New Specialist Preparations. 1. Begin assembling materials far enough in advance that I can tolerate the daily toll of extra cognitive and physical exertion combined with the escalating negative effects of anticipating (then having) new medical interactions. #NEISVoid

1b. Briefly re-visit consideration of if/when to explore availability/feasibility of a competent complex medical trauma expert for diagnosis and guidance on mitigating effects of said trauma on my body's overloaded systems. #NEISVoid

2. Use whatever confidence/ optimism level is justified for this specialist to determine how much of my charts, timelines, itemized symptom trackers to bring. Sort and update them. #NEISVoid

3. Draft a "cover letter" that clearly states my purpose for this visit, my priorities, and provide concise context. #NEISVoid

3b. I ask the specialist to read this letter before we do anything else. (My pre-chronically ill/-disabled self loved medical professionals who prefer "hearing it from you, in your own words to get started." Now I need them to read first, [informed] talk after.) #NEISVoid

3c. My written words are still my own. Pressing a spoken word bias/preferrnce on me is not a good start to a visit, and it makes for an incomplete, often incoherent (brain fog) murk through which I have to pathfind for us. Waste of energy. High degree of risk. #NEISVoid

4. Review what I've prepared. What am I missing? Would what I have benefit from revision/reformatting? #NEISVoid

5. Know how I'm filling the blanks: If I come away from this visit with _______ (usually a referral to someone who has more relevant/ extensive expertise), I'll be satisfied. If I come away without _______, I'll be disappointed. Best possible outcome? Acceptable? #NEISVoid

6. What basic changes need to be made to basic tasks in the week/night/morning before my appointment to mitigate the interference of my symptoms in getting to, completing, and returning from my appointment? What's my food strategy? What do I wear to my appointment? #NEISVOID

7. What other medical commitments were waiting on this appointment's outcome that will now need attention? How much rest/recovery time will be required (or is simply at all possible) before they can be attended to? #NEISVoid

See you in seven days, new cardiologist. #NEISVoid