S07.E10: Choose Your Battles

[CofCinci]

Kailyn works on her relationship with Vee; Cole takes Aubree to a father-daugter dance; Jenelle seeks help in New York for mysterious medical ailments; and Leah and Corey's co-parenting is shattered by a disturbing video.

[CofCinci]

Preview clips and transcript:

http://starcasm.net/archives/350074

Does anyone know if Adam ended up making it to the father-daughter dance?  I don't want to visit his Instagram. 

[GreatKazu]

Jenelle says she has spidey senses and she sees molecules.

If only she had spidey senses. It would be better than having rocks in her head and possibly coke up her nose. God, I hope I am wrong about her using drugs.

[BitterApple]

I'm concerned about Ali losing weight. Of course Leah's first reaction is to deny and deflect. I have a feeling Dr. Tsao spends an hour letting the Mandarin curse words fly as soon as the Messer/Simms clan leaves his office. 

Also, is anyone else surprised that Cory is monitoring her weight and calorie intake while Leah is completely clueless? I'm sure she thinks as long as Ali drinks that entire liter of Mountain Dew, it's all gravy.

Edited May 18, 2016 by BitterApple

[GreatKazu]

Leah only feeds the finest of foods to her kids. 

Let's see...Cheetos, soda, cans of frosting, canned pasta, white bread, cereal, Lunchables, juice barrels, McDonalds, pizza, sugar packets...

[monagatuna]

39 minutes ago, BitterApple said:

it's all gravy.

Out of a can, with a spoon...at the table because we're not white trash, y'all!

[Mkay]

2 hours ago, CofCinci said:

Preview clips and transcript:

http://starcasm.net/archives/350074

Does anyone know if Adam ended up making it to the father-daughter dance?  I don't want to visit his Instagram. 

I took one for the team. Hahaha. I don't see the dance on Adams Instagram.  I see on Chelsea's where Aubree got her glasses on Jan 26. The dance was feb 12, and the concert Chelsea went to was Jan 31.  

[TexasGal]

OMG, Jenelle's list of symptoms. I can't stop laughing.  "Loss of balance, dizziness...loss of coordination" - um those are all kinda the same thing rocket scientist. "My tongue was numb - or couldn't taste anything" - wtf?  Which one, you hypochondriac?

[Miss Chevious]

I know, that list was never-ending. I can just imagine some doctor trying to keep a straight face while she runs through that endless litany of symptoms. 

[GreatKazu]

Shades of Yolanda Foster with all of those symptoms Jenelle has listed. Hey Jenelle, maybe it is those implants causing you problems. 

[CofCinci]

24 minutes ago, GreatKazu said:

Shades of Yolanda Foster with all of those symptoms Jenelle has listed. Hey Jenelle, maybe it is those implants causing you problems. 

Most likely drugs. 

[teapot]

7 minutes ago, CofCinci said:

Most likely drugs. 

or do you think early pregnancy?  I remember before knowing I was pregnant, I had this weird flu thing that I couldn't shake for like two weeks (never went to the doctor, early 20s & "oh I'll be fine!" )...then I did the math & the dates added up

Edited May 18, 2016 by teapot
I have no busines using parentheses but I love them so

[CofCinci]

49 minutes ago, teapot said:

or do you think early pregnancy?  I remember before knowing I was pregnant, I had this weird flu thing that I couldn't shake for like two weeks (never went to the doctor, early 20s & "oh I'll be fine!" )...then I did the math & the dates added up

At her appearance on The Doctors, filmed last week in Feb. 2016 they tested for pregnancy and it was negative. If she's pregnancy, as her latest Target photo suggests, DV Dave got her pregnant after their trip to LA for The Doctors. 

[SPLAIN]

7 hours ago, CofCinci said:

Kailyn works on her relationship with Vee; Cole takes Aubree to a father-daugter dance; Jenelle seeks help in New York for mysterious medical ailments; and Leah and Corey's co-parenting is shattered by a disturbing video.

Disturbing video? Is this the truth that we were promised? 

[BitterApple]

Regarding the father/daughter dance, why does Adam have to be such a douche? Just text Chelsea back and let her know one way or the other. It's unfair to keep Aubree hanging like that, never knowing until the last minute if her father is going to show. I'm sure if Cole wasn't in the picture Randy would've taken her, but still. Adam needs to grow up.

[SPLAIN]

The conversation shifts. “How is work?” Kail asks.

“Long,” says Javi. He then explains that he had to wake up at four o’clock to go to work. “So I’m freakin’ tired all day,” he says.

“Well, you can sleep when you’re dead,” says Kail. (Probably not the greatest thing to say to someone in the military who is deployed overseas?)

“Yeah, well, when you gotta work a twelve-hour shift it’s not — that’s –”

Kail interrupts. “I work 24-hour shifts here, so…”

“You know, it’s a little different,” Javi responds.

“What is wrong with you?” asks Kail. “Why are you cranky?”

“Just — I don’t know. Just want you to show some emotion sometimes.”

“I’m a robot,” says Kail.

_________________

This above just reeks. Kail would never join a supprt group for wives of servicemen because she is not a true wife of a serviceman. She is just a fat ass who cannot understand what it means to have a spouse in the military. She is just dead between the ears and has no soul, and lacks emotions, unless she is playing the victim. Or is being the abuser.

[CofCinci]

46 minutes ago, SPLAIN said:

Disturbing video? Is this the truth that we were promised? 

What can be more upsetting than what we've already seen Leah do?!  I'm so curious about what could have been caught on video...

[BitterApple]

1 hour ago, SPLAIN said:

This above just reeks. Kail would never join a supprt group for wives of servicemen because she is not a true wife of a serviceman. She is just a fat ass who cannot understand what it means to have a spouse in the military. 

I agree and I'd also like to add that Kail would never join a support group because she's not even remotely upset that Javi is deployed in the first place. Right now her world is perfect. Javi's out of the picture, the military bennies are nice and secure, Mrs. Morroquin's at the house as a live-in nanny, there's plenty of opportunity to go out with friends and no husband bitching that she needs to spend more time with family. I understand Kail isn't an emotional person in general, but she's treating this whole thing like Javi is just gone for some weekend training seminar. She doesn't really seem to get it, or she does but just doesn't care.

[Evie]

1 hour ago, CofCinci said:

What can be more upsetting than what we've already seen Leah do?!  I'm so curious about what could have been caught on video...

Going by the promo I suppose it could be something Corey did, but Leah complains about Corey drawing breath so who knows.

I'm glad Corey has at least noticed that Ali has lost weight and wants to talk to the doctor about it, but of course it doesn't seem to occur to him/them that she's likely using all her energy trying to walk.

[NikSac]

47 minutes ago, Evie said:

I'm glad Corey has at least noticed that Ali has lost weight and wants to talk to the doctor about it, but of course it doesn't seem to occur to him/them that she's likely using all her energy trying to walk.

Same here, but I couldn't help but think (again!) how freaking stupid it is to put her in T-ball and expect her to RUN if she's having trouble keeping her weight on with her crappy diet and all the walking she's doing.

[citychic]

.

Edited May 19, 2016 by citychic
bad post

[ChocolateAddict]

I can't watch the episode so can someone tell me what happens in this *shocking* video?  To be honest, if it has anything to do with Leah I doubt that we are going to be surprised unless it shows her snorting some uppers or dragging Ali up the stairs by her feet. 

[NikSac]

27 minutes ago, ChocolateAddict said:

I can't watch the episode so can someone tell me what happens in this *shocking* video?  To be honest, if it has anything to do with Leah I doubt that we are going to be surprised unless it shows her snorting some uppers or dragging Ali up the stairs by her feet. 

If you mean tell you now, no because it's just in the episode description, it's not in any of the sneak peeks that I've seen.  But after it airs on Monday, sure! Hopefully it's actually in the show instead of one of those things in the description that never materializes in the episode.

I can't imagine much shocking either. 

[Lemons]

On May 18, 2016 at 7:37 PM, BitterApple said:

Regarding the father/daughter dance, why does Adam have to be such a douche? Just text Chelsea back and let her know one way or the other. It's unfair to keep Aubree hanging like that, never knowing until the last minute if her father is going to show. I'm sure if Cole wasn't in the picture Randy would've taken her, but still. Adam needs to grow up.

That whole thing don't make no sense.  When did Chelsea text him?  That day?  She should have texted him, no she should have called him a week before the dance.  If she didn't get an answer within 3 or 4 days, assume he isn't going.  She should then tell Aubrey that Adam can't make it, would she like to go with grandpa?  Smells like producer driven, trying to make Chelsea and Coke happen.

[GreatKazu]

Make Chelsea and Cole happen?  It has happened and has been happening, producers or not. 

Last I remember, Chelsea cannot call Adumb because he changed his number and did not give Chelsea his number. That is why she texts. It is not the first time Adumb has not returned a text. It is not the last either. 

[NikSac]

On 5/19/2016 at 7:56 PM, NikSac said:

Same here, but I couldn't help but think (again!) how freaking stupid it is to put her in T-ball and expect her to RUN if she's having trouble keeping her weight on with her crappy diet and all the walking she's doing.

Worth noting, I finally saw the preview and I have a slightly different perspective now. She's apparently not eating at Corey's house either (where there is presumably real food).

Swallowing can be a major problem with any muscle issues, including muscular dystrophy. I couldn't find anything about her specific form and swallowing, but really it's a problem with many muscle issues. I have mentioned before I had a muscle disease as a child. I once spent over a week in the hospital because I basically burped in my sleep but couldn't swallow hard enough and aspirated, leading to pneumonia. I recovered from that, but as things got worse I went through approximately 2 years of being completely unable to swallow so I was on strictly IV nutrition.

Sorry to get sidetracked on me, but thought I might have a fairly unique perspective. I wonder if Ali's having trouble swallowing, or has perhaps almost choked and scared herself. Either one could happen without any of her parents/steps/caretakers even noticing until they noticed she wasn't eating much. A few people have mentioned she's talking a lot less too - makes me wonder if she's having trouble speaking or if her voice is changing some and freaking her out. 

All of the above is purely just thoughts and speculations on one possibility since they haven't said what's actually going on. It did however make me want to suggest Pediasure - maybe they could even get a few free cases if they shill it on Instagram or something.

Edited May 21, 2016 by NikSac

[Lemons]

13 hours ago, GreatKazu said:

Make Chelsea and Cole happen?  It has happened and has been happening, producers or not. 

Last I remember, Chelsea cannot call Adumb because he changed his number and did not give Chelsea his number. That is why she texts. It is not the first time Adumb has not returned a text. It is not the last either. 

I mean try to give them a dramatic story line.  

What number does Chelsea text and why can't she call it?  Considering Chelsea is so bent on erasing Adam from existence and replacing him with Cole, I would doubt she actually made an effort to inform Adam.  

[GreatKazu]

26 minutes ago, Lemons said:

I mean try to give them a dramatic story line.  

What number does Chelsea text and why can't she call it?  Considering Chelsea is so bent on erasing Adam from existence and replacing him with Cole, I would doubt she actually made an effort to inform Adam.  

Sorry. Being on my device and posting late at night I see I was not complete with my post.

At one time Adumb would not give his number to Chelsea. I seem to remember this happening around one of their many court appearances. I think that is why Chelsea only texts because Adumb had to give his number to Chelsea, but he wanted her only to communicate via text, no phone calls.

Edited May 21, 2016 by GreatKazu

[blubld43]

On 5/19/2016 at 9:07 PM, Evie said:

I'm glad Corey has at least noticed that Ali has lost weight and wants to talk to the doctor about it, but of course it doesn't seem to occur to him/them that she's likely using all her energy trying to walk.

You know that dern Corey is just trying to make Leah look bad.

[ReadMeLattice]

Ali's weight loss would be unfortunately somewhat normal for a child with her kind of muscular dystrophy (it is a rare and more severe kind). It is probably also exacerbated by a loss of muscle mass due to her not using her wheelchair enough. I don't know that it is Leah or Corey's "fault" in terms of diet as much as it is due to the ongoing wheelchair issue (which is their fault, don't get me wrong) and the natural progression of her disorder. 

Edited May 21, 2016 by Lm2162

[poopchute]

Could it be that Leah feeds her shit like frosting from a can so that's why Leah says "she eats with me!" But if Corey is trying to give her actual food, healthy food, she doesn't want it, maybe that's why she's not eating at Corey's.

[CofCinci]

They travel 5 hours to Columbus, OH to see the specialist -- only to completely ignore his treatment recommendation.  Then, they act surprised that she's lost so much weight she has to go back into a car seat.  In this picture from her IG posted one day ago, Ali is still in the under 40 lbs. seat.

[ReadMeLattice]

@CofCinci, totally agree. Their repeated visits to specialists make no sense. They don't do anything they suggest.

[CofCinci]

4 minutes ago, Lm2162 said:

@CofCinci, totally agree. Their repeated visits to specialists make no sense. They don't do anything they suggest.

They both do the opposite of what Dr. Tsao directs.  Somehow "she needs to have power wheelchair ALL the time" was translated into she needs to join a T-ball league and spend the morning running around.  The most disturbing video is the girl's entire divided family ignoring what the respected, published mitochondrial and neuromuscular disease specialist recommends. 

[ReadMeLattice]

http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/chang-yong-tsao

Seriously. That's his bio. Corey and Leah: You don't know more than he does. You can barely speak without requiring subtitles or tweet without a translator. 

[TeeMo]

I am always perplexed by how much Adderall looks like TootieNovaLeeReignNotCarly. 

[ChocolateAddict]

7 hours ago, Lm2162 said:

http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/chang-yong-tsao

Seriously. That's his bio. Corey and Leah: You don't know more than he does. You can barely speak without requiring subtitles or tweet without a translator. 

"In 2006, Dr. Tsao was named Nationwide Children’s Hospital Physician of the Year. He is named among the “Best Doctors in America.”

 

But nooooo the parents clearly know better than one of the best doctors in America.  They should literally be kissing his feet for treating Ali but instead they ignore his phenomenal knowledge which they take as suggestions rather than cold, hard facts (e.g. "Ali needs to be in her power wheelchair" which becomes "sometimes we might drag it out and use it").  God knows that when I see my neurologist, I take notes left, right and centre because she has a decade of experience in neurology and I know how to apply bandaids.  Should be the same thing with Dr Tsao who could probably discuss MD in his sleep in comparison to both Corey and Leah who certainly haven't even touched a medical journal.  

[ChocolateAddict]

On 5/21/2016 at 11:44 AM, NikSac said:

If you mean tell you now, no because it's just in the episode description, it's not in any of the sneak peeks that I've seen.  But after it airs on Monday, sure! Hopefully it's actually in the show instead of one of those things in the description that never materializes in the episode.

I can't imagine much shocking either. 

Ok thanks :) I don't live in the US so I'm at the mercy of whoever puts it up on YouTube (which lasts for all of about a day before it gets taken down). If I can find out what it is without trawling through the rest of the YouTube crap, that would be great, hahaha. 

[Uncle JUICE]

On 5/22/2016 at 2:39 AM, ChocolateAddict said:

"In 2006, Dr. Tsao was named Nationwide Children’s Hospital Physician of the Year. He is named among the “Best Doctors in America.”

 

But nooooo the parents clearly know better than one of the best doctors in America.  They should literally be kissing his feet for treating Ali but instead they ignore his phenomenal knowledge which they take as suggestions rather than cold, hard facts (e.g. "Ali needs to be in her power wheelchair" which becomes "sometimes we might drag it out and use it").  God knows that when I see my neurologist, I take notes left, right and centre because she has a decade of experience in neurology and I know how to apply bandaids.  Should be the same thing with Dr Tsao who could probably discuss MD in his sleep in comparison to both Corey and Leah who certainly haven't even touched a medical journal.  

I'm telling you, the whole thing stinks of "we'll have the congregation lay hands on her" and "well you ain't prayin' hard enough" and "Just give it over to the Lord, he will save her!" Maybe I'm wrong, but the percentages are in my favor based on what we see happening on screen, and again, probably biased, but those people sure seem like the type to at least pretend they're going to get out of bed Sunday morning and go to meetin'. 

[dabronx]

On ‎5‎/‎21‎/‎2016 at 6:45 PM, Lm2162 said:

http://www.nationwidechildrens.org/chang-yong-tsao

Seriously. That's his bio. Corey and Leah: You don't know more than he does. You can barely speak without requiring subtitles or tweet without a translator. 

This reminds me of one of the things that drives me crazy about interactions with majority of my Irish friends and family. The general frame of mind is that everyone's a doctor - except the actual doctors - who don't know shit.

 

1 hour ago, Uncle JUICE said:

I'm telling you, the whole thing stinks of "we'll have the congregation lay hands on her" and "well you ain't prayin' hard enough" and "Just give it over to the Lord, he will save her!" Maybe I'm wrong, but the percentages are in my favor based on what we see happening on screen, and again, probably biased, but those people sure seem like the type to at least pretend they're going to get out of bed Sunday morning and go to meetin'. 

They've never shown religion to be a huge factor in these folks lives. Maybe in extended family but not in Corey and Leah's lives. I think it's far more just a willful desire to just not believe the truth cause its too hard to acccept. I mean you're talking about a chick who ended a marriage over a truck (aka cheater cheater pumpkin eater) and entered rehab for stress (aka hopper dopper I'm a pill popper). She's a master of self-delusion in all aspects of her life, and Corey seems to be just as delusional in regards to his daughter's condition.

Edited May 23, 2016 by dabronx
spelling

[Uncle JUICE]

28 minutes ago, dabronx said:

This reminds me of one of the things that drives me crazy about interactions with majority of my Irish friends and family. The general frame of mind is that everyone's a doctor - except the actual doctors - who don't know shit.

 

They've never shown religion to be a huge factor in these folks lives. Maybe in extended family but not in Corey and Leah's lives. I think it's far more just a willful desire to just not believe the truth cause its too hard to acccept. I mean you're talking about a chick who ended a marriage over a truck (aka cheater cheater pumpkin eater) and entered rehab for stress (aka hopper dopper I'm a pill popper). She's a master of self-delusion in all aspects of her life, and Corey seems to be just as delusional in regards to his daughter's condition.

One might argue that delusion, specifically self delusion, and religiosity aren't so far apart :). All I'm saying is in that part of the country, religion's a pretty big deal culturally. Maybe not necessarily these two getting to church every week (see my upcoming comment on why that might not be shown), but what do they check on any form that asks for it? I bet they'  It's possible MTV found a couple of statistical outliers, but probable that they're simply making a decision based on not wanting to either offend anyone (who might hold different religious views) or alienate viewers (as young people are generally less and less religious now, but that trend started after Corey and Leah would statistically be likely to be a part of it). In any case, we can agree that their treatment of their special needs kid as someone who just needs to be a little more plucky in order to play tee ball, rather than someone who needs very, very specific scientific care (diet / physical activity / etc), it basically amounts to something between neglect and active abuse. What makes me feel sad is how they're going to have to live with themselves one day, with the idea that maybe they'd have gotten her one more healthful day to enjoy. Typing even that, the weight of it is absolutely crushing.  

[ReadMeLattice]

@Uncle JUICE, they both definitely seem to have an attitude of "she just needs to get up and do it, y'all!!!!!!!" And always have. At this point I do think it is tantamount to neglect or abuse. 

Edited May 23, 2016 by Lm2162

[Uncle JUICE]

Exactly, this isn't someone who just needs more of a can-do attitude. It's a kid whose every move saps strength, in most cases permanently. It sucks that you're going to have to tell her that she can't play tee ball. But the alternative is telling her that she can, knowing that she SHOULD NOT, and the terrible eventuality that you as her parent are going to have to deal with: your misguided action contributed, actively, to her muscular degeneration. 

[MargeGunderson]

25 minutes ago, Uncle JUICE said:

Exactly, this isn't someone who just needs more of a can-do attitude. It's a kid whose every move saps strength, in most cases permanently. It sucks that you're going to have to tell her that she can't play tee ball. But the alternative is telling her that she can, knowing that she SHOULD NOT, and the terrible eventuality that you as her parent are going to have to deal with: your misguided action contributed, actively, to her muscular degeneration. 

Ironic coming from Leah, who doesn't exactly have a can-do attitude herself.

[Uncle JUICE]

7 minutes ago, MargeGunderson said:

Ironic coming from Leah, who doesn't exactly have a can-do attitude herself.

There just needs to be someone, somewhere, who can explain to Leah and Corey that the cavalry isn't coming. This is a precious, real life little girl, whose health and happiness is your primary driver in life. If that were me, and I'm a guy with children, everything else disappears very quickly when you start to think "This person is counting on me to make the absolute most of their life, even if they don't know it, and one day when I remember her during these years, will I think 'I would trade those two innings of tee ball, I'd trade ten thousand of them, for one more fucking hour to talk to her. For one more fucking second where she could wrap her own little arms around me."  

Or when she really struggles, they'll have to think "I wonder if not bringing her to tumble class might have stayed that for a month, a day, whatever." 

Edited May 23, 2016 by Uncle JUICE

[poopchute]

I think there is someone telling them that though.  Their doctor.  They aren't listening because they are morons.

[BitterApple]

8 minutes ago, poopchute said:

I think there is someone telling them that though.  Their doctor.  They aren't listening because they are morons.

Seriously, we could make a drinking game out of how many times Dr. Tsao says "power wheelchair."

I just want to know about this disturbing video. I'm so traumatized by last night's Game of Thrones, I don't know if I can take much more foolery.

[ReadMeLattice]

@poopchute, exactly. They ARE being told. They were told since the first appointment years ago. It's been YEARS. This is willful and deliberate at this point. It is no longer sympathetic. It's not because they are uneducated, it's not because they are confused. It's because they are selfish or just too stupid to function. Or both. 

[CofCinci]

4 hours ago, BitterApple said:

Seriously, we could make a drinking game out of how many times Dr. Tsao says "power wheelchair."

I just want to know about this disturbing video. I'm so traumatized by last night's Game of Thrones, I don't know if I can take much more foolery.

Leah and Corey should watch GoT to see how accepting and accommodating the series is of Bran's disability. They could learn something. 

[NikSac]

5 hours ago, Lm2162 said:

@Uncle JUICE, they both definitely seem to have an attitude of "she just needs to get up and do it, y'all!!!!!!!" And always have. At this point I do think it is tantamount to neglect or abuse. 

I think she might be better off if it was neglect. Then she wouldn't be pushed to destroy what muscle she has left.