Reviews from

Dealt a Crappy Hand

Living with psoriasis

19 total reviews 
Comment from Rosalyne
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi, Spiritual Echo.
You are a very strong resilient lady. You are a beautiful writer, one who has shared a painful story with grace. Your words will help others. The ignorance you faced in the 60's is just that, ignorance. You've suffered much physical pain, but remind me of a real fighter, a woman who has a great inner strength. You are an inspiration to many.
Bye
Rosalyne :)

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2014


reply by the author on 24-Jan-2014
    I sure hope so, Rosalyne. I'm more interested in helping those that will never suffer, but may learn to look with compassion at someone who is suffering. thanks for reading.
Comment from Dawn Munro
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Oh Jesus, I'm so sorry for your suffering and so grateful to be enlightened - of course I had heard of the disease, but had no idea of its severity or even really what it was.

You've written masterfully, and honestly about something that must be an horrendously difficult topic for you. What you have done with this essay is something that could very easily ease some of the horrible misinformation or lack of information that's out there and the resulting response to it. A great big KUDOS for that - you must publish!

One small edit: there are two "buts" in this sentence - my suggestion would be to start a new sentence with the second one (but then you'll know what to do anyway - you don't need my suggestion - *smile*). Oops - forgot to write which sentence - came back to 'fix' my review, and you've already made the change. (And it's great.) :)

Fabulous biographical nonfiction I would be so happy to rate with a six, but I'm out.

EXCEPTIONAL!!!*********************

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2014


reply by the author on 24-Jan-2014
    Thanks so much, especially for the alert. I've made the correction and appreciate your help.
reply by Dawn Munro on 24-Jan-2014
    My pleasure. It's a wonderful essay. (And I saw the change - I realized I hadn't said which sentence...Hahahaha - oops.)
reply by the author on 24-Jan-2014
    I DID HAVE TO LOOK FOR IT. lol
reply by Dawn Munro on 24-Jan-2014
    Ooooopssss - so sorry about that!!! LOL.
Comment from emrpoems
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A very descriptive story about psoriasis.
doctors have no cure much to the patient's frustration but you could find a homeopathic doctor who might be able to help

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2014


reply by the author on 24-Jan-2014
    I've done it all, but thanks for the suggestion and review.
Comment from Sasha
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is absolutely eye-opening. My daughter had what I thought was a severe case of psoriasis that developed into a staff infection. She was in excruciating pain and had to have her head shaved. She survived and the psoriasis was primarily limited to her scalp and special shampoos worked well to keep it in check. You have conveyed your situation with clarity, strong imagery, amazing emotional depth, and your usual sarcastic wit. I wish I had a 6 for you but I am out. This is a superb entry for this contest and clearly a top contender. I wish you all the best.

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2014


reply by the author on 24-Jan-2014
    Once every three of four years I get into this disease. It's educational for a lot of people. Last time I posted anything on this subject literally hundred of people contacted me with their stories. Thanks.
reply by Sasha on 24-Jan-2014
    Your positive attitude attracts people who may otherwise want to remain in the shadows. Excellent work with this one.
Comment from Shirley B
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Dear Spiritual Echo, what an inspiration you are to a lot of people. I learned so much from reading your well written essay. First let me say your imagery was excellent and as a nurse I understood everything you had to say about psoriasis. As someone with a 'disability', I know how you feel when you felt so discouraged. I am so glad you can look in the mirror. It sounds like you were always beautiful. :) Best of luck in the contest, Shirley

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2014


reply by the author on 24-Jan-2014
    Thank you, particularly in telling me about being a nurse. Today, most people I meet understand the condition to a degree, but back then no one knew. You've seen the results and understand the internal conflict. Thanks for reading, the review and all that marvelous starlight. I appreciate the generous review.
reply by Shirley B on 24-Jan-2014
    Believe me, I know how it feels to be treated like a leper too. :) Problem is in todays world there are still people who treat people with epilepsy like that. I understand about when you were younger. Kids can be so mean.
reply by the author on 24-Jan-2014
    yes they can, I hope your medication is keeping things under control.
Comment from bridgelace
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

A very fantastic descriptive story. Your writing encompasses the disease of psoriasis very well, and my heart goes out to you. My daughter was diagnosed with this as well, but as of yet, does not suffer to the extreme as you. I wish you well, and thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2014


reply by the author on 24-Jan-2014
    Please do watch your child, especially around puberty when the hormones send blood chemistry into different directions. Also know this is a known connection to arthritis and what may start as a simple spot may in old age cripple your child. Learn and take every precaution early and don't EVER listen to your GP. They honestly know very little about the extent of this affliction. Many thanks for the stars. They are greatly appreciated.
Comment from goompa
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Beautifully written and sad description of this affliction so many of us know so little about. HOw can I commend you except to say you are very brave. I wish you the best and hope that modern medicine will help you.

 Comment Written 24-Jan-2014


reply by the author on 24-Jan-2014
    Thank you for your encouraging words and for are the star power. Right now everything is working and perhaps by my participation in this study, future patients will have relief and possible cure.
Comment from Ekim777
Excellent
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It was a cruel card, God played when he blessed us with our imaginations and the ability to conceive a concept of beauty but saddled us with our human, physical limitation. Still we must rise above it somehow and create something new in ourselves and for others. No one suffered more than Beethoven but he not only expressed our torment but taught us to exult in it. Eliot intones that we must create something rich and rare out of the pain of our existence. So our mission lies before us. It resides in our all too human imaginations. There is an old song that goes; "Everybody's beautiful, in his own way." -Ekim777

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 Comment Written 24-Jan-2014


reply by the author on 24-Jan-2014
    Most don't discover inner strength and beauty until they've suffered the external alternatives. Thanks for the encouragement.
Comment from kiwisteveh
Excellent
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Whether you think so or not, this is an inspiring story and you tell it with clarity and directness and a certain self-effacement that does not do justice to your courage in carrying on a normal life with this disfiguring disability.

The tiniest of spags - found one this time - in patient --> in-patient

Steve

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 Comment Written 24-Jan-2014


reply by the author on 24-Jan-2014
    Thank you. Especially for the SPAG alert. Man, I came so close to celebrating--any excuse but especially a SPAG-free write--rare.