How long before you can reasonably say something is or is not doing anything?

Narrow conclusion.

Is a baseline blood test really necessary before starting something like this?

You are not imagining it and you are not being difficult. Document it and take the document in. Not on a formulary change but the pattern is familiar.

Do you contact the customs office or the carrier first?

How do you get a clear photo of an imprint? Mine keep coming out blurry.

How do I find the national register if I do not read the language?

Sorry for the basic question, but how do you actually start one of these diaries?

What do you do about the fee? Do you just pay it? Currently on Canada Post myself.