Jake and the hospital

Jake died in a hospital. That was on my mind yesterday when I accompanied Chris to a hospital for gallbladder surgery. It was a different hospital, but the memories flooded back a few times as I stood beside Chris' bed in the outpatient prep and recovery rooms. 

I have little experience with hospitals, and I wasn't prepared to be Jake's advocate. Jake made a good advocate for himself. I was grateful when he spoke up. But truly, even though hospitals pay lip service to patient advocacy, the doctors and the nurses always have command and control because they work there. They have the most experience. We as patients and patient families are at their mercy. 

I still feel uncomfortable and out of my element in hospitals. I hope I don't have to go back to one.