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

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

Is it normal to feel worse before better? Nobody told me that.

Same here.

Worth repeating that this is not medical advice and the answer often depends on who you are.

Worth asking what specifically was measured. Pain scores move with mood and function does not.

Personal experience, labelled as such, is exactly right here. Nobody is prescribing.

Worth repeating that this is not medical advice and the answer often depends on who you are.