I was so happy that the governor finally signed and they called us to come pick up my brother yesterday! I went up to Lexington, Oklahoma and took him home. One thing that was a little screwed up, though, was that they wouldn't send any pain medication with him! I couldn't believe it. He has Stage IV Lung Cancer with metastases in his Jaw. He is in extreme pain. Luckily, I was able to get with his oncologist in a town two hours away from us and get a prescription for Lortab called in to the local pharmacy for him and then went to pick up the stronger MS Contin prescription today. I was stressing out because he was already in pain and I knew that he couldn't stand it through the night like that. His next appointment to see his oncologist for chemo isn't until Tuesday so I knew he couldn't wait that long to get his medication. All of the local doctors refused to give him a prescription. I tried to explain the situation and explained that we had his medical release information that showed the diagnosis and prognosis and all of that, but all they heard was "just released from prison today" and "needs pain medication". I understand the reluctance since so many people try to get pain meds to abuse, but my goodness, he is very sick and in terrible pain. Nobody would even see him.

I just wanted to tell everyone about that because I wanted to make sure that if you have a loved one who is incarcerated and in a dire medical situation such as this to make sure that you find out beforehand what they are going to do about releasing the pain medication. If they are not going to release it, find out where you are supposed to call to get help. They didn't even give us the information about where to call his oncologist or anything. Luckily, I knew which hospital he had been being treated at so I called until I found the correct Dr.

I guess I can understand them not releasing the morphine, but why wouldn't they have released enough of the Lortab to last until his appointment Tuesday. In the Oklahoma DOC procedures I had been reading, I found that they were supposed to release an inmate's medication with them for at least a 15 day supply and a refill of at least 30 days. After I read that, I just assumed it would happen that way. The procedure didn't state that there were special instructions on the release of pain medicine.

I'm glad to hear he is home with his family. All my best to you all and I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers!

mrsd

Thats great news. Best wishes in the future for your brother

I will keep both of you in my prayers

I am so glad Jimmy is finally home - you sound like such a wonderful sister. Thanks for the information about checking to make sure they have enough medication when they are released- these things would never occur to most of us. You are both in my prayers- send our love to Jimmy and keep us posted please!

Congratulations!!! and a Welcome Home to your brother. I will keep him and your family in my thoughts.

Thanks for the heads up on the medications.

JJT

Welcome home Jimmy.

I am really sorry that Jimmy had to suffer with such terrible pain when he was released. That is just so awful. It probably took away the excitement and happiness of being released from prison. But now he is home where he belongs and he can have real comfort.

You are an awesome sister.

I remember you and your brother in my prayers.

Keep the faith.