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Caffeine a No-No?
Fri, 07/21/2006 - 14:57The more I ask folks with "E" about their reactions to caffeine (in far more foods than coffee and tea), the more I realize I'm not alone. For as great as a cup of that brown stuff tastes, it sure can screw up my neuro system. Indeed, in most cases when I have a seizure or get "auras" -- I've had coffee, or an extensive amount of it. Oh, maybe that wake-me-up cup in the morning isn't that bad, but those pleasure-filled cups can become addictive, can't they? Let's hear how you and Starbucks get along!
--George
Comments
Re: Re: Caffeine a No-No?
Submitted by EllieW on Mon, 2006-08-28 - 17:29
Humor me if you will, but it's funny enough to share. I tried to pitch this to my neurologist who nearly laughed me out the door!
I was at an average of around 1 BIG seizure a year, with tons of small ones per day (focals). Keep in mind, I didn't even know these were seizures at the time; I was the queen of excuses. Even at one point when I was 18, I was certain my (ex) boyfriend drugged me (I didn't know the seizure was a seizure).
Anyway, after I had my son I was working 3rd shift and I pulled out the most impressive coffee addiction known to man. I drank it like water, all day. I'm guessing around 5 pots a day, to myself. I also am 5'3 and was around 105lbs.
This addiction went on for about 3 years solid, and finally I finished college, got a normal job and cut back. The same day I changed to decaf, I had a seizure. As if my brain was PO'd that I took away coffee.
Absurd, right?
Well, I did it again - I went two years AGAIN with no seizure, switched to decaf and landed in the ER that same night after having the seizure that wrecked my life.
What do I do now? I rock out about 2 pots a day, however, I only drink my coffee black and I don't fancy sweets - so sugar isn't in my diet unless included in some random food.
I don't like many drinks, but I love coffee. I also have a new addiction that is Coke Black. I honestly think there is something in there, I spent 2 hours one day looking for it because Ralphs was out.
I almost pity people I see on TV with a crack problem because I am the same way without coffee. Maybe I am paranoid, but the two times I swapped to decaf - I had massive seizures. I don't care what my doctor says, but Joe and I belong together. Also, he did give me permission to drink black coffee for migraines. I find it to work better than other meds, but I think the warmth itself is just comforting, like Grammy's soup! :D
I may go make a pot now, I'm drooling thinking about it.
Also, when I walk in Starbucks they have a cup in my hand before I even have the money out. They know me on a first name basis.
*stands up*
I am Ellie, and I am a coffeeholic!
*sits down*
Re: Caffeine a No-No?
Submitted by bookbabe on Sat, 2008-07-12 - 22:08
Of course it's well known that caffeine is addictive, but I swear that there is something especially addictive in coca cola. I don't drink coffee because it bothers my stomach, so I drink caffeinated pop - the real stuff, not that de-sugared crap. Anyway, if I'm drinking any other caffeinated pop other than coke, I can wean myself off without too much trouble. But if I'm drinking coke, I struggle for months to "get clean". What's with that?
Re: Caffeine a No-No?
Submitted by Mel1974 on Mon, 2006-08-28 - 17:18
Hmm-now that is an interesting question. What I did find that was not a good thing for me after a while and with consulting my neurologist was that Excedrine Migaraine was not good for me because of the caffeene. So you may have something about that connection.