Shayne Emerick

Shayne Emerick //

Several years prior to my incarceration, I underwent surgery on my left knee and had a broken tendon removed. After the operation, the Specialist told me I should wear a hinged knee brace/support for the rest of my life to prevent my leg from folding sideways, since the tendon was gone now. With his prescription, I did buy the brace ($84.00) and wore it almost daily. After my arrest, my brace was confiscated because it had metal bars (supports) in the hinges. I requested to have the bars taken out, so I could still use the brace, but was denied. I told them I had doctor’s instructions to use that brace. They said they needed written proof (surgery scars weren’t enough!), so I got all of my medical records released to them to prove I was telling the truth. I then requested, in writing, to get my brace back. Again was denied. I replied that they had my records and any proof needed, so why was I denied. Then I was told, “We can’t find your records”, even though they were just sent “Certified Mail,” and they signed for them. Before any resolution, I was transferred to another facility. Not long after arrival at the new facility, I saw Medical for a minor injury and lo and behold, my medical records were there! Funny how that works, huh? Sadly, to this day, I still do not have my knee brace. So I am very careful to avoid potential hazards such as heavy lifting, jogging, jumping jacks, squats, etc.