Terrible People

I try my hardest to stay positive, even with the political climate, the war in Ukraine, and the genocide in Gaza. I try but I don't always succeed.

I've also tried to stay positive through the pain I'm having in my shoulders. X-ray results have concluded that I have osteoarthritis in my left shoulder but were inconclusive about the right one, which gives me more pain, almost constantly.

I've been prescribed Celebrex, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. I've been taking it for almost two weeks and have felt no relief. I've also had a couple of physiotherapy sessions, where one of the exercises caused even more pain, so I've stopped that activity.

I returned to my doctor after receiving the x-ray results, and was given another requisition form for ultrasound. Because I went to a walk-in clinic near my home for the x-ray, I decided to go there for the ultrasound, as well.

Image: Perplexity & The Brown Knowser

This clinic always has a long lineup, even if you arrive before it opens. For my x-ray, I waited almost a half hour to register and then an additional half hour to be seen. Overall, that's not too bad, considering I received the requisition one day and had the x-rays completed the next morning.

For my ultrasound, the lineup was the same length when I arrived but for some reason, it took longer. But I remained positive: there was nothing I could do about it.

About a minute or so after I joined the line, more people filed in behind me. I could hear a woman, about three people back, say, "this isn't the lineup for an x-ray, is it?"

The woman ahead of her said, "Yes, it's first come, first served."

The first woman complained, "This is ridiculous. Well, I'm behind you." She then took a seat nearby, as it seemed that she was unable to stand for any length of time."

I understood that: before my reconstructive foot surgery, I couldn't stand for very long without experiencing significant pain.

However, for the 45 minutes that I stood in that line, this person did nothing but complain. About everything: the poor organization of the clinic; the failure of the health system; the slowness of the line.

I tried blocking her out but it was nearly impossible, as she was pretty much the only one talking so much. The woman who was ahead of her would utter words of agreement but I had the feeling that she was trying to engage as little as possible with the complainer.

I was tempted to say, "How does complaining make the situation better?" but I wanted to keep out of it. I wanted to stay positive, though I found this person's voice to be mentally draining.

I finally reached the receptionist and gave her my requisition and health card. I also asked her how her day was going, so far, because I needed to spread some positive energy.

The receptionist asked me if I had an appointment and I said no, that I knew that those with appointments didn't have to wait in line. But I also asked her if ultrasounds were also provided on a walk-in basis, like x-rays.

They weren't.

The soonest she could schedule me was next Monday morning but I have a job interview then. She then booked me for first thing Tuesday morning.

But while we were arranging my appointment, the complaining woman's voice was still filling the air. "And don't get me started about the homosexuals and the atheists. And what happened to just males and females?"

I turned to look at her and she seemed to almost be talking to herself, as others in line were trying to distance themselves by looking away. Because I was engaging with the receptionist, there was nothing I could do. Not right away.

How could no one object to this terrible person? She had been negative throughout her time in line, and now she was attacking marginalized groups. And atheists--people like me.

The receptionist gave me back my requisition paper, with a slip of paper stapled to it that had my appointment printed on it. I wished her a wonderful day and turned to leave.

I try to stay positive. I try to wish the best for everyone. But I have no patience with haters.

I didn't know what to say, as she was now onto complaining about how her doctor had an unpronounceable name, being from Nigeria. I only had a couple of seconds to think about it and I knew I didn't want to create a scene.

"You're a terrible person," was all I said as I passed her, keeping my voice level and without aggression, just stating a clear fact. Our eyes only made contact while I spoke, for maybe two seconds. I continued on my way out of the clinic without looking back.

I wished there had been more people who spoke out against this woman. She needed to be made aware that her negativity and hatred aren't acceptable. Those immediately around her needed to shut her down.

I feel that I didn't do enough. But at least I did something.

And I'll continue to stay positive however I can.