Just wondering who all is having an unusual long episodic cycle this year. Looking through some old post looks like something strange is going on this year for us episodics. Just wanted to hear  from those that fall into this category. Going on 9-10 weeks myself- longest ever cycle for me but for some reason more dull this episode. Just thought it would be interesting to get some feedback on this to see if seasonal issues is playing some kind of roll this year. Thanks for the input.  Jay

Good lord, how long are Joe's cycles on average. Thanks for the input.

Yes I know what you mean Joe. I think It is getting to me trying to figure this cycle out. I guess I should be happy I have not had to resort to anything but energy drinks. I am trying the synergy kudzu thing what is the latest on kudzu? Have you ever tried it Joe. Also Joe have you ever had one of the cycles where you never realy got hit bad, nothing over kip 5. Thanks for the info.

My cycle is normally from November to March. However, this year, the cycle came to an end in early July, and it was not, by any means, a "normal" cycle. I never knew which side I would get hit, and I could drink alcohol without the worries of getting hit. That was a first in 14 years.

Now, I have been pain free for over 45 days, and loving every minute of it!

I agree, Ken. I must be Favre. Damn Vikings!

For over 30 years my cycles were extremely predictable. Not in the sense that they were the same, but once I was a week into cycle I knew to within five minutes when an attack would come. Never more than once a day and usually once every two days, but always the same in a particular cycle. Also the duration would be exactly predictable in a particular cycle. This could be anything between 2 hours and 5 hours but always exactly the same to within minutes in a particlular cycle. I also knew that a cycle would last 3 months, and if it went past that it would be six months, although this was rare. I used to drive my doctor mad with this, he would say it was impossible but I knew it was true! All that seems to have gone out the window over the last ten years  since I have been taking meds. Now I get multiple attacks in a day, and I never know when they are going to come, and without an imigran shot they can last for many, many hours. A cycle can last anything between 6 weeks and 6 months. I am convinced that it is a result of the injections. I like the idea that I can control them at last, I use verapimil with the occasional injection, but somehow the complete predictability seemed to make them easier to handle. Mike

I started a new cycle in mid-April...and it's still going strong...an average of one a day...occasionally none, then followed by a double hit.  This is entirely new, as for the 9 years before, it was always just before Thanksgiving until just after New Years.  Scared to death that I've got 20 or more years of this before I leave this great Earth.  I WON'T survive!

Ok I am impressed to read this topic.

My cycle usually lasts for 2 - 2.5 months max.

This year I am entering soon the 4th month, and this NEVER happened to me in my entire life! The cycle was ended on the left side like 1 month ago, and started on the right side. I don't know whether these are 2 cycles combined in one, or if it's a one very long cycle.

lol. Technically speaking yes it does. But actually it's more like a tank in my head, not a cute bicycle.

So, I'm thinking that the one good thing to come out of this new, longer than ever cycle...which I guess is no longer a "cycle" but "life" is that I FINALLY went to a neuro, who confirmed what I've known..."Hi I'm Jay and I'm a clusterhead"...and seems genuinely interested in helping me...knows what it is and what to try. 
After upping my Verapamil dosage twice, he's now recommended a new med...Topamax.  Has anyone had any experience with this?  Sounds a little scarier than all the others, especially since he told me to get an EKG first!
And speaking of scary, daily Imitrex nasal...should I worry.  The package insert says "safety not tested for more than 4 uses in a 30 day period."  I'm going through 5 or 6 a week!

Yikes!  I pray I never get to that many doses...

So, question, Imitrex injection....better/quicker than nasal or not.  Pricier?  Is the injection available generic yet?

Jay F wrote on Sep 2^nd, 2009 at 9:38pm:


Imitrex injection is the fastest working for me. Its also the most expensive. I used to pay close to 200 bucks for a box of 2 stat-doses. Now that I have great medical insurance I dont know how much it costs anymore, dont know if its the same or what since they now have generic sumatriptan succinate.
Imitrex nasal never did anything for me.

I will concur. This has been my longest cycle ever. As long back as I can remember they have lasted 2-3 months. They occur every 18 months or so. This year it made it into a 4th month and now will verapimal working i'm not quite sure if it is over or not.