Medical Issues (Part 13 by Lifer Renee)


Renee Only a teenager, she received a 60-year sentence. Sixteen years later, Renee is writing from Perryville prison in Goodyear, Arizona, providing a rare and unique insight into a women's prison. 

A month and a half pass still no EMG medical appointment. Finally, I signed for an offsite medical appointment. Again with the shackles, belly chains and handcuffs, I was paraded in front of the public in the waiting room. 

Whoever said an EMG test doesn’t hurt was lying. The needles and shocks of electricity wiped me out by the time it was over. Again the doctor couldn’t give me the results. Again I had to wait the DOC.

Two weeks passed and I waited. Finally, I signed to see the doctor once more in his cramped office.  All he told me was he’s sending me for a surgery consultation to discuss my options.  He asked if the gabapentin he prescribed was working for me.
“What can I do?” I asked. “What is wrong with me?”
“All I can do with you at this point is to help manage your pain, and send you to the surgeon to discuss your options.” 

I was waiting, yet again, for another medical appointment that I hope will give me some answers. At all costs I don’t want surgery as I am scared to death of 1) it being my neck and spine 2) the post care provided by prison. Needless to say, I have become a bit lazy. The medication makes me sleepy all the time but I don’t hurt as much. I’m not even working out, nor doing yoga as I’m really scared I might hurt myself more. Next week I plan on changing my work hours and starting a new routine as I’m in a bit of a rut. This week will be a long week at work as we had a 4 day weekend, which means a 4 day work week, which turns into 10 hour days. I’m not looking forward to it, but in a way I am as it takes me out of prison mentally, and with someone with as many things going on as me that is a blessing.

I have hired an attorney to review case, Kimerer and Derrick in Phoenix. They have been reviewing my case for 10 months now. No word yet if I have a chance of getting released but who knows. I met my personal goal to save the dollars to find and retain a lawyer and pray for a miracle.  I’ve put in a lot of work for a second chance, but like everything else these days, I wait.


Shaun Attwood

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Renee,
It's great to see that Jon's Jail Journal has posted another one of your letters! The surgery seems to be the most important thing to think about right now. If it were me, I would pay attention to everything that the doctors are telling me about the options and I would ask lots of questions. I would also ask for the opinions of other people about the surgery. Sometimes, the more that we talk about something with others, the better that we are able to know which decision to make. Also, try to do as much research on your medical problem and the different options for treatment as possible. Fear goes away with knowledge and understanding... It's great to see that you take your job seriously. Reading books is one of the best ways to take your mind to different worlds. Reading allows you to find out how other human beings see the world, and we often find out that we have more in common with our fellow human beings than we realize... Keep working on your case to be released, never give up. Once again, sending positive thoughts, prayers, and hope your way. And again, anxiously awaiting your next letter on the Jon's Jail Journal blog.
- Azar

Unknown said...

dont think you should have gone to prison,and the so called sheriff is 1 evil man,who covers up murder,you shopuld check a total miscaridge of justice,36 years in solitary confinement and still banged up never killed or harmed women or kids,freecharlesbronson.com

Anonymous said...

Doesn't making yourself useful make getting out less likely? After all, you're working for a few cents an hour, not even minimum wage. Surely, if you cost them money, you'd be out.
Stop working. Sue for occupational injury to your neck. Get your surgery paid for, and an agreement written up for future maintenance, therapy and drugs. Throw in some lost future earnings.
I have no sympathy with those committing crimes, from whichever side of the fence. If the DOC breaks the law, it should be made to pay.