M.J.’s medical nightmare began July 22, 2021. She woke up with no balance and her right leg dragging. M.J. immediately called an ICS and was seen by Provider Johnson. He diagnosed it as neuropathy without ordering an MRI or XRAY. Later that week she fell and hit her head. No wheelchair or walker was ordered to stabilize her unsteady gait.
Finally, after more mishaps and 6 months later, MJ got her MRI. The scan showed spinal cord bruising, that if not treated immediately would cause paralysis. An appointment for a neurologist was allegedly made, but 8 months later she still hadn’t been seen by one.
When her family inquired as to why, they were told it was because the DOC had made a transition from Corizon to Naphcare….and it fell between the cracks. A year and 3 months since her diagnosis, she is driven to Tucson in the Spring of 2023 for another MRI before surgery. On June 23d she finally gets her operation, but she reports no follow-up or aftercare.
Even though intensive physical therapy was ordered 3Xs per week, she only received 7 appointments total of PT. On December 7th she received the grim news from the neurologist: The bruising of the spinal cord is permanent and she will be forever wheelchair bound.