It gets smaller. Not easy, smaller. That distinction kept me going.

Small wins count. Walking to the mailbox is a data point.

Written confirmation email after every phone call. Cheapest insurance there is.

Bring a list. Embarrassment makes everyone forget things, including you.

You are not imagining it and you are not being difficult. Document it and take the document in.

No wrong answers, and yours is a good one.

Ask for the longer appointment slot. Ten minutes is not enough for a complex history and pretending otherwise wastes both your time.