To be heard

I had a meeting with three people from the kidney transplant unit at the hospital yesterday. The meeting was set up by the patient representative so I could express my concerns about the lengthy delay in working up a donor. They let me speak, tell them my perceptions from the doctor I had originally worked with, and how it seems to keep changing based on my kidney function.The team allowed me to say my piece without getting defensive and without making me feel that I was demanding something that I never have. I felt heard at last.Once they heard me, they were able to answer the questions I have without immediately jumping to the conclusion that I was asking for confidential information about the potential donor. They were able to explain why they do tests one at a time rather than all at once. They also took some feedback that they can use for the future.I walked away feeling a sense of relief. It’s the first time in over a year I was feeling like they do have my best interest at heart and that they aren’t waiting for me to become ill. I can breathe again. It’s as if I had been holding my breath for a year and finally gulped I air.My sister has been pushing this-getting answers to our questions for months. She’s an amazing advocate that is knowledgeable about hospitals and the way things work behind the scenes. I kind of think she should do it for a living☺️ Thanks Beck, for this and for the many years of having my back.