Carlin and Evan: But Mostly Carlin!

[Notabug]

21 minutes ago, GeeGolly said:

Munchausen's/Factious disorder is super rare and somewhat difficult to diagnose as it needs a coordinated effort between a mental health professional and medical professionals. Because the causes of seizures in and of themselves are hard to pin down it could be years before a medical professional's Spidey Sense would be aroused, as they're not seeing what we are seeing.

I'm going to guess if a doctor saw the 'seizure' reel followed by this latest Layla reel, they'd get a pit in their stomach and wonder if something was up. I hope someone on Redditt saved the reel.

As far as Carlin working herself up into some kind of stress/anxiety seizure - the answer IMO is no, not in my experience. I've been in the field forever and regularly fainting due to anxiety is not the norm.

I think that Carlin is a very suggestible person and she has a very big need for attention.  She also supports her family by posting on the internet.  All of this has created a perfect storm in her.  I don't necessarily think she knowingly has her episodes or plans them which is what we'd expect if she had Factitious Disorder.

I think that she simply has come to realize that her health has become a huge online draw for her and a big moneymaker, maybe only subconsciously, which is why she seemingly only has these episodes when 1.  there is a camera immediately available or 2. she's not busy doing fun stuff like traveling or going to the beach or eating out.  I think the video with her daughter was purely staged and she was awake but pretending to be asleep; but I am not so sure she puts conscious effort into her episodes.  The fact that they only seem to happen when it is convenient for her could be a subconscious thing on her part.

Now that it appears her husband is not planning to return to a real job in the real world, I expect that the episodes will continue and somehow worsen or she and Evan will continue to come up with more and more possible diagnoses and more and more specialists to see.  Either that, or some entirely new symptom will pop up.  In the end, I think she is naive, not very bright and prone to attention seeking behavior.

Quote

Would the doctors put her on medication if they didn't see at least something?  Today I'm leaning toward a combination of overly dramatic and some issue that may need treatment, but she's making the most of it.

Yes, they would.  It's the lesser of two evils in this case.  While they haven't been able to actually document seizure activity in her case, there is always the very small possibility that she is having them, just not while being monitored.  Hence the order for the 5 day EEG.  What I would like to see happen (and so would the doctors) would be for Carlin to have one of her full blown spells, complete with 20 minutes of shaking like a leaf, so that they capture an EEG at that moment.  If it is normal, then they know it is not a seizure disorder, but something else.  They can also run an EKG during it to prove she isn't having a cardiac arrhythmia.  Until the time when that can be done, it is not unreasonable to place her on Keppra in order to at least decrease her symptoms while they finish the testing.  If the testing doesn't show abnormal brain wave activity during an episode, I expect they will present that to Carlin and Evan and suggest other avenues to explore including a full psychologic profile.  She will then have a massive hissy fit and stomp off to find another doctor.

Alas, it is more likely that she will, once again, fail to have any episodes at all while being monitored and then have a big 'fall out attack' immediately upon arriving home.  That's the problem with people who might have a psychologic basis for their ailments.  Their brain protects them by not producing symptoms when the cause might be discovered.

Edited August 15, 2022 by Notabug

[cereality]

I really hate that I'm snarking about anyone's health but these people 🙄. Headed to the cardiologist this morning - full face of perfect make up, both sipping on their fave Sbux drinks, perfectly curated IG stories with Jesus music ending in a videos of them holding hands walking into the hospital though you don't see them, you see their shadows on the parking lot . . . .

As someone who has had a cardiac issue and thus have had to see a cardiologist regularly since I was younger than Carlin, uh I don't think that's what this experience is like for a normal person. Even knowing what my issue is and knowing what to expect, there is massive nervousness going to every appointment that they'll say -- hmm your EKG looks different, let's get more testing etc. You just want to go and get it over with ASAP so stopping at Sbux for your favorite drink or doing your makeup or videoing anything and uploading it to music as if this is a fun outing - LOL NO; it's more like hair in a ponytail, throw on whatever jeans and t shirt is handy and go.

Let's see if she says anything after. Hopefully it won't be her bitchy - more testing woohoo, party time BS she does that basically mocks the drs.

And @65mickey - they haven't found a solution re Evan going back to work bc they don't WANT to find a solution. It's August - every preschool and daycare in town is enrolling right now. They really can't work out a solution like daycare/preschool? And even if they prefer Layla to be feral and won't send her - how about dropping Carlin and the kids at BSB 2 days/wk w/ the agreement that Z or W stays with her the whole day until E picks them up, dropping them at G&K's house 1x/wk, and/or paying Michael or Christian to nanny for them 1-2 day/wk? Evan was on a four day work week before and likely could get that again, they just aren't looking for a solution that has him back at work. Insurance be damned.

Edited August 15, 2022 by cereality

[Absolom]

12 minutes ago, cereality said:

I really hate that I'm snarking about anyone's health but these people 🙄. Headed to the cardiologist this morning - full face of perfect make up, both sipping on their fave Sbux drinks, perfectly curated IG stories with Jesus music ending in a videos of them holding hands walking into the hospital though you don't see them, you see their shadows on the parking lot . . . .

So true.  That's not how I go to the cardiologist either.  Although after years of doing it, I don't get nervous most of the time now.   Getting Starbucks before a cardiology appointment doesn't sound like a reasonable thing to do.  The sugar high is bad enough.  I hope she isn't having caffeine, too.  

[cereality]

1 minute ago, Absolom said:

So true.  That's not how I go to the cardiologist either.  Although after years of doing it, I don't get nervous most of the time now.   Getting Starbucks before a cardiology appointment doesn't sound like a reasonable thing to do.  The sugar high is bad enough.  I hope she isn't having caffeine, too.  

Lol I thought that too. They are definitely going to do an EKG, you really don't want to eat or drink anything weird. She had one of the pink drinks - I don't imagine that's coffee, but probably is sugary. Though I mean her diet is 50% Sbux - maybe it's better that a cardiologist know that.

And it gets better, they're sitting in the exam room taking pics of each other so she just posted a posed pic perched on the exam table. Nope not one bit concerned which is super interesting given that she DOES NOT KNOW what her problem is/what they could say?? Maybe life is easier when you don't know what you don't know . . . . 

[Cinnabon]

1 hour ago, BitterApple said:

A therapist said the same thing a while back on the subReddit and got ripped to shreds for it.

I have zero experience with neurology or mental health, but is it possible there's nothing physically wrong with Carlin, she just works herself up into such a state that it manifests into fainting and seizures? 

It's hard for me to believe she and Evan are above board, because their behavior makes no sense. 

It's also interesting how Layla's health issues aren't even mentioned anymore now that Carlin's found a more lucrative way to get the spotlight on herself. 

That subreddit is chock full of delusional leghumpers. Someone there was screaming “shame on you” last week to anyone who dared to doubt any of Carlin’s stories. Just sad and pathetic.

[Cinnabon]

49 minutes ago, Notabug said:

She also supports her family by posting on the internet.

But she has/had a husband who just spent 5 years training for a career and was working in his chosen field. No need for her to support her whole family on SM; she has an employed headship.

[Notabug]

13 minutes ago, cereality said:

Lol I thought that too. They are definitely going to do an EKG, you really don't want to eat or drink anything weird. She had one of the pink drinks - I don't imagine that's coffee, but probably is sugary. Though I mean her diet is 50% Sbux - maybe it's better that a cardiologist know that.

And it gets better, they're sitting in the exam room taking pics of each other so she just posted a posed pic perched on the exam table. Nope not one bit concerned which is super interesting given that she DOES NOT KNOW what her problem is/what they could say?? Maybe life is easier when you don't know what you don't know . . . . 

A Starbuck's 16 oz Pink Drink contains 45 mg of caffeine, about half of what would be found in a cup of regular coffee; and way too much for anyone who potentially has a cardiac arrhythmia.  And, yes, I am sure if she actually told her cardiologist about it, they would tell her not to drink it.  However, I am sure Carlin never bothered to find out what is in her Pink Drink and told the doctor she doesn't drink coffee or coke so she is caffeine-free.  Except not.

The Pink Drink also contains 27g of carbs, roughly the equivalent of 5 teaspoons of sugar.

Edited August 15, 2022 by Notabug

[Absolom]

3 minutes ago, cereality said:

And it gets better, they're sitting in the exam room taking pics of each other so she just posted a posed pic perched on the exam table. Nope not one bit concerned which is super interesting given that she DOES NOT KNOW what her problem is/what they could say?? Maybe life is easier when you don't know what you don't know . . . . 

It is super odd.  Even on the visits where I am absolutely sure there is no change, I always know that there is a chance something new or a change will show up.  I'm never there with a having a party, doing a video, and unconcerned attitude.  Also I've never seen that behavior from anyone else there.  Perhaps life is easier when you're so dim, you have no idea what could be found.

[Notabug]

1 minute ago, Cinnabon said:

But she has/had a husband who just spent 5 years training for a career and was working in his chosen field. No need for her to support her whole family on SM; she has an employed headship.

Not anymore, it seems.  And I do think the fact that both she and Evan would prefer that he not go out and work every day plays into their need to keep the ball rolling online.

[Cinnabon]

18 minutes ago, Absolom said:

So true.  That's not how I go to the cardiologist either.  Although after years of doing it, I don't get nervous most of the time now.   Getting Starbucks before a cardiology appointment doesn't sound like a reasonable thing to do.  The sugar high is bad enough.  I hope she isn't having caffeine, too.  

And especially with an infant and a toddler! A sleep deprived, sick mom who takes the time to trowel on a full face of makeup (in sweltering August, no less)?

ETA - I also would never drink coffee or any other caffeinated beverage before a doctor’s appointment. Sometimes my blood pressure gets high in those situations. No need to exacerbate the problem. 

Edited August 15, 2022 by Cinnabon

[BitterApple]

15 minutes ago, Cinnabon said:

That subreddit is chock full of delusional leghumpers. Someone there was screaming “shame on you” last week to anyone who dared to doubt any of Carlin’s stories. Just sad and pathetic.

That's what kills me. One day Carlin will be laid out on her fainting couch, and then the next she's back in full makeup, shilling on Instagram and showing suitcases being readied for vacation. Do people not pick up on the patterns here? 

I understand there's good days/bad days when you have a chronic condition, but Carlin's turnarounds are so extreme and abrupt. I feel like we're watching the Fundie version of that old movie Gaslight. 

[ginger90]

So now they’re going to have her do a stress test and “some test that will check blood flow” in her neck.

🤷🏼‍♀️

[Notabug]

15 minutes ago, ginger90 said:

So now they’re going to have her do a stress test and “some test that will check blood flow” in her neck.

🤷🏼‍♀️

Sounds like the 'grasping at straws' cardiac workup.  The odds that a young woman her age who doesn't smoke and seemingly doesn't have a family history of people having strokes or heart attacks as young adults actually has significant vascular disease are very small.  Obviously, the cardiologist feels that cardiac arrhythmia has been ruled out and that was by far the most likely diagnosis for someone with Carlin's story.

The test for blood flow in her neck is probably carotid dopplers; an ultrasound looking for narrowing of her carotid arteries.  She could've been born with some sort of abnormality in her carotids but that should've shown up before now.  The odds that she has significant atherosclerotic plaque in her carotids causing blockage of blood flow  or small pieces breaking off and going to her brain causing her episodes are almost nil.

The treadmill test looks for signs of insufficient blood flow to her heart when stressed by exercise.  However, unless she was born with abnormal cardiac blood flow, that's not likely to be the case.  Her symptoms, randomly collapsing to the floor and shaking in all circumstances really doesn't fit the usual pattern of cardiovascular disease either.  She doesn't have chest pain and her spells seem to happen when she is not active.  She trotted all over San Diego at the wedding and all over the beach in Florida with nary a twitch.  People with CAD would usually have chest pain and/or shortness of breath with exertion.

I am sure Carlin is very excited though and will be wearing her cutest workout wear and a face full of makeup for the stress test which Evan will be expected to film.  Ditto for the carotid ultrasound.

I am absolutely certain that Carlin tearfully begged the doctor to perform more testing ASAP as she has babies to raise, blah di blah.  Not that that is not a consideration, but I think that a lot of cardiologists would've told her that she didn't need more testing as her history was inconsistent with any cardiac diagnosis.  

Edited August 15, 2022 by Notabug

[woodscommaelle]

1 hour ago, cereality said:

And it gets better, they're sitting in the exam room taking pics of each other so she just posted a posed pic perched on the exam table.

What an absolute fucking idiot!

Edited August 15, 2022 by woodscommaelle

[woodscommaelle]

18 minutes ago, woodscommaelle said:

What an absolute fucking idiot!

Edit: they're BOTH fucking idiots!

[3 is enough]

I am thinking along the same lines as @ABSOLOM.  There is definitely something going on,  but also she thrives on drama and is milking it for all it's worth.

I do think whatever it is was triggered in some way by Zade's delivery, because she was fine before he was born.  I also noticed that these episodes happen shortly after a big event (wedding, beach vacation, Vegas trip).  It almost seems like the adrenaline rush associated with these big events keeps the seizures at bay, if that is at all possible.

All I can say is I really hope that if Evan has decided to leave his job they suck it up and make COBRA payments for the rest of the year.  At this point they have probably maxed out their deductibles and out of pocket payments, and though COBRA payments are pricey, it's only for 4 months, and if they choose to drop coverage they will be starting from scratch again.  With a 5 day hospital stay for the EEG looming that would be a HUGE mistake.  

But hey, when have these two ever made the logical choice about anything?

Edited August 15, 2022 by 3 is enough

[Cinnabon]

4 minutes ago, 3 is enough said:

It almost seems like the adrenaline rush associated with these big events keeps the seizures at bay, if that is at all possible.

This doesn’t make sense to me. I’m going to go with Occam’s razor.

[3 is enough]

3 minutes ago, Cinnabon said:

This doesn’t make sense to me. I’m going to go with Occam’s razor.

Just wondering out loud.  I have no idea if this is even possible, obviously. If anything, I would think the stress involved with these trips would trigger an episode, but that never seems to be the case.  To be honest, nothing makes sense about this whole situation.

[Salacious Kitty]

16 minutes ago, 3 is enough said:

Just wondering out loud.  I have no idea if this is even possible, obviously. If anything, I would think the stress involved with these trips would trigger an episode, but that never seems to be the case.  To be honest, nothing makes sense about this whole situation.

Dr. Google tells me that adrenaline and stress can TRIGGER episodes, not keep them at bay. So why isn't she having episodes when all jacked up at weddings, vacations, and work trips? 

Edited August 15, 2022 by Salacious Kitty

[Notabug]

28 minutes ago, Salacious Kitty said:

Dr. Google tells me that adrenaline and stress can TRIGGER episodes, not out them at bay. So why isn't she having episodes when all jacked up at weddings, vacations, and work trips? 

Yes, excitement as well as changes in eating and sleeping habits as well as unfamiliar surroundings are far more likely to result in an increase in seizures or cardiac arrhythmias than to prevent them.  Same reason why caffeine and excess sugar should be avoided.

I don't doubt there is something going on with Carlin, I just don't think there is likely to be a physical cause.  I wouldn't be surprised if this is her reaction to the added stress of another child just as her husband is finishing school and starting a real honest-to-God job and moving to a new home.  I think she is easily overwhelmed emotionally and may well have a little post partum depression as well.  Getting the spotlight to shine brightly on herself rather than the new baby, the new house or the husband's new job may be emotionally beneficial to her.  The fact that dramatizing all of these events for clicks seems to be their only source of income these days has also got to be figuring into it all somewhere.

Edited August 15, 2022 by Notabug

[Cinnabon]

1 hour ago, Salacious Kitty said:

Dr. Google tells me that adrenaline and stress can TRIGGER episodes, not keep them at bay. So why isn't she having episodes when all jacked up at weddings, vacations, and work trips? 

And all the hours in crowded, chaotic airports. I can’t imagine that isn’t stressful for her, especially with a toddler and an infant in tow. 

1 hour ago, Notabug said:

Yes, excitement as well as changes in eating and sleeping habits as well as unfamiliar surroundings are far more likely to result in an increase in seizures or cardiac arrhythmias than to prevent them.  Same reason why caffeine and excess sugar should be avoided.

I don't doubt there is something going on with Carlin, I just don't think there is likely to be a physical cause.  I wouldn't be surprised if this is her reaction to the added stress of another child just as her husband is finishing school and starting a real honest-to-God job and moving to a new home.  I think she is easily overwhelmed emotionally and may well have a little post partum depression as well.  Getting the spotlight to shine brightly on herself rather than the new baby, the new house or the husband's new job may be emotionally beneficial to her.  The fact that dramatizing all of these events for clicks seems to be their only source of income these days has also got to be figuring into it all somewhere.

These two really, really need some detailed instructions on birth control methods. Another pregnancy would be disastrous for them, imo. 

Edited August 15, 2022 by Cinnabon

[cereality]

They're the ones that have created this image of themselves that now makes everyone doubt them. I mean they walk out of there kind of "excited" that she has a stress test and some test to look at the arteries in her neck but she doesn't know what that's called. All I could think was - are you "excited" because the dr. suggested you need this testing and it'll point out your problem or are you excited because more testing = 2 more YT videos on this subject? I mean it's weird to me how excited they get coming out of doctors' offices with news that others would consider scary. Though it's not like they're telling us everything so it's very possible the cardiologist said - I really think it's not your heart, but since you insist we'll do these last two tests just to confirm. 

And uh Carlin the test is most likely called an ultrasound bc I doubt they're doing anything invasive right off the bat. You know that thing that you and your sisters get all the time to detect a penis in utero and to make sure you have the appropriate colored cake and confetti for the party.

And yes they need very detailed birth control directions and none of this -- oops we were preventing but I guess we just messed up. Evan can ask his brother -- married for a year, also in electrician school, and no honeymoon baby or baby announcement at all from them so clearly they're using something workable.

[Peanut6711]

Does BSB have some kind of small business health insurance for employees?  If not, I don't understand how C& E can survive without Evan's health insurance from work or what did Z&W do with the NICU bills from their last birth. Zack had already left the force by then, correct?  Frankly, I don't see how C&E survive now with a new (and presumably big) mortgage, 2 kids, multiple vacations, eating out, taxes, car/home insurance, and medical bills. The fundies might be all about living "debt" free (and Erin and Chad might) but I can't imagine C & E aren't swimming in debt or soon will be. 

Edited August 15, 2022 by Peanut6711

[65mickey]

Two things occur to me. Maybe Carlin isn't taking her meds for one reason or another or she is not taking them as instructed.   Secondly didn't Carlin have postpartum depression after Layla was born? It's possible that it was a little more severe than the baby blues and it was not dealt with. Then along comes Zade and this throws her for a loop and boom here come the seizures and fainting. I am not willing to believe that Carlin and Evan are making all of this up just to justify Evan not starting his career. Whether it is a physical condition or a condition brought on by psychological issues I think they need to get to the bottom of her problems. 

[3 is enough]

To be fair Layla and Zade are 26 months apart.  It appears they did use some sort of birth control successfully at least until they started trying for Zade.  Contrast with Tori whose last two are only 14 months apart. 

[GeeGolly]

@Absolom, folks with Munchausen's have had surgeries, multiple med trials, tons of diagnostic tests, hospital stays, etc. Doctors are doing there job correctly when treating them, because they have no idea their patient is lying.

An extreme example (by proxy) is Gypsy Rose Blanchard.

I could be brought back into the malingering camp, but right now my switch has been flipped into the straight out lying or Munchhausen's camps, after watching the Layla reel.

[Notabug]

44 minutes ago, 65mickey said:

. I am not willing to believe that Carlin and Evan are making all of this up just to justify Evan not starting his career. Whether it is a physical condition or a condition brought on by psychological issues I think they need to get to the bottom of her problems. 

I don't think she is making this up, but I do think she is getting tremendous secondary gain from it.  For those not well versed in psychology; 

Quote

In psychology, a secondary gain is when you benefit from a problem. It’s when you receive advantages from an unwanted condition, circumstance, or limitation in your life. The benefits come from NOT overcoming your problems. It doesn’t mean the problem is positive, but there are benefits to having that problem.

That fits Carlin's current situation to a tee.  I don't think she is lying exactly, but I do think she has gotten a lot of positive mileage and clicks on their videos which leads to her exaggerating and dramatizing and otherwise finding ways to keep that money coming.  As long as it is profitable, she will continue to have episodes and continue to post all sorts of details about her doctors, medications, tests and treatments.

https://www.cateritterwellness.com/what-are-secondary-gains/#:~:text=In psychology%2C a secondary gain is when you,but there are benefits to having that problem.

[CouchTater]

I'm a very casual Bates Family observer, so I may be missing something:  where is Carlin's family in all this?  If this were my daughter or sister, I'd be right there with her in some of these appointments, providing another set of ears and/or just trying to make sense of what is allegedly going on.

[65mickey]

14 minutes ago, CouchTater said:

I'm a very casual Bates Family observer, so I may be missing something:  where is Carlin's family in all this?  If this were my daughter or sister, I'd be right there with her in some of these appointments, providing another set of ears and/or just trying to make sense of what is allegedly going on.

Exactly couchtater. My sister died at age 61 from a terrible autoimmune disease. She suffered for years with this and the last year of her life she was an invalid. I had a a child and a husband, a father in a nursing home and a mother who was suffering from dementia but I was there for every appointment driving her to and from specialists. And the last 3 months of her life was with her nights and days. It was no picinic but this is what families do. What is the point of having a large family if all of your siblings are too busy to help out in a medical crisis? 

[GeeGolly]

28 minutes ago, CouchTater said:

I'm a very casual Bates Family observer, so I may be missing something:  where is Carlin's family in all this?  If this were my daughter or sister, I'd be right there with her in some of these appointments, providing another set of ears and/or just trying to make sense of what is allegedly going on.

Maybe they know its not a big deal?

[3 is enough]

For as much as they all gush about how wonderful it is to have so many siblings, they sure don't do much to help each other out.

Kelly claims "she doesn't do well" when her kids are in distress.  We have seen that when Alyssa had her surgery and she showed up for a photo op and then promptly left town. The only ones who have even mentioned Carlin's issues are Whitney, Katie, and I think Michael has said that she was praying for her.  

When Erin had her struggles with Long Covid it was her mother-in-law who came from out of state to help. 

It really seems like the only time they seem to get emotional about siblings is when someone is getting married or someone has a baby.  

[65mickey]

Praying for her does absolutely nothing. They could all take turns and spend just one day a week with her so that Evan could go back to work. Thsre people are selfish self centered individuals. 

[Heathen]

45 minutes ago, 65mickey said:

Praying for her does absolutely nothing. They could all take turns and spend just one day a week with her so that Evan could go back to work. Thsre people are selfish self centered individuals. 

It's not their responsibility to hold Carlin's hand while she attention whores for the camera. They may be selfish and/or self-centered in every other way, but she's NOT their responsibility. Not to mention I'm pretty sure they know by now that she's full of shit. 

Evan doesn't want to go back to work. That's why he hasn't. 

[Tdoc72]

9 hours ago, Absolom said:

I've followed this story without watching their videos always remembering at base that Carlin has always been a drama queen.  I think she may have had an issue from recent delivery, bad diet, too much caffeine, and lack of sleep.  Getting so much attention would have appealed to her.  It could easily be just that. 

Would the doctors put her on medication if they didn't see at least something?  Today I'm leaning toward a combination of overly dramatic and some issue that may need treatment, but she's making the most of it.

Last week I watched a couple of old episodes and was thinking that Carlin has really toned it down. She was so obnoxious in them. 
 

I think I agree w/your diagnosis. I can’t see a doctor ordering the 3 day test (which was probably $$$) or signing FMLA papers if something wasn’t actually wrong. Plus some drama. Some of their stuff might have been impulsive, but I bet the beach vacation and work trip to Vegas were planned. 

[GeeGolly]

8 minutes ago, Tdoc72 said:

Last week I watched a couple of old episodes and was thinking that Carlin has really toned it down. She was so obnoxious in them. 
 

I think I agree w/your diagnosis. I can’t see a doctor ordering the 3 day test (which was probably $$$) or signing FMLA papers if something wasn’t actually wrong. Plus some drama. Some of their stuff might have been impulsive, but I bet the beach vacation and work trip to Vegas were planned. 

But tests are just that - tests. I just went through two months of tests and procedures because a doctor had suspicions. Turns out, thankfully, everything is fine with me.

[cereality]

I do think the Bates family is useless and selfish, so they aren't just going to on their own start walking in and helping and caring the way the Stewart clan does. The Bates only do that if there is a new grandbaby to hold or a gender reveal party or a house warming or wedding - something where they can get pretty pics, not for the day to day drudgery of life. But I also don't think the siblings are SO awful that if asked to help in specific manageable ways, they'd say no.

G&K don't manage their zoo of a household anyway, so if Evan said look Carlin needs someplace to be all day so I can work, so 1-2 days/wk can she and the kids spend 8 hrs here, I hardly think G&K would say no. Frankly it's just 3 more people for Addie, Ellie, Callie to manage, feed etc. so what do they care. G&K wouldn't lift a finger for Carlin just like they didn't for Alyssa, but at this point all she needs is someone with her which her teen siblings can do. Same with Z&W - I hardly think they'd say no we won't watch Carlin and the kids 2 days/wk at BSB and on those days when we wrap up at 2 pm and head home, I can't see Z saying no my sick sister can't come sit on my couch for the next two hours until her husband can come. Same with Michael - I also don't see her saying no to being a nanny 1 day/wk and if E&C were SO concerned, they could offer to pay her the going nanny rate. Hell Michael already babysits Josie's kids one day a week, so I doubt she'd say no for Carlin's kids esp. in light of Carlin's situation.

I think they haven't cobbled these solutions together because either at the start of this or somewhere through the last 12 weeks, they BOTH decided they want EVAN home, not anyone else.

[Absolom]

3 hours ago, GeeGolly said:

@Absolom, folks with Munchausen's have had surgeries, multiple med trials, tons of diagnostic tests, hospital stays, etc. Doctors are doing there job correctly when treating them, because they have no idea their patient is lying.

An extreme example (by proxy) is Gypsy Rose Blanchard.

I could be brought back into the malingering camp, but right now my switch has been flipped into the straight out lying or Munchhausen's camps, after watching the Layla reel.

I get it.  I had a cousin by marriage who had Munchausen's by proxy (whatever it's called now) and she fooled a LOT of people, doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists.  My mother is the one who figured it out and finally got the right social worker on the case and the baby removed.  There was a ton of family drama resulting from that one.  

I can see Carlin putting on or exaggerating for attention or unconsciously falling into a disorder from the gain she gets of attention.  That's why I'm standing by with popcorn to see what unfolds.  For the cousin by marriage it was an evolution.  

[Heathen]

31 minutes ago, Tdoc72 said:

I can’t see a doctor ordering the 3 day test (which was probably $$$) or signing FMLA papers if something wasn’t actually wrong.

I disagree. I have seen enough people (the factitious disorder person I've mentioned before, plus relatives) get treatments and/or medications and/or FMLA paperwork because they whined hard enough. They all had a lot in common with Carlin, too -- white, Christian to some extent, suburban, middle class, married, dramatic. It's real and it happens because doctors want to shut them up or they're afraid of getting badmouthed or worse. My own mother did it repeatedly and had multiple surgeries, the reasons for which changed depending on whom she was talking to or when. Sometimes in the same day. 

I think that's what Carlin is doing. I wish I were wrong, but I don't think so.

[3 is enough]

Let’s not forget that when Zach left his police job with benefits and a pension to “be more present in his children’s lives” no one  in the family batted an eyelid.  Also Grandpa Gil left a corporate job when he had a bunch of kids and continued to pump out another one every year. 
This seems to be normal for these folks.  No one seems to have a 9-5 job except for Kelton, Bobby ( thanks to Kelton), and John.  Everyone else seems to pick up odd jobs and still manage to buy homes, travel, eat out, etc. There is still a wedding every six months and a couple of new babies each year.  I just don’t know how they pull it off.

Edited August 16, 2022 by 3 is enough

[Heathen]

7 minutes ago, 3 is enough said:

Let’s not forget that when Zach left his police job with benefits and a pension to “be more present in his children’s lives” no one batted an eyelid.  Also Grandpa Gil left a corporate job when he had a bunch of kids and continued to pump out another one every year. 
This seems to be normal for these folks.  No one seems to have a 9-5 job except for Kelton, Bobby ( thanks to Kelton), and John.  Everyone else seems to pick up odd jobs and still buy homes, travel, eat out, etc. There is still a wedding every six months and a couple of new babies each year.  I just don’t know how they pull it off.

Well, it's not like they pay their ER bills. Proud Bates family tradition of screwing everybody else who uses that hospital. 😑

Seriously, I don't know how they do it, either. I know they're not wasting their money on worldly pursuits like books, newspapers, or education, but still. They're either lying or there is something we don't see, like welfare benefits, tax evasion, or "love offerings" from the suckers. 

Edited August 16, 2022 by Heathen

[Absolom]

8 hours ago, Notabug said:

The test for blood flow in her neck is probably carotid dopplers; an ultrasound looking for narrowing of her carotid arteries.  She could've been born with some sort of abnormality in her carotids but that should've shown up before now.  The odds that she has significant atherosclerotic plaque in her carotids causing blockage of blood flow  or small pieces breaking off and going to her brain causing her episodes are almost nil.

The treadmill test looks for signs of insufficient blood flow to her heart when stressed by exercise.  However, unless she was born with abnormal cardiac blood flow, that's not likely to be the case.  Her symptoms, randomly collapsing to the floor and shaking in all circumstances really doesn't fit the usual pattern of cardiovascular disease either.  She doesn't have chest pain and her spells seem to happen when she is not active.  She trotted all over San Diego at the wedding and all over the beach in Florida with nary a twitch.  People with CAD would usually have chest pain and/or shortness of breath with exertion.

Been there done that and had them both, but I have mother with an inheritable cardiac condition and I have an abnormal EKG most of the time.   I'm wondering now about how histrionic she has to be to keep getting all these tests ordered and who is paying for them.  My insurance would be getting balky by this point without some objective findings warranting it all.  If they're paying for it out of pocket surely it's beginning to pinch.  

[Salacious Kitty]

9 minutes ago, 3 is enough said:

Let’s not forget that when Zach left his police job with benefits and a pension to “be more present in his children’s lives” no one batted an eyelid.  Also Grandpa Gil left a corporate job when he had a bunch of kids and continued to pump out another one every year. 
This seems to be normal for these folks.  No one seems to have a 9-5 job except for Kelton, Bobby ( thanks to Kelton), and John.  Everyone else seems to pick up odd jobs and still manage to buy homes, travel, eat out, etc. There is still a wedding every six months and a couple of new babies each year.  I just don’t know how they pull it off.

I remember LOTS of eyelids being batted when Zach left the force. But amongst his peers? He was probably lauded. 🙄

[Absolom]

7 hours ago, 3 is enough said:

Just wondering out loud.  I have no idea if this is even possible, obviously. If anything, I would think the stress involved with these trips would trigger an episode, but that never seems to be the case.  To be honest, nothing makes sense about this whole situation.

Hm, since apparently the doctors don't know what Carlin has or doesn't have and we only have guesses, I'll throw this out there since you've made that connection.  I have multiple autoimmune disorders.  The adrenaline rush gets me through things (extra cortisol in the system from it?) Then a couple days later, I crash and am out for several days up to a couple of weeks or more.  There are at least a couple autoimmune diseases that can have seizures or seizure like activity as one possible expression.   Although this is not a common condition and it is not likely, but would it also probably not be thought of by many of the doctors she's seeing in Tennessee.   I'm not seriously suggesting Carlin has an auto-immune disorder, but if she does it could account for the delayed reaction.  Carlin exaggerating intentionally or unconsciously is more likely.   

[3 is enough]

32 minutes ago, Salacious Kitty said:

I remember LOTS of eyelids being batted when Zach left the force. But amongst his peers? He was probably lauded. 🙄

I should have specified no one IN THE FAMILY batted an eyelid.  The rest of us? Of course! I still think it was a dumb decision, but a year and a $10000 range and multiple vacations later life goes on apparently. 

[Salacious Kitty]

Whitney certainly keeps up the shilling of crap as well. But I've seen Carlin selling the same ugly tees that Whit sold today. 

[Heathen]

5 minutes ago, 3 is enough said:

I should have specified no one IN THE FAMILY batted an eyelid.  The rest of us? Of course! I still think it was a dumb decision, but a year and a $10000 range and multiple vacations later life goes on apparently. 

They got a $10,000 kitchen appliance? JFC. Either real estate is going well for Whitney, or something else is going on. 

[Salacious Kitty]

She hasn't done real estate in years. She picked the wrong time to ditch that career.

[Heathen]

25 minutes ago, Salacious Kitty said:

She hasn't done real estate in years. She picked the wrong time to ditch that career.

So their vanity boutique thing with its monthly ditch-the-inventory sales is really doing that well? Or the "influencing" pays that well? 

[BitterApple]

18 minutes ago, Heathen said:

So their vanity boutique thing with its monthly ditch-the-inventory sales is really doing that well? Or the "influencing" pays that well? 

Lulz! Maybe the Boutique is a money laundering operation or a front for drugs. A handful of wholesome, white Christian moms? Who would suspect? Kind of like Clint Eastwood's character in The Mule. 

I actually think I could stomach illegally activity more than these yahoos being that flush off Instagram cash. 🤣🤣🤣

[SMama]

1 hour ago, Heathen said:

They got a $10,000 kitchen appliance? JFC. Either real estate is going well for Whitney, or something else is going on. 

I could bemistaken but I thought their Italian stove was $3500. The sofa with white covers was rumored to be almost $10,000. Still a heck of a lot of money spent without a care in the world.