34 replies to this topic

[disability]

I really need some advice. My friend is a paraplegic and a Vietnam veteran, paralized from the chest down. In normal conditions he needs special pillows to sleep - one head pillow, one chest pillow and three leg pillows, needs a cushion for the shower, a hair dryer to dry wet spots, warm clothes as his body temperature is below normal. Also he needs anti embolism stockings, soft mattress to prevent pressure sores and lots of bottled water to prevent bladder infections. This is not luxury, it's what is necessary for survival. Two days ago he was put into jail, and they don't allow him to have any of that. I cannot see him being tortured like that. How can I make them understand his suffering? They don't feel his pain, he is not an ordinary person who can walk, he needs these things to avoid serious complications. Is there anyone who defends the rights of disabled people? Why is it ok to torture someone who is already at a serious disadvantage?

[Tim13]

Talk to his lawyer.

[cate]

Tim13, on Oct 27 2007, 04:06 PM, said:

Talk to his lawyer.

Hi
I think you have to a bit of PR. Firstly he must have a Doctor, get him to use some pressure, also there must be a medical centre in the prison try them, also try veterans soc . there must be something for Vietnam vets. and then also publicity. Do not know what he his in prison for, but still they must look after his health as much as possible, Something seems to be very wrong.
Do you also have a prisoner welfare officer, or some ssort of social service.
Best of luck for him, whatever he did, Suffering should not be increased.
Cate

[Tim13]

cate, on Oct 27 2007, 03:19 PM, said:

Tim13, on Oct 27 2007, 04:06 PM, said:

Talk to his lawyer.

Hi
I think you have to a bit of PR. Firstly he must have a Doctor, get him to use some pressure, also there must be a medical centre in the prison try them, also try veterans soc . there must be something for Vietnam vets. and then also publicity. Do not know what he his in prison for, but still they must look after his health as much as possible, Something seems to be very wrong.
Do you also have a prisoner welfare officer, or some ssort of social service.
Best of luck for him, whatever he did, Suffering should not be increased.
Cate

That's what lawyers are for, the attorney will know the proper channels to go through to get the reasonable accomodations he needs. Everybody in prison thinks they're being tortured-it's not supposed to be fun and prison officials get inundated with requests from prisoners and their loved ones on the outside every day for special treatment. One more person siccing a bunch of agencies on them
may end up doing more harm than good.

[rkzenrage]

I would talk to his lawyer.. I can't imagine.
Also, perhaps those who run the prison.
Much love going out to your friend and all who love him.

[disability]

rkzenrage, on Oct 27 2007, 07:01 PM, said:

I would talk to his lawyer.. I can't imagine.
Also, perhaps those who run the prison.
Much love going out to your friend and all who love him.

Thank you. His lawyer doesn't seem to know much about how to solve this problem. May be I should try to talk to a Malpractice and Nursing home abuse lawyer? That's the closest asociation I could find as to what relates to this problem. It's just that he cannot sleep on a hard bed without special pillows, and all this takes time. I'll try to go to jail and talk to them, that's what the lawyer told me to do, but I'm afraid they won't listen to me.

Edited by disability, 27 October 2007 - 08:13 PM.

[Adrian]

You could also try and get his solicitor to contact his Spinal Consultant and see what they suggest.

But first I would contact people in the jail where he is, as has been said - welfare officer/doctor/hospital wing etc..

If it was in the UK they would have to have a care plan in place before he was resident in any jail, taking into account mobility/personal care/accessabilty etc but I don't know where you are!

[Tim13]

A couple things working in his favor are first, the prison will more than likely accomodate his needs to keep him in with the general population. second, if they refuse to be helpful, he'll either discover he didn't need all those things anyway and be a better person for it or he'll end up in the prison hospital where things will be much nicer than regular prison.

[mad]

Tim13, on Oct 27 2007, 09:14 PM, said:

A couple things working in his favor are first, the prison will more than likely accomodate his needs to keep him in with the general population. second, if they refuse to be helpful, he'll either discover he didn't need all those things anyway and be a better person for it or he'll end up in the prison hospital where things will be much nicer than regular prison.

tim-better person? do you personally know him?

[cate]

Tim13, on Oct 27 2007, 09:14 PM, said:

A couple things working in his favor are first, the prison will more than likely accomodate his needs to keep him in with the general population. second, if they refuse to be helpful, he'll either discover he didn't need all those things anyway and be a better person for it or he'll end up in the prison hospital where things will be much nicer than regular prison.

Hi Tim
I do not think things are quiet so cut and dry, .Then of course we are looking at things from the outside. Over here Lawyers will only go on what is asked of them, they will advise you as to what you cant do, and lead you up the correct path, They also only take the line from their clients,, Has he a lawyer that he is paying for or one provided by the state, it would seem, somebody needs to help in the right direction.
Cate

[kewlcatkez]

cate, on Oct 28 2007, 11:20 AM, said:

Tim13, on Oct 27 2007, 09:14 PM, said:

A couple things working in his favor are first, the prison will more than likely accomodate his needs to keep him in with the general population. second, if they refuse to be helpful, he'll either discover he didn't need all those things anyway and be a better person for it or he'll end up in the prison hospital where things will be much nicer than regular prison.

Hi Tim
I do not think things are quiet so cut and dry, .Then of course we are looking at things from the outside. Over here Lawyers will only go on what is asked of them, they will advise you as to what you cant do, and lead you up the correct path, They also only take the line from their clients,, Has he a lawyer that he is paying for or one provided by the state, it would seem, somebody needs to help in the right direction.
Cate

Surely if they fail to at least consider his needs, regardless of whether he is in prison or not, or what he has done, this is a breach of his human rights? As an American isn't he protected by the Constitution?

[Tim13]

mad, on Oct 28 2007, 11:00 AM, said:

tim-better person? do you personally know him?

better as in stronger, more independent, more able to adapt to change.

not having bottled water amounts to "torture"?


...christ.


Great lesson here, if there are things in your life you just can't do without like extra pillows, blankies and bottled water-might want to avoid doing things that will get you put in jail.

Edited by Tim13, 28 October 2007 - 12:51 PM.

[roo]

disability, on Oct 27 2007, 03:51 PM, said:

I really need some advice. My friend is a paraplegic and a Vietnam veteran, paralized from the chest down. In normal conditions he needs special pillows to sleep - one head pillow, one chest pillow and three leg pillows, needs a cushion for the shower, a hair dryer to dry wet spots, warm clothes as his body temperature is below normal. Also he needs anti embolism stockings, soft mattress to prevent pressure sores and lots of bottled water to prevent bladder infections. This is not luxury, it's what is necessary for survival. Two days ago he was put into jail, and they don't allow him to have any of that. I cannot see him being tortured like that. How can I make them understand his suffering? They don't feel his pain, he is not an ordinary person who can walk, he needs these things to avoid serious complications. Is there anyone who defends the rights of disabled people? Why is it ok to torture someone who is already at a serious disadvantage?

SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THIS POOR MAN'S PLIGHT FIRST OF ALL. THE TREATMENT HE IS RECEIVING IS, AS YOU SAY, TANTAMOUNT TO TORTURE IN THE WORST SENSE. I THINK THAT YOU NEED TO CONTACT A HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGNER IN YOUR REGION. I AM SURE YOU WILL FIND A RELEVENT PERSON IN YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES. WHY DON'T YOU SET UP AN INTERNET PETITION AND ALSO A LOCAL PETITION. AND THEN PRESENT THE RESPONSES TO YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL.I DON'T KNOW WHICH COUNTRY YOU ARE FROM, BUT YOU MUST CONTACT A GOVERNMENT AGENCY TO FIGHT THIS CAUSE. THIS MAN IS ON DEATH ROW, WITHOUT SOME SORT OF HELP. DUE TO THE FACT THAT HE IS A VIETNAM VETERAN, WOULD HIS ARMY REGIMENT NOT INTERVENE AND POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. IT MAY BE WORTH SENDING THEM A LETTER WITH ALL THE RELEVENT INFORMATION. YOU HAVE NO TIME TO SPARE, HOW ABOUT GETTING THIS INTO THE PRESS AND ONTO THE T.V. HOPE I CAN BE OF SOME HELP TO YOU, AND HIS FAMILY, AND MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL IN THIS CAUSE. REGARDLESS OF THE CRIME THIS MAN HAS COMITTED, NO ONE DESERVES TO HAVE THEIR BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS TAKEN AWAY. PLEASE KEEP US INFORMED AS TO THE OUTCOME, AND REMEMBER, ONE LITTLE VOICE SO OFTEN LEADS TO MANY VOICES, WHICH CANNOT BE IGNORED.

[roo]

Tim13, on Oct 27 2007, 10:14 PM, said:

A couple things working in his favor are first, the prison will more than likely accomodate his needs to keep him in with the general population. second, if they refuse to be helpful, he'll either discover he didn't need all those things anyway and be a better person for it or he'll end up in the prison hospital where things will be much nicer than regular prison.

TIM I THINK YOUR COMMENTS ARE NEITHER HELPFUL NOR ACCURATE YOU DON'T KNOW THIS MANS CIRCUMSTANCES AND YOU MAY BECOME A BETTER PERSON IF YOU KEEP YOUR BIG MOUTH SHUT WHERE IT MATTERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROO

[Tim13]

roo, on Oct 28 2007, 01:11 PM, said:

Tim13, on Oct 27 2007, 10:14 PM, said:

A couple things working in his favor are first, the prison will more than likely accomodate his needs to keep him in with the general population. second, if they refuse to be helpful, he'll either discover he didn't need all those things anyway and be a better person for it or he'll end up in the prison hospital where things will be much nicer than regular prison.

TIM I THINK YOUR COMMENTS ARE NEITHER HELPFUL NOR ACCURATE YOU DON'T KNOW THIS MANS CIRCUMSTANCES AND YOU MAY BECOME A BETTER PERSON IF YOU KEEP YOUR BIG MOUTH SHUT WHERE IT MATTERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROO

Well boo hoo!

My comments were entirely accurate, given our limited knowledge of his "circumstances".
All I've seen is that a paraplegic is in jail and his loved one on the outside is worried about his treatment-which is understandable and was seeking advice on how to best see that his needs were met.

If you know more about the situation than what has been posted, why not tell this persons circumstances then oh enlightened one.

There's a saying "don't do the crime if you can't do the time" and while I believe that he should be treated fairly and humanely according to US (i assume) law, I'm not feeling much sympathy now and am not going to jump on the torture bandwagon.

[dave420atya]

Hey , Roo! What do ya say we roll over there and break him out? It'll be the first wheelchair prison break. j/k
SERIOUSLY, I think roo is right. You need to get the word out through every source avalible. This post alone is a start. Get active ,talk toanyone who will listen.
Mind if I ask what state you are in ,if yuo mentioned it I missed it.

[jimbo]

First of all I find it hard to believe that any jail in America would neglect human rights! Regardless of what he has done.

If I were him, I would be telling my lawyer to tell the appropriate body that should his client suffer, in anyway, due to inhuman neglect and human rights that he would take them to court and sue big time.. Maybe then someone may pay attention to his medical and physical condition.

[Lucydog]

Ok Im not going to get into the morals of this but as he is a Veteran you should be able to find the right help. Just a quick search comes up with the following....

Vietnam Veterans of America
Veterans Foundation for Worldwide Conflicts

Both seem to offer all sorts of things. It would be my first port of call. Anyway its just an idea.

[WilliamCraig]

If I was him, I'd sue them for everything... even their socks.

[disability]

cate, on Oct 28 2007, 11:20 AM, said:

Tim13, on Oct 27 2007, 09:14 PM, said:

A couple things working in his favor are first, the prison will more than likely accomodate his needs to keep him in with the general population. second, if they refuse to be helpful, he'll either discover he didn't need all those things anyway and be a better person for it or he'll end up in the prison hospital where things will be much nicer than regular prison.

Hi Tim
I do not think things are quiet so cut and dry, .Then of course we are looking at things from the outside. Over here Lawyers will only go on what is asked of them, they will advise you as to what you cant do, and lead you up the correct path, They also only take the line from their clients,, Has he a lawyer that he is paying for or one provided by the state, it would seem, somebody needs to help in the right direction.
Cate

He is paying the lawyer, but the lawyer doesn't seem to care. When I tell him about his physical condition, the lawyer just says "I know", and that doesn't help at all. Isn't it a lawyer's job to help his client, especially if he is being paid for it?
He went to the hearing, didn't even see my friend, didn't let him know if he can bail him out or no and left for the weekend. He told me to go to jail, bring pillows and other stuff he needs and talk to the staff. I did, and their response was short:"No, we won't take them. We will provide our own". That was a lie, they didn't give him anything. I called earlier to jail and asked them to give him a second blanket, because his body temperature is lower than that of "normal" people, and the temperature there is 71F, when he is required to have a temperature not lower that 76-78F. They said that they will, it's not a problem. But they refused to give it to him when he asked for it. They didn't even provide him with a soap and a toothbrush. And if he does self-cathetherisation with dirty hands, he will get a bladder infection. He told me that tha mattress is a piece of very thin foam, he will have pressure sores. It's is very small and as he is not able to control his body, he cannot turn, and he is required to turn every 2 hours.
I called the VA hospital and asked them to confirm that he needs all those things, and they said they will fax the letter to jail first thing in the morning. Again, isn't it the lawyer's job to do this? They also said that he cannot stay with the general population, he must be in an infirmery.
I am coming to the conclusion, that tomorrow I need to try to find another lawyer. This lawyer knows his case very well. but I'm not sure he is doing his work right. He doesn't seem to care about his medical problems at all. And he is always too busy, it hard to get a hold of him, everything is in a rush. he has a superior attitude, that he knows better, and in many cases he doesn't. May be I need to have 2 lawyers?
What if after the jail gets a letter from the doctor, they ignore it? The lawyer should tell me that, but I already imagine what he is going to tell me. "We cannot do anything about it".

kewlcatkez, on Oct 28 2007, 11:35 AM, said:

Surely if they fail to at least consider his needs, regardless of whether he is in prison or not, or what he has done, this is a breach of his human rights? As an American isn't he protected by the Constitution?

If his human rights are protected by the Constitution, where do I look for that protection?

Edited by disability, 29 October 2007 - 01:26 AM.

[disability]

Tim13, on Oct 28 2007, 12:01 PM, said:

mad, on Oct 28 2007, 11:00 AM, said:

tim-better person? do you personally know him?

better as in stronger, more independent, more able to adapt to change.

not having bottled water amounts to "torture"?


...christ.


Great lesson here, if there are things in your life you just can't do without like extra pillows, blankies and bottled water-might want to avoid doing things that will get you put in jail.

Your level of disability is T 12, his is T 4. I don't know much about medicine, but think you don't know that what's normal for you, is not for him. If he doesn't drink bottled water, he has a bladder infection in about 16 hours. And in many cases it's lethal for paraplegics. He cannot be stronger, he is in a very fragile state of health. Pressure sores are a grave danger too, Christopher Reeves died from pressure sores. Yes, it is a physical torture for him to sleep on a hard bed without special support pillows, without being able to turn. I think deprivation of sleep, putting someone in an uncomfortable position for a long time and subjecting to freezing temperatures is a torture. Nobody deserves this, especially him, who lost his health defending this country.

Edited by disability, 29 October 2007 - 01:40 AM.

[PetitMortVampyre]

"The first thing we do," as the line goes in Shakespeare's Henry VI, is "kill all the lawyers."

Second, http://www.usdoj.gov...ada/adahom1.htm, see if there is an office in your town/state to assist, ours was, well still is in Sacramento, its slow going sometimes, but they may get better results. My Step-Brother has been in and out of jail (alcohol and crack, blah) damn near most of his life and this last time, has been in an Austin, Tx jail since the middle of April, with no real sign of a *speedy trial*. He needs medication, for several conditions he suffers, nevermind that he jumped off a bridge overpass and busted both his legs (he's just not the brightest bulb on the string of lights). He was not getting his meds as required until lil miss me nagged his damn attorney and the doctors office, I think they got really tired of me. Blah.

I will agree to the if you can't do the time statement, but realistically, what did he do that required jail time??? How long is he in for?

Dave??? Something tells me we better *soup* up some chairs, oh and get a helicopter pilot and a special copter, you know, those big, loud annoying ones the military has????

Love, Light and Laughter
Corvette

Edited by PetitMortVampyre, 29 October 2007 - 02:04 AM.

[disability]

roo, on Oct 28 2007, 12:54 PM, said:

disability, on Oct 27 2007, 03:51 PM, said:

I really need some advice. My friend is a paraplegic and a Vietnam veteran, paralized from the chest down. In normal conditions he needs special pillows to sleep - one head pillow, one chest pillow and three leg pillows, needs a cushion for the shower, a hair dryer to dry wet spots, warm clothes as his body temperature is below normal. Also he needs anti embolism stockings, soft mattress to prevent pressure sores and lots of bottled water to prevent bladder infections. This is not luxury, it's what is necessary for survival. Two days ago he was put into jail, and they don't allow him to have any of that. I cannot see him being tortured like that. How can I make them understand his suffering? They don't feel his pain, he is not an ordinary person who can walk, he needs these things to avoid serious complications. Is there anyone who defends the rights of disabled people? Why is it ok to torture someone who is already at a serious disadvantage?

SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THIS POOR MAN'S PLIGHT FIRST OF ALL. THE TREATMENT HE IS RECEIVING IS, AS YOU SAY, TANTAMOUNT TO TORTURE IN THE WORST SENSE. I THINK THAT YOU NEED TO CONTACT A HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGNER IN YOUR REGION. I AM SURE YOU WILL FIND A RELEVENT PERSON IN YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES. WHY DON'T YOU SET UP AN INTERNET PETITION AND ALSO A LOCAL PETITION. AND THEN PRESENT THE RESPONSES TO YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL.I DON'T KNOW WHICH COUNTRY YOU ARE FROM, BUT YOU MUST CONTACT A GOVERNMENT AGENCY TO FIGHT THIS CAUSE. THIS MAN IS ON DEATH ROW, WITHOUT SOME SORT OF HELP. DUE TO THE FACT THAT HE IS A VIETNAM VETERAN, WOULD HIS ARMY REGIMENT NOT INTERVENE AND POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. IT MAY BE WORTH SENDING THEM A LETTER WITH ALL THE RELEVENT INFORMATION. YOU HAVE NO TIME TO SPARE, HOW ABOUT GETTING THIS INTO THE PRESS AND ONTO THE T.V. HOPE I CAN BE OF SOME HELP TO YOU, AND HIS FAMILY, AND MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL IN THIS CAUSE. REGARDLESS OF THE CRIME THIS MAN HAS COMITTED, NO ONE DESERVES TO HAVE THEIR BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS TAKEN AWAY. PLEASE KEEP US INFORMED AS TO THE OUTCOME, AND REMEMBER, ONE LITTLE VOICE SO OFTEN LEADS TO MANY VOICES, WHICH CANNOT BE IGNORED.

It would be nice to get some help. Do you know how to set up an internet and a local petition? Which government official should I talk to? How do I give a story to the press and to the TV? Thank you for your help.

[disability]

jimbo, on Oct 28 2007, 03:21 PM, said:

First of all I find it hard to believe that any jail in America would neglect human rights! Regardless of what he has done.

If I were him, I would be telling my lawyer to tell the appropriate body that should his client suffer, in anyway, due to inhuman neglect and human rights that he would take them to court and sue big time.. Maybe then someone may pay attention to his medical and physical condition.

He already suffers, isn't it time to take them to court now, being that they don't follow his doctor's recommendations and don't provide him with the basic things he needs?

[icarus_melt76]

disability

Don't you think that being so vague does nothing to inspire others to be more concerned

or helpful? By not even disclosing the state, country, or especially why the representing

lawyer acts so negatively towards you...the whole story wreaks of BS. Just another I'll

'f..k with their heads' as has happened to this site so recently. Once bitten....!


As for responses calling for legal action..'sue them, sue them real good'. This train of

thought is exactly why everyone feels nothing can be said or done without constantly

looking over their shoulder. Although necessary at times, litigation in society is already

way out of hand.


Icarus

[Texaswheelz]

I was wondering on these requirements, does he have a prescription for all of that from a Dr.? If so then I believe just having the Dr. provide that to the jail, they have to obey it or do so to the best of their ability.

I personally like to have 4 pillows, a soft matress, bottled water to drink and a lot of other things, but I've gone quite awhile with a rock hard mattress or couch to sleep on, 1 or no pillows and tap water and it wasn't a detriment to my health. I pretty much sleep less then 2 hours a night at the in-laws because of their bed and only 1 pillow in the spare room.

So yea, if his Dr. says it is absolutely medical necessary for him to have all of the items you describe then the Jail would have to do it. I would love to find a Dr. that would prescribe those items as a necessity, but don't see it happening, sounds more like something he is accustomed to then something he can't live without.

Just wondering if people realize that a lot of 'bottled' water comes from the tap some place and is put into bottles no cleaner or purer then what comes out of your own tap, so how bottled water can prevent UTI's is beyond me. Going to have to let my urologist know about it though.

[roo]

disability, on Oct 29 2007, 03:07 AM, said:

roo, on Oct 28 2007, 12:54 PM, said:

disability, on Oct 27 2007, 03:51 PM, said:

I really need some advice. My friend is a paraplegic and a Vietnam veteran, paralized from the chest down. In normal conditions he needs special pillows to sleep - one head pillow, one chest pillow and three leg pillows, needs a cushion for the shower, a hair dryer to dry wet spots, warm clothes as his body temperature is below normal. Also he needs anti embolism stockings, soft mattress to prevent pressure sores and lots of bottled water to prevent bladder infections. This is not luxury, it's what is necessary for survival. Two days ago he was put into jail, and they don't allow him to have any of that. I cannot see him being tortured like that. How can I make them understand his suffering? They don't feel his pain, he is not an ordinary person who can walk, he needs these things to avoid serious complications. Is there anyone who defends the rights of disabled people? Why is it ok to torture someone who is already at a serious disadvantage?

SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THIS POOR MAN'S PLIGHT FIRST OF ALL. THE TREATMENT HE IS RECEIVING IS, AS YOU SAY, TANTAMOUNT TO TORTURE IN THE WORST SENSE. I THINK THAT YOU NEED TO CONTACT A HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGNER IN YOUR REGION. I AM SURE YOU WILL FIND A RELEVENT PERSON IN YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES. WHY DON'T YOU SET UP AN INTERNET PETITION AND ALSO A LOCAL PETITION. AND THEN PRESENT THE RESPONSES TO YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL.I DON'T KNOW WHICH COUNTRY YOU ARE FROM, BUT YOU MUST CONTACT A GOVERNMENT AGENCY TO FIGHT THIS CAUSE. THIS MAN IS ON DEATH ROW, WITHOUT SOME SORT OF HELP. DUE TO THE FACT THAT HE IS A VIETNAM VETERAN, WOULD HIS ARMY REGIMENT NOT INTERVENE AND POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. IT MAY BE WORTH SENDING THEM A LETTER WITH ALL THE RELEVENT INFORMATION. YOU HAVE NO TIME TO SPARE, HOW ABOUT GETTING THIS INTO THE PRESS AND ONTO THE T.V. HOPE I CAN BE OF SOME HELP TO YOU, AND HIS FAMILY, AND MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL IN THIS CAUSE. REGARDLESS OF THE CRIME THIS MAN HAS COMITTED, NO ONE DESERVES TO HAVE THEIR BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS TAKEN AWAY. PLEASE KEEP US INFORMED AS TO THE OUTCOME, AND REMEMBER, ONE LITTLE VOICE SO OFTEN LEADS TO MANY VOICES, WHICH CANNOT BE IGNORED.

It would be nice to get some help. Do you know how to set up an internet and a local petition? Which government official should I talk to? How do I give a story to the press and to the TV? Thank you for your help.

which state are you from?? phone local radio station to get it on the airwaves local t.v news. any government bodies will do to get the ball rolling local petition supermarkets your local town /vilage etc.......swap your lawyer a.s.a.p contact the spinal unit where he was a patient

[mad]

Tim13, on Oct 28 2007, 12:01 PM, said:

mad, on Oct 28 2007, 11:00 AM, said:

tim-better person? do you personally know him?

better as in stronger, more independent, more able to adapt to change.

not having bottled water amounts to "torture"?


...christ.


Great lesson here, if there are things in your life you just can't do without like extra pillows, blankies and bottled water-might want to avoid doing things that will get you put in jail.

Any type of sealed water or fresh water.. Or a UTI.. Duh...

[Chilepepper]

First off get him into prison hospital. There they will watch a little closer over him. They will also more than likely allow him to use the bathroom for privacy. For him to use his toilet in front of everybody in population would be degrading as person in a wheelchair has it manually disimpacked himself. More than likely he will not get his special pillows or bed.

The second thing you must do is talk with a government social worker or with the Veterans Administration and see if they can get him out of the prison and into a halfway house. I'm to sure how the prison system works where you are, but here in Canada they have halfway houses that house people that have disables that are in prison. If you can get him into one of these halfway houses then they will get him back into the work force, as they will help find him a job while he is doing his time at the house. As for a lawyer helping you forget about them. They only help in trying to keep you out of prison. Once your in there they can not do much to help you.

Good luck and if you need anymore information please do not hesitate to email me. I've been through what your friend is going through so I know.

[edlee]

I feel bad for anyone in this sort of situation, but would like to know a few more specifics.

Surely, a little more personal information won't hurt, since TV or newspaper coverage of the problem will certainly reveal more than what we will be given here. That type of coverage could be very helpful to your cause.

Is there some other problems with his health, besides his paralysis? I have a nephew who is a t6 complete who lives completely independently. Who, as often as not, choses to sleep in his chair or on his couch , as a matter of convenience.

I, too, find it hard to understand the corelation between unbottled/tap water and UTIs.

I'm afraid that many of us have become a little skeptical, from being burned before. Investing sympathy them finding it unwarranted, tends to harden the heart a bit, making it difficult to be as free with it the next time.

I hope that you will continue to post, if for no other reason than to help us to believe in you, and thereby, allow us to believe the next person as well.
ed