Thanks for sharing this.
see Dr.Rubin." (space needed b/w "Dr." and "Rubin"
"Copy this as you see it," (<--need a period here, no dialogue tag follows the comma)
Her honey tones and friendly ways gave no clue that this was a trap.
"Right now," she
clucked (not sure "clucked" can be considered a dialogue tag)
the score of a person with Alzheimer's declines two to four points each year. That was the case with Hubby. (the rest of the chapter, 'hubby' was with a lower case 'h'. Consider adjusting here.)
Take care,
Sissy
reply by the author on 08-Jun-2016
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Hi Spitfire,
My uncle was diagnosed with dementia about five years ago. He was always a bit of a character, so we finally realized something was wrong when he decided he needed to drink foot fungus medication because it would help his health. It was a really hard time, and we all tried to keep him home, but he's a smart guy. Would find the hidden keys, drive away (caused an accident), all kinds of things. Finally when he snuck out again to Rite Aid to get (you guessed it), more foot fungus medicine to drink, we had to get him into a home. We found a nice one through the VA, and that lasted a couple of years, until he broke out. (He was headed to a bar with a few buddies). Now he's at the VA. He has declined fairly rapidly. It's really hard to watch and you just feel helpless. I swear, the meds made things worse instead of better. He likes it where he is, which is nice, but you never know if he's going to know who you are or not, these days.
What stuck in my mind from this chapter was how you stated there is no definitive diagnosis for dementia or Alzheimer's. This is so true. I've heard all kinds of things about my uncle, and feel no one really knows. Just that it has a fast progression.
Overall, this was a really strong chapter. Very well written, and very smooth. I picked up a couple of small things, but nothing to knock a star over. Thanks for sharing this.
see Dr.Rubin." (space needed b/w "Dr." and "Rubin"
"Copy this as you see it," (<--need a period here, no dialogue tag follows the comma)
Her honey tones and friendly ways gave no clue that this was a trap.
"Right now," she
clucked (not sure "clucked" can be considered a dialogue tag)
the score of a person with Alzheimer's declines two to four points each year. That was the case with Hubby. (the rest of the chapter, 'hubby' was with a lower case 'h'. Consider adjusting here.)
Take care,
Sissy
Comment Written 06-Jun-2016
reply by the author on 08-Jun-2016
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It was funny to read about your uncle drinking foot fungus. Hey, maybe he was on to something. LOL. I know it's not a laughing matter at the time. Glad the story had a happy ending. (Today, hubby picked up the TV remote and punched in numbers thinking it was a telephone.)
Thanks for your corrections. Not sure about 'clucked' either, so I left it.
Another reviewer told me to capitalize the word 'hubby' there. I thought she was wrong at the time. I agree with you.
Thanks for sharing your story and a good review.
Comment from c_lucas
I have lost several members of my family and friends due to mind failure. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very good read.
reply by the author on 08-Jun-2016
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I have lost several members of my family and friends due to mind failure. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very good read.
Comment Written 06-Jun-2016
reply by the author on 08-Jun-2016
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So you know what I'm seeing and what's he's going through. Thanks for the compliments. I appreciate your taking the time to read.
Comment from GeraldS
This chapter was nicely written, including the lead-in paragraph. As a new reader I was able to easily grasp the story being told. Furthermore, the narrative was free of any distracting SP:AG errors. That, in itself, was impressive compared to other pieces I've recently read here on FanStory.
Just a couple of things I noted:
You use the term Hubby several times. In one instance it is capitalized, in others it is not. For consistency, I think all should be capitalized.
There were a few uses of the word "that" which might be eliminated:
"... gave no clue that this was a trap"
"I was irritated that she didn't volunteer... "
I like your ending. The comparison of Frank's condition to Bobby's provides perspective. No matter how bad thinks seem, one can always find comfort in the knowledge that there are others who are worse off.
The scene in the doctor's office parallels my own situation. I take my wife in with me because otherwise she accuses me of not asking the right questions. At first she just listened and asked questions, but by now when the doctor asks me a question, she is unable to keep from answering for me. Sometimes I wonder why she doesn't just go in for me and leave me at home.
reply by the author on 08-Jun-2016
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This chapter was nicely written, including the lead-in paragraph. As a new reader I was able to easily grasp the story being told. Furthermore, the narrative was free of any distracting SP:AG errors. That, in itself, was impressive compared to other pieces I've recently read here on FanStory.
Just a couple of things I noted:
You use the term Hubby several times. In one instance it is capitalized, in others it is not. For consistency, I think all should be capitalized.
There were a few uses of the word "that" which might be eliminated:
"... gave no clue that this was a trap"
"I was irritated that she didn't volunteer... "
I like your ending. The comparison of Frank's condition to Bobby's provides perspective. No matter how bad thinks seem, one can always find comfort in the knowledge that there are others who are worse off.
The scene in the doctor's office parallels my own situation. I take my wife in with me because otherwise she accuses me of not asking the right questions. At first she just listened and asked questions, but by now when the doctor asks me a question, she is unable to keep from answering for me. Sometimes I wonder why she doesn't just go in for me and leave me at home.
Comment Written 06-Jun-2016
reply by the author on 08-Jun-2016
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Thank you, thank you, thank you for mentioning the ending. That's part of the message I wanted to get across. I fixed the errors. Hurray for you that you spotted the overuse of "that". Most of the time this overused word can be deleted.
Sorry Gerald, but men can be clueless at doctor appointments. Maybe it's a macho thing. My doctor does like to tease me and refer to me as a doctor too.
Love your last line. That's sounds like something Frank would say.
Thanks so much for the coveted six. Sorry to be so late to reply.
Comment from LIJ Red
I read this after reading your essay about posting on FS, and yes, it was a good thing to post. FS is stomping ground for lots of the no longer young.
Well said, I hope new medical wonders can set things right...
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2016
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I read this after reading your essay about posting on FS, and yes, it was a good thing to post. FS is stomping ground for lots of the no longer young.
Well said, I hope new medical wonders can set things right...
Comment Written 06-Jun-2016
reply by the author on 06-Jun-2016
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Thanks, LIJ, for following my essay up.
FS is stomping ground for lots of the no longer young -- You got that right! :-)