What is FF "thinking"?? (chart help)

[babygrey]

I'm fairly new to FF and could use some help bc I don't understand what it is doing with my chart interpretation-

I got dotted crosshairs on CD9. They are dotted bc they don't match up with my CBEFM readings (when I take out the monitor readings, then they turn solid). Guessing perhaps I had a quick surge, and, since the monitor uses FMU, it missed it (thanks Jen&James for the thoughts on that ).

Monitor is still reading "High", but I called the CBE helpline and they said the monitor is programed to read "High" until it sees your surge or your AF. So, I'm not expecting to see a Peak this month and was just hoping for a decent LP...

Here's where I need your help- I'm spotting today. (I'm nursing and have a stupid LPD.) It is like pre-AF spotting. When I enter today's spotting into FF, FF takes my crosshairs away. HUH??

Why would FF take my O date away bc I'm spotting now? To me, that sort of confirms my O, bc my LP last month was 9 days and I spotted for 4 days prior. Am I being dense here and missing something simple? My chart doesn't look anov to me... is there a chance I haven't O'd yet? I see a thermal shift...

Chart's here: http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/2c383d
(I left the spotting out so the crosshairs would be there)

I hate to say this, but I hope AF's on her way bc we MISSED O this month and gah, my LPD is still major short. This month's a wash and I just want to move on... however, I do really want to understand why it thinks I haven't O'd now bc I'm spotting...

TIA

[Tanikit]

The newer you are to FF the more they rely on certain patterns - the dotted crosshairs are given because the CM does not line up with the thermal shift. Your thermal shift is also not as clear as usual but this is probably because ovulation is so early - usually FF looks at a thermal shift as what happens when there are three temperatures above the average for the last 5 temps which is what happened after CD9.

Do you normally get fertile CM and how long are your normal cycles? If your normal cycles are longer than this then it is still possible that you may ovulate. FF may also be confused by the monitor readings you are getting.

The best way to do things the first few months is to chart but not worry too much about it and just BD every second day throughout your cycle. Have you tried B6 for the shortened luteal phase? It worked for me after about 3 months of taking it.

Based on how you feel I would say you probably did ovulate on CD9, but your temps are boucing around quite a bit so the chart is not all that clear.

[babygrey]

Thanks much for your thoughts, esp the grounding thoughts about just BD'ing every-other and not getting too wrapped up in my chart. I guess I'm just trying to balance that with learning what I can about charting, kwim?

As far as what's normal for me- that's really why I'm wonder so much about my chart. I started charting bc we have hectic travel schedules and I was hoping to add another piece of info to be able to plan around expected O.

I'm only on my 3rd/4th cycle pp and have had a lot of reproductive changes since DD's birth, so I'm guessing my body is trying to find the way back to normal

DT nursing, my CM isn't much to speak of

Am taking B6 already, good thought, tho.

Not spotting today, so maybe I'm wrong about AF coming? :hm Still can't input yesterday's spotting w/o FF taking away my crosshairs. Still not really getting why it thinks b/c I spotted I didn't O. :shug.

Thanks again.

[TheDivineMrsM]

I'd take the spotting off of your chart, but type it in the "notes" section. At the end of your cycle (after you get a bfp! ) put it back in. It takes FF awhile to get used to your particular pattern, KWIM?