I almost had another Trump chat at my doctor's office

It was in the early part of Donald Trump’s presidency. I was at my dermatologist’s office for my bi-annual body check. When she entered the exam room, she asked if it was okay for her intern to watch the procedure. I jokingly said, “It’s fine as long as you didn’t go to Trump University.” They both laughed and then went off on Trump. My two medical professionals were saying things about him that even I have never said on these pages—and that’s saying something.

So while we all had a good laugh at the then-president’s expense, I realized it could have gone wrong—horribly wrong. What if my doctor was a Trump supporter? What if any of my doctors were Trump supporters?

I then made the decision to not bring up anything political during a doctor’s appointment. It felt safer that way. However, that didn’t stop me from researching my doctor’s political beliefs. It was off to social media and Google.

I had two physicians that I wasn’t sure about. I hit their Facebook pages. Both of them were sparse—safer that way. One was loaded with cat pics—probably not a current J.D. Vance fan. The other only showed her in a lovely wedding dress. But, I then stalked her husband’s Facebook feed. He had a long list of posts trashing Trump. Hmm…maybe he should have married my dermatologist.

That brings us to last Friday. My right shoulder has been bothering me for a few weeks. I’ve been getting cortisone shots in it for a couple of years. They usually kill the pain for about six months. It was time to get another one.

My doctor is prepping me for the injection. First comes an alcohol wipe to clean the spot. Next, he followed with some iodine. It turned my shoulder and upper arm orange. I think you see where we are heading.

I looked at him and said, “Man, I look like..”—and then I caught myself. I didn’t finish the sentence.

He laughed—actually more of a snicker. My doctor shook his head and then it was time for the needle—actually two of them.

By the way, here’s a little advice. When you're sitting next to someone who has two long needles that he’s going to put into your body, do everything in your power not to piss him or her off. You're welcome!

I never found out about my doctor’s political stance. I did check his Facebook page, but all I saw was photos of international travel. But, I guess it’s good that I don't know. It’ll stop me from making a wiseass crack the next time I see him—and there will be a next time.