Hi all, I am a 15 year clusterhead who found this site last year towards the end of my cycle, this is truely an awesome site with the best knowledge possible. I am a 35 year old male and as stated have dealt with the beast for 15 years. Usualy starting in June-July and going for 6 weeks. Well this year it started on the summer solstice June 21st (imagine that). But it is different it is dull and only seems to go up to about kip 3 - 4. Didn't do anything different in between cycles. I can even have a beer or two and it just stuffs me up but does not slam me like usual. Just feels like bad sinus type pressure with the tender scalp issue. I am into the 7th week here and like I said I am not complaining by all means I am familiar with kip 9 -10, I've put my fist through drywall! Just wanted to know if any of you vets out there have had a cycle like this.  Just worried that it is lasting longer than the others. Thanks.  Jay

"...worried..."

Why? You can't do anything about it; you don't know what will be the outcome.

Just appreciate that you're back among buds!.......

It's interesting to find someone going through the same sort of episode that I am. I've danced with the beast for over 40 years but started my current cycle 5 weeks ago after a break of 10 years.
I've had a couple of KIP 6 or 7's in that time but the majority have, like you been 3 and 4's that are more a pain in the ass than anything else.
Previous episodes always included at least one 8 or 9 a day so I'm not complaining. Beer is my poison of choice but I've laid off since the clusters returned because I remember what used to happen if I had one. I'd get an 8 or 9 within 10 minutes of having one so I'm not tempting fate.  You mention tender scalp and that's interesting because I'm having that but I don't honestly recall ever having it before this episode. I guess that's what makes clusters so great. They always find a way to surprise you. Hang in there.

True, I guess I should listen to my wife and not worry about the future. I guess what I am wondering is if I should temp the beast and try my migranol spray to try and be done with these kip 3-4 or just ride it out. God knows I don't want the usual kip 7-8 that wake me up from sleep like the last cycles. All I am doing right now is redbull, coffee, I have O2 but it is only at a flow rate of 8lpm and I suck it straight from the hose basicly to not let in any other air in.  Jay

At one time most of us could set our Calenders and watches by our CH. Most often it will at some point change the game plan.

I have had at least one mild cycle. And I have used O2 @ 8lpm. Today we've found this to be too low for most of us. 15lpm with a NON-REBREATHER (with the bag) is the new minimum. If less works you can turn it down. Most of us need even more, 25lpm+.

Read the "oxygen info" link on the left of this screen for up to date O2 use. I know you may not need it now but being prepared is just wise.

Enjoy the PF time and good luck.

Don

What Don (Skyhawk) said.

Jerry

Thanks for the advice guys its nice to know that some of you have gone through similar cycles. I guess what I wanted to hear was (yeah thats what mine did before my cycles stopped for 5 -10 years) :)   I will just be glad it has been an overall very mild cycle and just hope it comes to an end soon. Much PF vibes out to you guys.  Jay