My husband has had remarkable medical care until the past few months. I thought with all of the pressure brought on the CDC, others would also benefit. Now it seems that medical procedural decisions are being overruled or ignored and I can't understand why. It makes me wonder if the doctors' are upset with the new regs and dragging their feet or if it is just another bureaucratic mess with no one really in charge and the buck passing around in an endless circle.

With a compromised immune system -- he is a liver transplant recipient -- diabetic and suffering from a few related ailments, liver and kidney biopsies were ordered to be performed in a hospital in town. His numbers indicate this the prudent move and the transplanting surgeon has agreed with the CDC's doctor's recommendation. Although scheduled several times, something keeps falling through with no logical explanation. Weeks are turning into months of waiting and still to date, nothing is being done. The possible cancer I believe them to be suspicious of could possibly be growing rapidly into a death sentence for my husband if this stalling continues.

I have wondered if it is possible to request an early release someway - he is due to be released April, 2005 after serving 85%. He has served over five years of his 5 year 8 month sentencewith no write ups and has a family, a private doctor and a job (if he is able to work) waiting for him.

Is it permissable for me to call the doctor at his facility and request the cause of the delay? Can I request his medical records if he signs a release and how long does it normally take to get them? I would like to have them looked at by another doctor.

Who should I look to for final word on the need for this procedure and what is the process.

After holding on through this whole thing, his health is slipping now that he is short time for release. Would this be worthy of an appeal for sentence reduction?

I can tell by our last family visit and his recent letters that he is becoming progressively more discouraged and depressed.

Any input and answers would be greatly appreciated, gang...thanks in advance.

My husband finally had liver and kidney biopsies done this past Monday. Instead of in the local hospital as he was originally scheduled with a three day stay, he was shuttled into town to a diagnostic lab the CO's called "Fast Freddy's" -- now that really puts my mind at ease. The biopsies were completed in less than an hour and he was transported back to his cell. I would say that pretty much answers my own question as to the state of affairs of the medical system of the CDC. Reminds me of back alley abortions of the 60's. Not liking his chances for a flu shot which is extremely important for persons with no immune system unless they have some place in town called the "One Stop Hot Shot" or something like that. Thanks, Arnie.

Things are supposed to be improving due to the Plata Decision. One of the people auditing the medical at the institution is Capt. Alvarado. He was fromally the Facility 4 Captain at CRC. One of the big problems I discovered is that the medical staff at the institutions answers only to Sacramento. At each institution they can do, or not do, as they please. At CRC we watched a woman waste away from cancer and no one could get help for her. Dorm Staff, Sgts, Leutinates, Captains,...they were all involved in trying to get help for her. But, nothing. By the time she paroled she could hardly walk out of the place.

Is he auditing all CDC institutions or CMC where my husband is. I'm still on the flu shot quest. Thanks for your input, Pati.

All California institutions. In the order in which they are supposed to be in compliance. There's a list.