While I was at Coleman 1, in 2018, I broke the CMC joint in my hand and tore a ligament while playing handball. For seven or eight months they told me the x-ray didn’t show a fracture. So, I started the grievance process, because I knew something was wrong. Finally, I got another x-ray, and it confirmed the fracture and torn ligament. The doctor compared both x-rays and asked, “How did they miss the fracture?” So, I saw a hand specialist, and she recommended surgery. But Warden Cheathen didn’t approve it. It's been six years now. My hand is deformed; my thumb and hand form the letter “c.” I have chronic pain. I'm a certified welder, and I don't know if I can still weld again.
I filed a Bivens claim (I was denied an attorney, so had to write my Biven's claim by hand; it was a very painful experience). but when I was transferred to FCI McDowell, I never received the letter telling me that the court had denied summary judgement. I think the BOP holds legal mail purposely, so we miss the deadlines.
May 2024