Return to Clomid

We had a follow up with our NaPro doc on Friday; somehow those appointment always seem overwhelming. It always feels like a giant data dump, with too much to take in at once. We didn't really do anything over the weekend, which helped me work through things a little bit. Despite it seeming like a lot of information, I'll try to keep this brief.

The biggest change is that I'll be switching back to Clomid next cycle. My post peak estrogen levels have been far too low on Femara, which is the reason for the switch. I've done 9 cycles on Clomid previously when we were working with a local RE. I will be continuing the post-peak HCG. Husbandido was not thrilled about my going back on Clomid since I had so many side effects; realistically, though, the only side effect I had on Clomid that I haven't had on Femara/HCG was the hot flashes. This will be a lower dose than I was on previously(25 mg days 3-7 vs 50 mg days 3-7), so I may not have as many side effects (we can at least hope). I'll also be taking clarithromycin and flagyl for 14 days during this cycle and the next 2, in case there is still any kind of infection (still having TEBB and quite a few 2Ws during the 2WW). To counteract the disruption of the gut flora, I'll also need to go on a probiotic. He also suggested adding 200 mg CoQ10 to help improve CM. 

We'll be re-checking my vitamin D levels at my next blood draw to see if they have increased at all. Our doc doesn't check reverse T3 since it's an expensive test that not all labs can do; it also doesn't change how he treats thyroid conditions. Since everything but my anti-thyroid antibodies is normal, he feels no need to put me on anything for my thyroid. I am of mixed emotions about that one, since I do have a lot of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. 

Lastly, our doc has changed his dietary recommendations. Instead of GF, he is now recommending Paleo. After brief consideration, I told Husbandido "If you think that's what it takes to have a child, you're going to need a new wife." Fortunately for me, he is even more adamant than I am about that not being required. Here's the thing: I can understand the rationale for going GF, given the purported structural or sequence similarities between gluten and the target of the anti-thyroid antibodies. I will be waiting to see whether being GF has lowered my antibody titer, though; if it's not having an effect, then I may go back to eating gluten containing foods. I find much of the rationale for going Paleo specious; evolution did not stop in the Paleolithic era. Please note that I am not saying no one should try or adhere to this diet; I am however saying the arguments that everyone should be Paleo have not convinced me. If an individual tries it and feels better, has more energy, etc., then yes, that would be evidence that it is a good fit for his or her genetic and biophysical makeup. Is it true that most Americans consume more carbohydrates and sugars than they should? Yes. Is it likely that being aware of the glycemic index of what you eat can make a difference? Maybe. I'm coming to a point where the questions isn't "Do you want a baby?" (As Jelly Belly's foolish acupuncturist asked) but what and how much am I willing to sacrifice for a chance at getting pregnant. I'm willing to try and cut back on carbs and sugar, but there is no way I am giving them up entirely. I do have to maintain some quality of life here. Besides, there is a high probability that the medications I will be taking will make me queasy, and the last thing I want to eat when I feel like I'm going to throw up is MEAT. 

Over the weekend I had a few doubts, wondering if maybe I should try going Paleo. Fortunately Husbandido (not literally) smacked some sense back into me.