On many levels, I qualify for compassionate release. I have served more than 10 years and am 72 years old. I am exposed daily to K-2 smoke; I am on three inhalers and use my rescue one often. I came to Waseca in 2019 and every renal appointment has been greatly delayed. When orders are written by Dr. Hogan at the Mayo Clinic, many are not enacted; if they are, they are months late. Frequently, I arrive for my appointment with Dr. Hogan without the required lab results, blood pressure readings and dated encounter notes. Recently, she had to call this facility to get a nurse to provide my lab values as they were not in the transport file.
For renal patients, creatinine and GFR values are critical concerns. When my labs are drawn at Waseca, I wait weeks/months to get the results so I know if I need to go to Medical with concerns. I have a medical background (RN/medic) and know that results need to be provided when there are irregularities… but Waseca does not comply. If follow-up discussions of labs don’t occur, why even draw the labs? Who, if anyone, reviews the labs and flags them when they are elevated? Kidneys are not forgiving and do nt tolerate poor management.
Currently, Dr. Hogan is testing to determine if my right damaged kidney will need to be removed. That’s a daunting prospect in a prison with minimal nursing support. I have rapidly declined from over 50% kidney function to the low 30s while held in Waseca. Due to the huge protein needs of our population, the kitchen has also refused protein snacks that are necessary to renal patients. Commissary does not offer a product with sufficient protein, but I do what I can by purchasing peanut butter and nuts. Even so, I do not hit my protein target on any given day..
If this isn’t grounds for compassionate release, what is?