different world in my mind, similar to military in codes, practices, doctrines and abilities in meshing it with real life people.

You ARE going for a new opinion. You are [sort of] also doing an interview. As to WHY you are doing this? You want a new LOOK at YOU where in the past you've gotten inconsistent appraisals or simply been told that nothing can be done. You aren't a quitter, you are in pain, you would like some HELP! Plain and simple.

As to why? Well, maybe you weren't communicating with prior docs or getting communication FROM prior docs in a way that lead to any progressions for treatments, only dilemmas...I think I can clearly say that ever so many folks here have THAT issue either now or in the past BIG TIME!

As to what, I agree that what you say at the time of the visit is key...Short and sweet, emphasizing the pain & balance issues--falls, cuts, etc?...and what has or hasn't helped in the past. As well as potentials for continuing disability...and ACCESS to other docs, tests, economies, and physical stresses of doing all of the afore mentioned stuffs. I would THINK that test results would tell LOTS if not all? But then I'm not a doc?

I guess the absolute basics should be stated, provide back up as requested? Just, ALWAYS be honest-even if not in detail. You can't be caught in a lie if one was not made. I believe you would not ever do that, but sometimes we tend to understate or overstate. I've always found that blatant simple honesty has been my best 'weapon'. What is harder to gage is any one doc's 'receptivity' to a given person's comments and you can never tell what kind of day they have had prior to seeing you that day...

We all have been on the 'merry-go-round' of docs....It's a frustrating process at best? I can only offer multiple 's and encouragement that you can deal with this and future situations assertively and positively! - j