Here We Go Again:

I'm pretty sure I've used that title before for my blog. Well, it's the truth, so I'm sticking with it. As it is...here we go again.

I officially have an appointment set up to get a referral for an RE-in less than a week (a small miracle!). I have no doubt that it will get approved and while I had been slowly researching RE's in our area, now I guess I have to step it up and really figure it out. All I really want out of an RE is his/her willingness to work with an RI (reproductive immunologist) of my choosing and maybe start the basic testing I'd have to do with anyone at this point (including a lap for endo that I'm 99% sure I need). I've been reading websites of potential RE's and man, now I remember why I've put this off for so long. That initial appointment is just plain HARD and icky. I know that my situation isn't all that unique but starting over is daunting and invasive.

I have two choices for an RI. Dr. B out of NY that I've previously mentioned or Dr. K out of Chicago. Dr. B is the leader/pioneer of endometriosis/immune therapies for infertility couples but here's the kicker. He doesn't take insurance of any kind. While he does give a free phone consult, I see no point in that unless I go ahead and do the recommended testing...testing and treatments that he would completely tailor to me. I'd most likely have to get weekly blood draws and monitoring for tweaking meds.  Now, Dr. K DOES take my insurance so while I'd have to travel to Chicago for the initial consult, that consult would be covered by Tricare. She does most of what Dr. B does but is that good enough? Do I go with the best and pay out the nose for it or see someone that is still good at what she does and insurance will help?  I'd eventually have to travel to NY as well because it's required that we meet face to face before he can prescribe meds. BUT if an RE here is willing to work with him (and would be willing to prescribe the meds that he recommends), it would make my life so much easier (and maybe even a little cheaper). I've also discovered a Chinese herbalist/acupuncturist that works closely with Dr. B and what I'm seeing about her is really great stuff-and lines up with what I've been reading. People, this is going to cost a small fortune to do as the initial testing alone can be $3-4k without insurance.  Then add in IVF, IV meds, travel, supplements, etc and wowza...

Positive report:

For my last cycle, I was almost cramp free. That's huge you guys! While I still had some, I did not have to medicate for them. Not once. Whether it's due to changes in my diet or exclusively using mama cloth, I'll take it! It's been years since I've had that happen.

Help: It's no secret that I struggle with eating clean. I'm trying hard to drink a smoothie every day to try and get in more fruits/veggies/supplements but I'm finding it hard to choke down. I'm trying to stay away from dairy, corn, soy, gluten, sugar, and synthetic vitamins (including anything fortified or enriched, vit d, folic acid etc) I tried coconut water mixed with frozen berries, turmeric, chia seeds, and a little bit of spinach in a smoothie today and it was just plain awful.  Any suggestions out there for me?

Thanks for your comments, love, and encouragement!