I posted the other day about what to do about Kevin's medical issues, which weren't being looked at in the county jail. I spoke with his private doctor last week (the VA medical center) and told her about what was going on, she was upset and wanted to know the jails number. I really didn't think anything would happen, but tonite when Kevin called, he said he'd spent the day at the VA center! The doctor called and spoke with numerous people until she got someone who said they'd bring him him this week. Of course, they won't let us know this, so I had no clue. I'm not sure how many of you deal with VA centers (KEvin and I are both vets and use their excellent medical facilitites - no complaints here!), but when seeing your primary dr, you usually wait at least 30-45 minutes. When they brought Kevin to the desk, seeing him shackled, the nurse brought him back immediately - she told him he might be more comfortable inside. He was so relieved - the whole time in the van he was worried what the people would think about him shackled. So, while he was spending the day at the dr's office, I was spending in in circuit court, as our attorney called me this morning and said he wanted to go before the judge today (since he had to be there anyway) with Kevins medical issue (the judge wrote on his sentencing order that Kevin me continued on ALL of his current meds, as he has severe depression, and that he is to remain on suicide watch until further notice (which also never happened). The jail has violated almost every single one of his 11 different meds in the past 5 weeks. When I personally talked to the nurse (they already had a copy of the order) I was told "The judge isn't a dr. and cannot make medical determinations". ) So our attorney thought the judge might like to know that his order was being overturned by the nurses on shift (remember, he has yet to see a dr.). I waited for 3 hrs, when our attorney told me to go home, he'd take care of everything and call me tomorrow. Of course, I had no way of knowing that while I was there trying to get my husband medical care, he was getting it somewhere else!!!

Anyway, he got 4 new prescriptions (which the guard waited patiently for to be filled - allowing Kevin to smoke the most excellent cigarette he's ever had - not allowed to smoke in County!). Before he left, they reminded him he had an appt for tomorrow. I knew he did, it was for the smoking cessation program (back when we thought he might get just probation) therapy class (they won't give you a patch at the VA unless you're enrolled). I really didn't think they'd send him there a 2nd day for just a support group for smoking (although I think they'd have many less angry inmates if they had one in the darn jail!). The guard said that as long as it was enforced by his dr., they had to let him go.

Here's where my question part comes in: I also have an appt there tomorrow - made months ago. Of course our appts are 4 hrs apart. I know when he'll be there, as I have his appt on my calendar - so I figured after the class, they'd have to wait for his patch script to go thru at the pharmacy. Do you think if I "accidently" showed up at the pharmacy to pick up meds, the guard would think it was set up and never allow him to outside medical treatment? I don't want to jeopardize his medical care or our visiting, but all I want is to touch him for 3 seconds. We only have glass visits until he gets out. What would you do??

I know, I know - why risk it, he's a short termer and why risk things. Of course, I'm not going to run up and hug him. I would act surprised to see him and ask the guard if I could give him a hug. C'mon, tell me - would you risk it for a hug?

Marci

Marci,
I know what I would do. I would be there waiting. I would just have to see him. No of course, I would not jeopardize his medical treatment or anything else. But you do have appointments on the same day. I would just want to be able to see him visually if nothing else. Even if you cannot touch him, you can still feel his energy right? I think its great. Maybe the same guard will be with Kevin, that guy sounds pretty cool. Good luck and at least I hope you get a visual.

HONEY

What did you decide to do? I was just curious!

Glad he's getting medical care! That's always good news!