Hmmm...interesting chart pattern

So, I keep getting "faked out" by what seems to be an early O---low temps after period ends, then a huge spike that seems like I have O'd much earlier than I usually do. It's happened so often, that when my temp spiked 3 days ago, I took it for granted. But then I thought....hmm, I wonder if this pattern could give me a heads up to when I might O!

So I created an overlay of "average" charts and I did identify a pattern.



I identified the highest temp that spiked after AF and before O. (circled in red) You'll see that of the 4 cycles I identified, the highest temp spike occured 5-7 days before O was identified. So, with that logic, looking at my current cycle...



It looks like if O could be 6-7 days from now, it could occur CD13-14 (Sat Mar 3or Sun Mar 4). If that is the case, then if we make sure to BD starting today and for the next 5 days, we could easily catch O! We'll see if my theory holds true! Either way, I'll still be using my CBEFM to track it.

Strange chart

So, I'm trying SO hard to stay off of the computer. I at least have to get on to update my charts at Fertility Friend and Countdown to Pregnancy.

I have noticed this cycle more than last my pre-O temps are super high. Other than one or three that are in regular pre-O range the rest are 98.0 and above. The last 2 temps I had to temp adjust because my urge to pee in the morning has been so strong. I don't really think I have changed much my drinking habits at night.

Also, I've had a super high sense of smell the last two days. It is something I usually get around O, but I haven't had other classic O symptoms. I have been trying to assess my CM, but it seems at most Creamy---one day it seemed watery, but I downgraded it. Also, the most fertile my CP got was MM-. Still not quite there.

Yet, I did a little advance experimentation with FF. I entered two more temps at about the same temp I am now (98.2) and FF gave me dotted CH on CD9! That would be a SUPER early O, plus I would have one day of unprotected intercourse around 4 days before O. Not great odds, but possible. I don't really think that I O'd then, but I have to wonder.

The last recorded OPKs were around CD4 and CD5 (BD on CD5). Those so far were the closest to positive as I had a medium darkish line, but still nowhere near positive. The last two days my OPKs have been completely and utterly BFN---there was no line whatsoever. Also, I've learned to slightly interpret my CBEFM sticks and those were really negative. The estrogen is super high and the LH is almost non-existent. Going by that, I'd say I haven't O'd at all, and could be another week or so away from it.

Time will tell. If I JUST look at my PMS symptoms (sore side bb, backache, higher sense of smell, etc) I would say I have just O'd. But NONE of my other fertility signs (except possibly BBT?) agree with it.

Sometimes I really hate charting. 

Holy Temp Spike Batman!

So if you look at my charts above, you'll see that for two days in a row I've had my temp jump .3 degrees for a total of .6 from 4DPO!!. I was shocked when I saw the temp this morning, 98.9! Other than being close to fever, I haven't had a temp that high, even post-O. Although I technically still have bronchitis, I don't think I am feverish. It was a little warm in the bedroom last night and we sleep with a down cover year round. So ((shrugs)) I dunno, it may go down tomorrow.

Another thing I noticed is that I seem to have a temp dip at 4DPO. This chart, my last chart it was at 4DPO and my m/c chart was at 3DPO.

Lately I've had some vivid dreams. This morning I was half-awake, but dreaming that this old lady (who was supposed to be DH's Mom!) was advising us about buying houses. She started talking about credit scores and stuff and I told her "We actually have good credit" and I said that last bit OUT LOUD! I woke DH, he thought I was talking to him! Really weird. And I said it clearly too, I didn't seem to mumble it, which is weird. Normally when I talk in my sleep I'm totally out and have no idea I'm talking.

I don't really think I'm pregnant though because last time I was I would get so dizzy from low blood pressure. So I don't think I am this time.

Disappointing chart

If you click my little butterfly banner in the sidebar you can check the progress of my fertility chart.

It was looking good for a little bit there, but it might have been just too early for the O (Ovulation). My calendar predicts that I might ovulate this Saturday so we're going to work at catching the egg by then, although my primary fertility sign (Cervical Fluid) is not at peak fertility right now. It is not completely infertile at this point so there is a chance it will become fertile again.

I'm praying to God that I will actually O and see the red crosshairs there...I've never had that in all the times I've charted over the last year and half.

So, here's hoping!

Family Awareness Method aka charting

So, awhile back I researched a lot of ways to detect my fertility and maximize it. I knew I could shell out for a Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor that is an excellent way of detecting when you ovulate and helping a girl time intercourse to catch the egg. I didn't want to invest in it right away before I knew if it would be beneficial to me. What I found out about was charting my basal body temperature (waking body temperature) and monitoring my cervical fluids could also help me predict when I may ovulate and all it would cost me is the price of BD Digital Basal Thermometer.

So, I eventually bought Taking Charge of Your Fertility, 10th Anniversary Edition: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health. I learned SO much about how my body works and how to best use that knowledge to achieve pregnancy.

Sadly after about six months of charting I realized the problem was this--I don't ovulate. In a year of charting (with a six month break) I never once had a chart the definitively ovulated. I have the classic annovulatory charts.

With this knowledge in hand I went to my doctor who ran some bloodwork. She noticed my Prolactin levels were a little high. She almost scheduled an MRI but when she said it could be caused by anti-psychotic meds I reminded her that I do take an anti-psychotic. So my charge is to get taken off of this med to see if my prolactin levels lower and if I will then start ovulating.

I am still working with my doctor to get taken off of the medication, however, I am excited (hamdallah) to report that my periods have started coming back regularly. I don't know if this is related to my recently starting to lose weight (I am classified by my BMI as Obese)or what but I thank God and have started charting again to see if I am ovulating. I feel really confident that I may have last month, however, my battery died on my thermometer before I could confirm this and it took me awhile to get a replacement battery.

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