Today we learned that the toilet paper we are given will be decreased from this day forward. Months ago, it went from an unlimited supply to three rolls every other week. Now, we’re down to two rolls every other week.
This is a Medical facility, and some people (like myself) have serious medical issues that include bowel movements. I am prescribed five medicines to help me produce regular (daily) bowel movements :1) Lactulose; 2) Senna; 3) Polyethylene; 4) Bisacodyl and 5) Go Lightly. As a result, I now go quite a bit (sometimes up to three to four times in a single day), and two rolls of toilet paper every other week is simply NOT enough for me.
Yes, the Trust Fund has started selling toilet paper on commissary for almost $6 for four small rolls. They are smaller than what the institution passes out to us for free. But not everyone can afford purchasing the amount of toilet paper they need. And in my case, due to my failing health, I am not allowed to work to pay for it. Even if I were able to work, this facility doesn’t pay much of anything – literally. For a regular job, one doesn’t get paid more than $20 a month. I know one person who only receives 12 cents per month!
I do not want to have to resort to another hunger strike.