When you chart "specific" on FF -

SarahRuthG · September 2010

How long do you have a "specific" symptom before you chart? I felt bloated and had a back ache for about 4 hours this morning, so I charted that. But I dont want something like the three bean chili I made for dinner to effect my chart if that's what was causing these things (the bloating).

So I guess to simplify my questions: How do you know when I chart these things? I figured since these two symptoms impacted my morning I should chart them. Am I thinking logically?

TIA!

99luftballoons · September 2010

If I have a symptom at all that day, it goes on the chart. I don't think it's meant to be that you are bloated for 24 hrs. But I wouldn't overthink the specific symptoms, they really are meaningless in the long run. Even if bloating wasn't the 3 bean chili doesn't mean it's from being pregnant, so either way, I'd just throw it on there.

ermaderma · September 2010

I'm curious to what other ladies do, but for me, I chart any symptoms that I can't explain.

For instance, I take metformin and it has pretty nasty side effects. I don't chart if/when I spend all day on the toilet because i know it is from the metformin. If I have a headache and it isn't from hunger or from wearing my glasses, then I'll chart it.

Hope that helps!

ccam · September 2010

I chart any significant symptom - 4 hours of feeling bloated and back ache would go on my chart. I also take a lot of notes - that way when I look back, I can say, for example, "oh, I was bloated because I was ovulating, not because of that chili." Those notes may help you in future cycles.

SarahRuthG · September 2010

Thanks ladies! I wanted to be sure I was using that area properly and it sounds like I am.

Unnie&Chico · September 2010

I chart every symptom I have, however short or long. But I always mark it in my notes with the details : When, how long and if I think it might have been caused by something else.