May I chime in & add to these FABulous suggestions here??

1. “THAT IS NOT AN OPTION FOR ME AT THIS TIME.” or I need to do more reasearch on this procedure to make an informed decision. My personal responses have always been...I am not ruling it out at this time. Never say never or I dont want to do that. Down the road you may. If the defense keeps asking the question over & over or re-wording be percise in your answer and say again, I dont know, I'm not sure.

2. Love MAKE THE OTHER GUY DO THE WORK statment. Just as you would in an interview...you interview them. You control the interview in your professional demeaner. And always polite.

3. TANGENTS or running on. We all have stories to tell & we want this to be "our" time to tell it. Unfortunately, a deposition isnt the time.

4. UNCLEAR questions: Ask questions if you dont get where the opposition is going. Be careful of reading into the question then doubting yourself. "Can you repeat the question, I dont understand the question". Answer simply, logically & honestly of course.

5. BREAKS, moving, being comfortable: I learned after the 1st depo to move, be comfortable, breathe & meds if needed. I had no idea, I was scared, I was intimidated & made myself absolutely sick in a flare for weeks after my 1st depo. Avoid this by getting up moving, moving a chair to prop up your leg or arm(s), standing up against the wall & moving. And break. Take the breaks whenever needed as many as needed. I took ice packs which keeps my TOS swelling down the 2nd time. And always, always ask for water, for cooler air, warmer air, take your pillow(s) for comfort for YOUR needs.

6. MEDS: You want to go in with a clear mind to be in control. If you take meds, take your meds but not additional for the depo. When you take a break & you need more meds, tell your attorney, k? The opposition will ask you what medication you took that day & what you take every day.

*Be yourself, be honest, sink into the chair & keep breathing. Yes, this is the enemy however, it is your time to shine as a professional patient in your condition. Nobody knows your condition & how your body feels better than you! The first one is always feared. However, you have control, you have the knowledge. The opposition is only going by drawer full of reports & records. You will have the opportunity to review your depo & make any changes if needed.

I'll tell you a story of my 2nd depo...I have had TOS CRPS & a list of other diagnosis since 2000. Well, right in the height of all the legal "ish" I developed cancer. Yep, as if. 2 weeks, yes 2 weeks after my last chemo I had to appear. It was dumb, stupid & made me angry. How dare they. Well guess what the very 1st questions out of the defense attorney's mouth was? "I understand you (he couldnt phrase it correctly several times) you have/had cancer and chemotherapy? What is your prognosis?" I was devastated, I was so flippin' angry & in a split second I visualized reaching across the table as my arm stretched out like a cartoon with a big white glove to strangle the guy. Looked at my attorney, looked at my employers HR coordinator, the court reporter then back directly in his eyes & said, "I'm just fine & have a lifetime ahead of me." never blinking or taking my eyes off of him. He stopped there. Then I cried & took an immediate break. So, moral of the story is they are paid to be hostile & uncaring. Fine, that is the profession you have chosen. You are insignificant to me.

Its ok, it will ALL be ok and you will do great!