Thank you Melody and Ginnie..

I appreciate your thoughts, and have certainly been concerned about taking the leap as well. I have not been to the Mayo Clinic. I'm a Canadian citizen and don't think I would be able to afford to pay for healthcare in the states, unless there's some loophole I don't know about..? I would be all over that if there were such a thing! I have been trying hard to find a diagnosis for 8 years now, and am still looking. I have spoken with my doctors, and my GP has just asked that I think carefully and be as prepared as possible before taking any steps in that direction.. my neuromuscular guy said "Well, pregnancy is riskier than golfing, but I wouldn't let that stop you..."

*However*, both docs have said that some women with these kinds of things, weakness, ME/CFS, autoimmune things as well as endo, can go into "permanent remission" when they get pregnant, perhaps because of the inherent "immune system reboot" that happens in the mother to ensure the new life is protected, if there is autoimmunity involved. They have *both* had patients in whom this occurred..

I first learned of this phenomena when phoning for information one day a year or two ago, and I happened upon a woman who like me, had had pretty much the same symptoms appear and disappear for a while, and could find no diagnosis. At one point she was travelling in the Dominican Republic with her boyfriend, and had a doctor there ask if they were in a happy, stable relationship, because if having children was something they were considering anyhow, it could help her to get pregnant. She said they had a good talk and decided to try. Sure enough, it worked, and she's never had it since. So I asked my doctors about it, and they confirmed it does happen with some women.

I know that in itself is not enough of a reason to try it, just in the hopes of getting cured, but because I really do want to have a child anyhow, this possibility along with the timing factor has me considering it more seriously. I know I'd have to be in a state of reasonable good health to start, and would choose a time when I'm strong and feeling good to begin trying. I'm starting a 10 month course of immune-boosting kundalini yoga training this month, and am going to be doing whatever I can with regard to diet, sleep, meditation, etc to get myself as healthy as I can. I'd also coordinate a plan for help and support from my friends and family should I get sick during the pregnancy or after the birth. I know I'd have some help. But I'm going to take the year and see where I can get to before making any moves.

I'd still love to hear from any other women with thoughts, feelings, or experiences to share on this topic.

Many thanks, T