Review with TCM Doc

I am very thankful to my TCM doc throughout the 1st IVF journey because she was really there for me.  I could check with her whenever there was pain or worrying symptom e.g. gastric attacks, spotting etc.  She was just a phone call away.  Even if it was her day-off, I could email her and she would reply me.

When I shared the diagnosis that poor egg quality was a possible cause for the failed IVF, her immediate reaction was a frown.  Yes, it was indeed true that there are no western medication that can help egg quality.  Were there any chinese remedies then?  I didn't ask this most important question.  But I am guessing, yes there are things we could try since there is no harm trying.  I spent an hour with her and these are some of the things we discussed:

• Would growth hormones work? - Medically it is not proven.  Growth hormones are largely predominant in young children during their formative years, which is the time when our eggs are being formed and nourished.  With the growth hormone injections, it is trying to bring our body back to our formative years and hopefully help produce better eggs. 
• Would royal jelly work? - Not in the TCM point of view.  It is more for beauty purposes rather than something that supports fertility.  Instead, my TCM doc prescribed me with 3 months' supply of organic soy isoflavones.  She says this may be more helpful.
• What are soy isoflavones? - They are compounds in soybean and soyfoods with a chemical structure that is very similar to estrogen.  However, according to some internet research, these isoflavones choose the tissues it binds to.  This means that  isoflavones may mimic the effects of estrogen in some tissues and yet blocks the effects of estrogen in other tissues.
• What about CoQ10 and DHEA? - These are short-form of some western medicine, so my TCM doc wasn't too sure.  I would need to check what they are in chinese before she could give me more advice.  But my IVF doc did say that I should avoid DHEA as it may also increase egg quantity.  In my case, this would mean higher risk for OHSS which is undesirable.
• I had a failed pregnancy and went back to work the next day, is that ok? - The IVF doc confirmed that in the technical term, I did not suffer a miscarriage, as it was in the early stages where there was no sac or foetus.  But in TCM perspective, I did miscarriage and should have a mini confinement.
• What is a mini confinement? - Take red date + longan + ginger drink in place of water.  Stay covered up with long-sleeve tops and pants.  Avoid walking too much.  Continue my daily/alternate day dose of black chicken soup with generous amounts of eucommia bark.
• Can I start exercising?  Yes, but stay covered up and cool down in natural settings (without aircon/fan).  Bath after the perspiration has stopped and evaporated.
• So what are the plans ahead? - Let the body recover.  Baby dance with a rubber mask for the next 2-3 months, as the body would not be able to handle another pregnancy in the short term.
• Should I quit my job when doing the next IVF? - My TCM doc usually will not advise patients to resign.  Instead, she advised me to get to the root of the problem.  It is about priorities.  If having a baby is your priority, you have to be prepared to reduce your work commitments.  You have to be prepared to say no to tasks and assignments if it compromises the interest of your family plans.  It is not about changing jobs.

Coincidentally I saw a quote from my friends' facebook -
If everyone is happy with you, then surely you have made many compromises in my life.

Perhaps, as I consider my work arrangements, it is also time to re-examine my priorities and pray for courage to stay true to those priorities.