I'm designing a Warforged character for a new 3.5 campaign I'm playing in. I'm looking at going the 'sword and board' route to maximize my AC, as I'll be the party's tank. Fighter is the main class I'm looking at, with no prestige class in mind. I've already rolled attributes with the DMs approval. I had 17, 17, 17, 14, 12, 8.

I plan on taking the Adamantine Body Feat with a large shield. This would bring my AC to 21 with DR 2/Adamantine. (Adamantine Body Feat (8) + Large Shield (2) + Dex 13 (1) = 21)

I'm concerned about being able to receive enough healing because healing effects only heal half as much to Warforged. I also don't want to take healing away from other party members, because I need twice as much. Taking levels in Artificer would let me heal myself without worrying about that, due to the Repair cycle of spells.

What would help me survive better: taking Artificer at first level to have access to healing right away, or taking Fighter at first level for more hp and hoping to survive to second level?