That actually felt kind of dehumanizing

[janradder]

Today I finally went to the clinic to find out why I've been sick for the past eighteen days. At the receptionist's desk, the woman behind it asked me to wear a mask since I'd called in saying I had flu-like symptoms. I could understand that. It was how she and the nurse treated me after that I thought was uncalled for.

Even after I put on the mask, the receptionist stared at me with what I could only describe as fear. She even told me to take care of the co-pay after the appointment just to get me away from her desk. I could almost see her breathe a sigh of relief as I walked away.

The nurse was no better. She called me to the back, mispronouncing my name, which happens all the time. I cheerfully corrected her like I always do and instead of apologizing or making some sort of pleasantry, she stood as far away from me as she could and brusquely said, "okay." Then she took my weight, whisked me in the exam room (all while keeping as much distance as possible between the two of us), and then quickly left. When she came back to take my temp and blood pressure, she was wearing a mask, even though I still had mine on. As she took my vitals she practically cringed when she had to touch me. Then she raced away as soon as she could as if I were emitting visible waves of radiation and disease.

The doctor, on the other hand, was quite nice. But the rest of the experience left me feeling something much less than human.

Comments

[jamiam.livejournal.com]

Wow. Pandemics are fun.

[jamiam.livejournal.com]

(Glad to hear you're on antibiotics. "Lung infection" sounds dangerously close to "pneumonia" to me.)

[janradder.livejournal.com]

I was actually half-expecting to hear I had pneumonia but the doctor didn't hear anything that would lead him to think there was fluid in my lungs -- just wheezing when I coughed.

[janradder.livejournal.com]

Especially when the health professionals that are supposed to help keep everyone calm act even more frightened that the patients in the waiting room.

[mia-mcdavid.livejournal.com]

Ahh, but *think* how wretched those women must be to be terrified all the time. The insult comes with its own revenge. :-)

[janradder.livejournal.com]

I probably should have started a coughing fit and given them a reason to be afraid.

[mia-mcdavid.livejournal.com]

Funny!

[sacwentie.livejournal.com]

Have some sympathy...those women obviously aren't around sick people too often. Oh, wait....

[janradder.livejournal.com]

Ha!

[joelarnold.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear you've been feeling so miserable! (And yeah - some people could use a few more people skills - especially those who actually have to deal with people.)

[janradder.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

[geniusofevil.livejournal.com]

leaper! leaper!

Oh, sorry, that was uncalled for :)

[janradder.livejournal.com]

I prefer to be called an untouchable.