Okay. Before I see any new doctor — e.g., a new gastrointestinal physician — I prepare a list of my past and current diagnoses. I may use bullet-points below a diagnosis to explain times or consequences of CHF. Or Bipolar I Disorder. And I capitalize the names of each disorder (and use acronyms, where appropriate). I would never say, “I deal with bipolar type one” to a medical professional.

I completed a one-page ‘health’ CV for my new shrink 3-4 weeks ago. I did nothing but name my disorders and diseases or name with an explanatory bullet point. If I’m at my new gastrointestinal doc’s office, she might require me to remove my shirt and might find that I’m attempting to conceal (when, in truth, I’ve only forgotten) my gall bladder surgery. A medical CV is an instance where “I have” or even “I am” is most appropriate. Even, if when revealing current — or ‘past’ — diagnoses.

I’m crazy in the head. No other explanation required.

So, I’m mostly straddling the “I am” or “I have” medians.