Update

Things are looking okay so far. My estrogen is still lower than it should be, but it has been rising. The ND says my yin pulse is still stronger than my yang, but it could be stronger. She needled me accordingly yesterday. Follicles are growing and I think we'll be doing the first insemination tomorrow.

I'm starting to suspect that the fertility doctor has written me off -- between my age, my puzzling response to drugs, and my decision to go the natural route, I don't think I'm her favourite patient. I saw her to talk about how best to time the IUIs. She asked me what I wanted to do. I asked her what she thought was best, given my history. She managed to stay non-committal until I made a suggestion, then immediately agreed with me. Upon reflection, I realized that my suggestion was actually quite stupid. So I went back to see her to point that out. Once again, she agreed and updated the chart accordingly. WTF? If she knew my plan was stupid, why did she not point that out at the time? I mean, it's not like I went in there guns blazing and making demands. She wouldn't tell me what she thought until I told her what I was thinking. A great way to avoid conflict, but not really helpful in terms of patient care.

Whatever. She may think I'm at the end of the road, but I know I'm just beginning. I feel like acupuncture is giving me a do-over. And I don't think there's any point in switching to a different fertility doctor or clinic. All they're really doing for me is cycle monitoring and performing the IUIs. The task of preparing my body for pregnancy is in the ND's hands.

( Just for my own entertainment, here is a partial list of changes I've made to optimize my chances of getting and staying pregnant: )

We wait. We hope.

M.