March 18, 2015
Do Not Get Sick in Federal Prison?
I went to sick call the other day as I have some blood work that came back with "out of range" results. As I sat there waiting for the Doctor, I remember what Justin told me prior to surrendering to prison. "The healthcare can be rather spotty". In other words, address all of your medical issues before you arrive at prison.
This is sound prison advice. To see the Prison Doctor, you have to fill out a form and submit it to the medical staff. On Saturday, They announce sick call and you report to the medical office and wait to see the Physicians' assistant. He determines if you need to see a real Doctor. As I was sitting waiting to be seen, an older gentleman appeared and asked the nurse if He could see the Doctor. He was turned away because He had not submitted the appropriate form during the week. He was very upset. Apparently, He was taken to the local hospital several weeks ago for a biopsy and was informed that He has advanced (stage 4)lung cancer. He was waiting to hear if He was going to be transferred to a prison medical center to treat his illness. He said, no one at the prison has told him anything and as a result, He is freaking out. He has been in prison for 11 years so his cancer developed here. The previous health care physicals He received at prison apparently failed to reveal any problem. He is still on the compound. The fact of the matter is He will probably die in prison.
Of course, I am now freaking out about my blood tests after hearing about his situation.
As they say, Do not get sick in Prison.
Ken Flaska
