Revisiting Immunology....

 So,  while browsing the net, looking for some info on supplements  and  diet changes to implement  for  when we decide to TTC again,  and I found a post on a paleo site, about the diet and auto immune issues, unintentionally.... It had a few other tag posts on the side, that were similar in content, and I saw a condition that I have struggled with for years, that another person had been also dealing with, and they noticed changes when they did the paleo diet, and restricted nightshade foods. I was intrigued with this new information, because this was contrary to what I had been told before, that the condition I struggle with was due to bacteria/over active hair follicles, and I was always on antibiotics in the past, but they never worked...So I began to research this condition in relation to auto immune disorders, and it turns out it is starting to seem that is IS indeed immune related. I am not going to go into detail about said condition I was looking into- as it is pretty embarrassing and quite frankly, just not  the best of topics to write on/ read about. But I will tell you, I have noticed the immune connection myself and it all made sense...

So then I began to start looking into some options in treatment for it, and stumbled upon some info that talked about elevated TNF-a levels that tend to trigger these instances, and that there are certain meds that can help lower it, and keep it at bay. Then it listed some of the TNF inhibitors and similar meds- I also red that welbutrin is in the same kind of family as some of the TNF inhibitors... which was strange, since I had been on webutrin for all 3 of my pregnancies before conception and the first trimester...Thought that was kind of intriguing...so on I went looking and reading... I spent a good 3 hours reading various sites, and medical  studies. and then began to think about how it is probably all related to my pregnancy losses as well...

I started to put two and two together, and began to revisit the idea of seeing Dr. Braverman in NYC. I decided to log on and ask a few questions regarding TNF's on Braverman's web page, and from there, decided to give the office a call and give my insurance info over, so they could see what my out of pocket expense is going to be with going to the office for a visit, instead of phone consults, that are not covered by insurance. I have the benefit of being only 3 to 4 hours away by car to NYC, so it is feasible to drive down there and get the ball rolling and see if they can test me and DX me. I even asked my Local RE what he thought my next steps should be, and he also said Braverman was the way to go. He agreed to collaborate with Braverman after the DX and help me cycle with meds locally. so that is a HUGE plus!

I know there is a chance it could still be too much money out of pocket, and I might not be able to get it done till after taxes come back etc..But I kind of feel like there is this one last resort, and I might just have a chance, if I go and check this immune stuff out. I have had a feeling it has been immune related for a long time, but then I tried to forget, and deny it, hoping I would supernaturally just fix myself and BAM we would get a keeper, but as the months have gone on and my history has gotten drastically worse, I think it is time turn over this one last stone...If not now, def in the future...I think this will be a HUE link for me, not just in regards to pregnancy but the other conditions, and if I manage it well, perhaps prevent me from getting even worse conditions and disorders as a result of my immune system being out of whack....

Praying for some amazing news tomorrow, and that we can book a trip to NYC in mid oct!