Patient
I wasn't sure what to expect when I went in for my consultation. This was completely new territory for me and my "fix me" journey and I was a little unsure. The consulting doctor was actually the surgeon (I didn't know this when they made the appointment), and I'm actually kind of glad I didn't know. If they had told me it was a consult with the surgeon before I went, I think I would have been intimidated or frightened. Instead it was just another appointment in the exploration of this option. In speaking with him and listening to him, I came to understand that there was absolutely no one I'd rather be sitting in the room with, discussing my situation with. Before I left the appointment, I had all the questions I didn't even know I had answered. AND I had all the questions I DiD know I had answered. All the information and clinical information regarding the procedure and its historical results were discussed and explained in a way I could understand and follow the medical side of it to be able to make an informed decision. I never once felt disrespected or spoken down to, I always felt in control of my body/automomy/decision making. I walked out of the appointment knowing with absolute certainty that this Doctor, whom I had never met, really DiD have my best interests and need for solutions at the forefront of his humanity and I could tell his sincerity was real and not a "spshiel" or act he was putting on. I also walked out with my appointment for the procedure, instructions, and a bit of time to think about it before the actual day of. They offered me an option of appointment days within the week and a few days later ... I was just a little hesitant due to the speed with which this had all progressed, but he assured me that I was in control of the time slot, it was completely up to me. My loved one who had accompanied me felt the quiet reassurance and security in the knowledge that this IS the next step and this IS the team to do it. I cannot say a big enough THANK YOU to the entire team (and yes, clear down to the person who Vacuums the carpets) for the care and concern that was so eloquently displayed for us to see. In our times of uncertainty, especially Heath Wise, the quietly reassuring knowledge that I have a TEAM looking out for me and that I can rest in the knowledge that the BeSt people are ON my team is a Blessing of Peace that surpasses everything. Thank You, UC Health for "Having My Back" (And Front, and all the other pieces too;)