Greetings to all. I'm not really new to the site. I used to participate in the old forum, but it's been awhile since I've popped up, and since then the new forum has apparently been created.

My name is Tony, and I live in a small town in southern Virginia called Victoria. I've been suffering from "the beast" since I was about 17 years old (12 years give or take). I'm of the "episodic" variety, which explains why I disappear for extended periods of time, really. Generally, my cluster cycles tend to come once every 2 to 3 years and last 1 to 2 months at a time during the late spring or early summer months.

My last cycle was in the summer of 2006. Since then, I've had a few odd (and generally rather mild) episodes over the years. However, as you might have guessed, this year "the beast" is at it again. So, here I am.

As far as the meds go, I have taken several different things over the years, both for abortion and prevention. For abortion, the trusty imitrex injections have always worked the best for me. That is, until I talk one of these docs into letting me try out the oxygen, I hope. As for the prevention meds (and so-called cycle breaking meds), I've tried Verapamil, Topamax, and Prednisone, none of which showed much promise for me, really.

Anyway, I thought I'd share a little about myself on the new board. Nice to meet all of those who are new to the site, and to all who I may have spoken to in the past on the old board, nice to see you all again. Pain-free wishes to you all!

Welcome back....a real pisser how the beast never seems to lose your address. If you haven't already, please read the "oxygen info" link on the left. It's important you use the 02 right or it can be next to useless. I'm one who can abort in 6-8 minutes using oxygen, been a real cycle changer for me!

Wishing you a short, mild cycle!

joe