Opinion ID: 516452
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Inadequate Medical Treatment

Text: 39 Jackson's allegations regarding his contraction of syphilis and its treatment are somewhat confused. He initially objected to being compelled to take antibiotics, arguing that he was the victim of mistaken identity because it was another inmate, with a similar name, who had tested positive for syphilis. He denied that he had syphilis and requested a second blood test in order to prove that contention. However, he later admitted to having syphilis and to having tested positive for it in a free clinic in New Orleans. Jackson then complained that he somehow mysteriously got syphilis through his work on the feed lot crew, because he had been celibate for the past forty months of imprisonment. Jackson now argues that the defendants assigned him to hard labor, which was inconsistent with treating the disease after they knew he had syphilis. Finally, he claims that he was taken off the Capitol work crew the second time because the officials mistakenly thought that he was refusing to take his medication, when in fact his medication was not being forwarded to his dormitory. 40 Because Jackson's medical contentions are mutually contradictory, it is difficult to see what claim he has against the defendants. Deliberate indifference to a prisoner's serious medical needs constitutes an Eighth Amendment violation and states a cause of action under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983. Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 105-07, 97 S.Ct. 285, 291-93, 50 L.Ed.2d 251 (1976). There is no evidence that Jackson was denied medication or access to medical attention. Indeed, there is every indication the prison was prepared to force the prisoner to take the necessary antibiotics, which he was reluctant to do initially. Hence, Jackson's allegations regarding inadequacy of medical treatment cannot amount to a violation of federal rights. See Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. at 107, 97 S.Ct. at 293-94; Gardner v. Cato, 841 F.2d 105, 106-07 (5th Cir.1988). The fact that Jackson's work assignment may have been inconsistent with or aggravated his disease is a different claim from his allegation of inadequate medical treatment, and we address it below. In the other respects, we now uphold the district court's grant of summary judgment to the appellants on the claim of inadequate medical treatment.