Beyond - Legends "Wasting the Day in Bedlam" - Dear Diary Challenge 2012- Updated 10/16

Nice update. Why are there so many codpieces in Star Wars?

 

Well, being shot in the crotch wouldn't be very fun...

 

Nice touching artwork
And the writing from dr Karastee adds great insight to his diary

 

Outch!

Nice details with Boba Fett.

 

Heh, thanks. And I apologize for the undercurrent of nerd rage, but Zuckuss has every reason to feel that way. Fett is something of an ass.

Anywho, next entry is up. Let's overlook Zuckuss's bad spelling. His literacy in Basic needs work.

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First month, 20th day, 28 ABY

Mail call today, and to Zuckuss?s surprise, he received a letter! The letter was from Miss Cami Sookanado, Zuckuss?s former cellmate. Miss Sookanado provided Zuckuss with an address for [I][illegible][/I] further [correspondence], and she discussed how her life has been. She is soon to be attending classes in psychology and she expressed interest in becoming an advocate for former hunters who are dealing with the same troubles as ourselves. Zuckuss is happy for Miss Sookanado and wishes her the guidance of the mists to see her through.

Zuckuss also had read through the [I][illegible][/I] pamflets [I][sic][/I] and other material provided to him, and conversed briefly with Dr. Karastee concerning his upcoming shocks. He is also to receive an exam and diagnostic testing to assess his heart in preparation.

He is scared. He will not mince words; he is scared. Did he make the right decision? He knows that he signed the flimsiwork, as Zuckuss is a bit better at monitoring his actions when the Corellian is in [I][illegible][/I] control. He can even talk to the Corellian, and the Corellian talks to him. So, Zuckuss [knows] that he consented to the treatment.

The pamflets [I][sic][/I] detailed the procedure and provided imagery. The information, while it assuaged some concern, has only prompted others. Zuckuss is scared. Will it hurt? He knows that he will be asleep for it, but, he is still concerned. And what of the effects on his memory? How bad will they be? Did he make the right [I][illegible][/I] decision?

Dr. Karastee offered to allow Zuckuss to see the treatment room and further explain the equipment [involved]. She also told him that his treatments will be done in the OR, where it is air locked and can be filled with ammonia, as Zuckuss cannot wear his mask during the procedure. He is [I][illegible][/I] to receive a course of six treatments, [I][illegible][/I] three treatments a week, and then a ?maintenance? treatment after a few months of assessment.

Zuckuss is scared. He is scared that he may be making a [I][illegible][/I] big mistake?

[hr]
[I]Doctor?s note: Zuckuss?s concerns on ECT are valid, as the procedure does cause some memory loss. This amnesia is usually limited to the time directly before and immediately after the treatment, and is usually accompanied by some confusion. However, this usually clears up within hours. There have been some reports about individuals experiencing bad outcomes, in which large portions of their memories had been irreparably damaged, but these reports are outweighed by positive outcomes experienced by many other patients. Unfortunately, the parts that the general public focuses on are usually the bad outcomes.[/I]

[I]In my own practice, my patients fared better after a course of ECT. Therefore, I am confident that this procedure will benefit Zuckuss in a shorter amount of time than yet another course of drug therapy. His current medication causes side-effects that are distressing to him, and if he were to be started on a new course of medication, the side-effects would only get worse. Drug therapy, particularly antipsychotic medication, runs the risk of the patient developing sometimes permanent neuromuscular defects, such as twitching and other involuntary movements. Zuckuss already displays a tremor in his hands, and additional medication will only make it more pronounced. [/I]

[I]You will notice in this entry that Zuckuss?s derailment is less prominent. When the Uncanny One is present, Zuckuss?s disorganized thought pattern is not as evident. He is more lucid, he is able to stay on topic, and he is less withdrawn. It is interesting to note that this personality is not prone to the hallucinations or delusions. This is the personality that I am trying to help Zucku

 

Nice insights in the medical treatment and hope it will help Zuckuss

 

Interesting. I know about those side effects. The problem with patients is they take a medication, it has bad side effects and they stop using it. They need to go back to the doctor! I went through at least 7 different medications for my medical problem before I found a pill with no obvious side effects. It's too bad that he has horrible interactions to all types of drugs...but then if you cured him right away this would be a short diary challenge.

I like the doctor's comments.

 

I can't help feeling very sorry for Zuckuss.

 

I hope that the treatment can really help him and does not make things worse for him.

 

I've also done the medication dance many times over the years myself and currently I'm on meds that have some nuisance side-effects, but they're tolerable. Occasional blurred vision, tremors, drowsiness, upset stomach, restlessness in the legs... As nasty as they sound, they're tolerable and rather than go on other meds with other side-effects that can be worse, or meds that simply are not effective enough, I'd rather just deal with the side-effects I have now, simply because they're familiar.

In the mental health field, patients are notorious for going off their meds, particularly in recent years with the closing of state hospitals and the at times expensive or simply unavailability of outpatient services. Many short-term stays have a "treat 'em and street 'em" mentality. Medication then is not monitored, so many people will go off their meds because of the side-effects or simply because they keep forgetting to take their meds. There is also that circular logic of "only sick people take meds," and the reduction of symptoms and the individual feeling as if they don't need their meds anymore. Let alone the general hit-or-miss trial-and-error tactic taken with meds; one medication that works for one person causes horrid side-effects in another, etc.

The mental health services of the GFFA haven't really been explored from what I can tell, and prior to the Clone Wars (and during), there were state hospitals available. In other sources that I've seen (I may be mistaken as I haven't delved too much into the Legacy era), the treatment of the mentally ill seems to be detention centers or allowing them to roam the streets without any sort of treatment. It sort of mimics the state of the mental health system now, at least in my state, with the closure of the state facilities.

Anywho, new entry!

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First month, 22nd day, 28 ABY

Zuckuss started the day a bit tired and the feeling only progressed from there. By the middle of the day, he was feeling rather under the weather. So, he [spent] his pod time working on a puzzle. Zuckuss likes puzzles ?he can meditate while he works.

It [I][illegible][/I] also helps to keep the Corellian at bay.

The Corellian?s job [I][illegible][/I] is to protect Zuckuss, so when he is in a stressful situation, the Corellian will come out and Zuckuss will go away. Zuckuss has gotten better at monitoring the Corellian?s [I][illegible][/I] actions, though. Zuckuss has taught the Corellian how [I][illegible][/I] to use his [abilities], and in turn, the Corellian taught Zuckuss how to paint.

But, Zuckuss doesn?t trust the Corellian. We fight and the [screaming] hurts Zuckuss?s head. And now, since he is feeling ill, Zuckuss is afraid that the Corellian will use this chance to take over.

It is the Corellian?s fault that Zuckuss is getting shocks!

[hr]

[I]Doctor?s note: As is evident in this entry, Zuckuss displays a level of distrust in his alternate personality. That personality, the Corellian, has at times placed Zuckuss in dangerous situations and has even hurt Zuckuss. A recent incident occurred early last year when the Corellian, after a meeting with the disciplinary board, had ingested a large amount of medication that he had been hoarding, and then transitioned to the Uncanny One. Zuckuss had no recollection of the overdose and he was treated when he began to show symptoms. Since that time, I had been working with Zuckuss to help him maintain a level of control when he switches out.[/I]

[I]It is not uncommon for the protector identities to allocate time to the more passive ones, and as Zuckuss has indicated, different identities will sometimes display talents and skills that the host identity does not have. The Corellian is quite the accomplished painter; this talent was uncovered when Zuckuss began art therapy. Since Zuckuss can now access his active consciousness when the Corellian is in control, he has begun to share that same talent. The subject matter in their art is vastly different, however, and I will need to select some examples at a later date.[/I]

[I]Zuc

 

I know you are a great artist. I would be interested in seeing the two types of art he creates.

 

great update showing real life and the uncertainties of a patient.

 

Great view into Zuckuss' different personalities. Very interesting!

 

The mental health services of the GFFA haven't really been explored from what I can tell, and prior to the Clone Wars (and during), there were state hospitals available. In other sources that I've seen (I may be mistaken as I haven't delved too much into the Legacy era), the treatment of the mentally ill seems to be detention centers or allowing them to roam the streets without any sort of treatment. It sort of mimics the state of the mental health system now, at least in my state, with the closure of the state facilities.

Thanks for all the background informations & excellent explanations of this story.

 

At this point, I'm hoping I don't run out of story! XD But, a lot can happen over the course of a year and I can certainly draw on my own experiences, both past and present, to fill out some days. And, I had written a month's worth of stockpile entries just in case.

Anywho, new entry, using the "weird weather" challenge!

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First month, 28th day, 28 ABY

Zuckuss had recreation out on the yard today. His hour of recreation is segregated [from] the rest of the inmate [population], as is his pod time.* So, he was out on the yard alone, save for the usual compliment of guards. This segregation is for Zuckuss?s protection; he is a high-[profile] inmate. It wouldn?t matter if he were transferred to the SNU*, he would be a target there, as well. Even if he were moved to the honor dorm. It would not matter. No matter where Zuckuss is placed in Bedlam, the other inmates would still try to kill him. Hence why he must be segregated and take pod time and rec by himself.

While he was out on the yard, he felt the [temperature] drop. Granted, it was quite cold and Zuckuss kept warm by walking the track and conversing with one of the [guards], but as we [walked], the clouds gathered and [temperature] dropped and it [started] to snow. Gently, at first, then harder. The guard asked Zuckuss if he wanted to go inside, which he declined.

Suddenly, a flash! Then a crack! And the snowfall [became] a squall! A torrent!

Zuckuss was rushed under an awning by the guard, and we stood there as the snow fell in a sheet of white! Then more thunder! An inch was [already] on the ground when Zuckuss sought shelter, and when he was escorted inside, he asked the guard to check and the guard said that there was about two and a half! After only [five]-ten minutes!

Zuckuss?s yard time was cut short so he was permitted to spend the remainder of his rec out of his cell, in the pod. He [I][illegible][/I] started to work on a painting, then, at the request of Dr. Karastee. Painting helps him keep the Corellian [asleep]. The [I][illegible][/I] Corellian was trying to make Zuckuss sleep.

Zuckuss doesn?t trust the Corellian. He [I][illegible][/I] hopes the mists will show him how to make the Corellian go [away]. The Corellian doesn?t like it when Zuckuss talks about him. The Corellian is screaming at him.

[hr]

[I]*Note: Pod time refers to when the inmates are permitted to socialize outside of their cells, on the pod. This recreation usually lasts for an hour.[/I]

[I]*Note: SNU refers to the Secure Needs Unit, a housing unit designated for high-risk and high-profile inmates who would otherwise be targets for assault within the general population.[/I]

[I]Doctor?s note: Zuckuss?s concerns about his welfare are valid, as he has been attacked by the other inmates in the past. A recent incident occurred about two years ago when a Kubaz inmate had made an attempt on Zuckuss?s life during a riot. Zuckuss was stabbed three times in the abdomen, which punctured his stomach and liver and required surgery to repair. ?Dr. Gawynn Karastee[/I]

[hr]

 

I've never actually experienced thundersnow.

Nothing, however, will match the times I've been a passenger in a car that's driving through whiteout conditions as the sun sets or while it's dark. Dad liked to do doughnuts in the middle of Ten Mile Road... :scary:

 

Nice entry with the challenge and more information about his stay

 

Great way to incorporate the challenge into the story.

 

Doctor?s note: Zuckuss?s concerns about his welfare are valid, as he has been attacked by the other inmates in the past. A recent incident occurred about two years ago when a Kubaz inmate had made an attempt on Zuckuss?s life during a riot. Zuckuss was stabbed three times in the abdomen, which punctured his stomach and liver and required surgery to repair. ?Dr. Gawynn Karastee

No wonder he is paranoid!

 

Well, the threats and attempts on his life are actually not implausible, as in prisons across the US, special care must be taken with high-profile inmates. For example, Charles Manson must be kept segregated from the other inmates, due to the high-profile nature of his sentence. He is housed in general population, but he is segregated for his own protection and the staff must take care that the other inmates don't smuggle anything that Manson makes out of the prison and sell it.

Since Zuckuss was an infamous bounty hunter on the outside, in league with the top ten, then he would be a high-profile target behind bars. Even if the other inmates were not any bounties he had brought in, they would still target him due to his reputation. He was a member of law enforcement, he hunted down scum and villainy, and now he's behind bars, on a level playing field with the scum that he hunted down. Inmate politics come into play and Zuckuss, despite his outside reputation, is regarded as the scum of the prison and a target for the other inmates, who would gain considerable notoriety if they killed him.

Anywho, new entry! And this one is entirely by Dr. Karastee.

---

[image=http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/5217/zuckussselfportrait.jpg]

[I]Doctor?s note?[/I]
[I]Subject: Zuckuss?s self-portrait[/I]

[I]Earlier this week, I had provided Zuckuss with canvas and paints and gave him an assignment: to paint his self-portrait. However, rather than a simple painted reflection, I asked him to paint how he [/I]sees[I] himself, how he perceives his disease. The resultant painting is quite profound.[/I]

[I]Zuckuss divided the canvas down the middle and painted himself head-on. On the left side is the Uncanny One. The colors are vibrant and warm and he detailed himself with an intricate scrollwork. His hand is positioned toward the center of his chest in what I assume is a meditative posture.[/I]

[I]On the right is the Corellian. This side is cool, dark, and muted. The detailing is sparse and vague, the strokes are angular, and the shading is flat. The Corellian is holding what appears to be a blaster, with the barrel in the center.[/I]

[I]What is intriguing about this piece are the posturing of the hands and the stark contrast in palettes. The Uncanny One appears as if he is blocking the other half, hand up to prevent the Corellian from crossing over, whereas the Corellian?s blaster is pointed at the Uncanny One. However, no element of either side crosses over and the demarcation seems as if there should be a middle piece, but it was omitted. The Corellian is angry and cold, while the Uncanny One is warm and contemplative.[/I]

[I]I asked Zuckuss to explain the painting, but he merely shrugged and indicated that the Uncanny One ?looks weird.? I will pose the question again when the Uncanny One is in control.[/I]

[I]This painting also signifies the conflicting nature of Zuckuss?s personalities. Both fight for control and with each other. It will take time to integrate Zuckuss?s personalities into a single identity, but with how the Corellian has relegated the Uncanny One into a recessive role, I worry that the latter may end up integrating, rather than the other way around. In order to achieve the favorable findsman identity, it may come down to what many have termed ?integration by firing squad.?[/I]

[I]I will continue to work with Zuckuss and he has shown progress in maintaining a level of awareness when the Corellian is in control. It will take time, but he will recover. ?Dr. Gawynn Karastee[/I]

[hr]

 

Cool painting!

 

Awesome painting and excellent analysis of it.

 

Dr. Karastee should consider a secondary career as an art critic.

 

Well, the threats and attempts on his life are actually not implausible, as in prisons across the US, special care must be taken with high-profile inmates. For example, Charles Manson must be kept segregated from the other inmates, due to the high-profile nature of his sentence. He is housed in general population, but he is segregated for his own protection and the staff must take care that the other inmates don't smuggle anything that Manson makes out of the prison and sell it.

Since Zuckuss was an infamous bounty hunter on the outside, in league with the top ten, then he would be a high-profile target behind bars. Even if the other inmates were not any bounties he had brought in, they would still target him due to his reputation. He was a member of law enforcement, he hunted down scum and villainy, and now he's behind bars, on a level playing field with the scum that he hunted down. Inmate politics come into play and Zuckuss, despite his outside reputation, is regarded as the scum of the prison and a target for the other inmates, who would gain considerable notoriety if they killed him.

Now that you say it, I see how vulnerable Zuckuss is behind bars AND with his special condition!

 

great analysis of the painting and a nice piece of art