I recently had what I self-diagnosed to be a mild virus. Symptoms? Brutal headache, body aches, shivering, always cold, lethargy and just plain old feeling like crap.
So way off with the diagnosis.
After three days, I finally clued in. I’d been starting my day with NO CAFFEINE!
I had been mistakenly making decaffeinated coffee and suffering from caffeine withdrawal - with only myself to blame. (Hate that.) In my defense, the decaf coffee can looks remarkably similar to the real coffee one I buy. And to those who knowingly drink and prefer decaffeinated coffee, I highly recommend Nabob’s brand. It tastes just like the real thing.
My son also suffered through some very slow days at work (sorry, kid) but since he has fewer caffeine addicted years under his belt, his withdrawal symptoms were not as severe.
My horrendous mistake would also explain:
a) the tremendous effort it took not to snarl at people
b) why I suddenly felt perkier after my late afternoon cup of (caffeinated) tea
c) my desire to drop all packages from my aching arms and sink to the floor in exhaustion at store check-out lines while shopping
My mistake was promptly remedied. After one mug of the good stuff I was back to my usual wired self – bloodstream and all vital organs once again functioning at full capacity.
My name is Beth Stewart and I am addicted to caffeine.
21 comments:
Yes, the symptoms you had sound very much like withdrawl. It is amazing isn't it? I had an experience so much like that! I'm glad you figured it out and are feeling so much better.
I love my coffee too! My head feels fuzzy when I miss my morning cup. Love me some Duncan Donuts Coffee with hazelnut creamer. Life is just happier! If that is the worse addiction to have, I'd say things are pretty good.
XOXOXO
At least you haven't developed caffeine resistance...
Oh my goodness, I had EXACTLY the same experience when I was in the Bahamas. I only got to noon before the crashing headache hit.
I've withdrawn from caffeine before, and it just ain't worth it. I figure it to be a minor vice, although it is clearly a major addiction!
P.S. I was SO GLAD to see you on my blog . . . and even happier to see that you've sneaked back in. Yea!
What is it with the Bahamas??? I accidentally bought decaf coffee there, and the man was stuck with it for ages. So were we all. Can you say c.r.a.n.k.y?
OMG
Oh God, I wish I could say that's what I have had!!! I've been drinking decaf for too many years for that to be my problem!! Glad you fixed yours easily!!! ♥
Cheryl:
Fuzzy, foggy...it's an addiction I will not be giving up.
Guy:
If there is such a thing, I'd very quickly have to find a new drug/vice. I couldn't bear to live with myself.
Bee:
At least you caught it early! How dumb was I to go on for three days?
(Glad to be back!)
Oreneta:
I can spell it, say it and BE it. And I do it all so well.
Sherry:
I thought of you - and hoped like hell I didn't have the same thing. Hope you are (finally) better.
me too.
for years, I never drank any caffeine. Not even tea with caffeine. I slept a whole lot better back then.... But, I had on & off headaches for about a MONTH before I seemed to feel better...
You are too funny! I've not had caffeine today. May possibly be why I've been unable to move! (at least one of the reasons?)
You've made me smile twice today!
LOL!!!! ahhhh the "strong stuff"...so good for you!
One of my classmates cut caffeine from her diet. She nearly fell asleep during a lecture. The professor was about to tease her for sleeping until she explained she was off caffeine. The professor - who is addicted himself - let her go. He realized he couldn't do what she was doing. :o)
My coworkers would die, I think, if they couldn't have their daily dose of Red Bull, Coffee, and soda.
((HUGS)) Missed you.
Yes, a twelve-step program is in order for caffeineoholics.
I get headaches, similar to sinus headaches, and think I'm getting sinusitis when it's really just not getting my dose of Diet Coke. (I'm ashamed. I fell off the wagon after weaning myself off Diet Dr. Pepper, which I still occasionlly drink. It's just that Diet Coke is almost always on sale.)
Happy New Year. May 2009 be your best yet. :)
Hi......
Your blog is really interesting... Keep posting.... Wishing you " A Happy New Year''
Beth, I too, am an addict.
Today.... wicked headache.
Why?
Lack of caffeine in my previously horrid stint at the Toronto airport.
I have been gradually returning to my former toxic levels, and feel great!
-- Cipper --
Thank goodness I have never had coffee...
And here's my standard warning message...
You are about to be removed from my blog roll!!! It’s nothing personal…I’m restarting for 2009 this Thursday. Were you at the top of the list in 2008? If not, here’s your chance to be. A single comment gets you on my blog roll. Keep commenting and you’ll stay at the top. Hope to see you in 2009!
You poor thing, three days is a long time. Welcome back to the World of Caffeine!
**Hi Beth . . . welcome**
*Hi everyone, my name is Trish and I am also addicted to caffeine*
Looks like we have a lot of company here.
Good luck and I hope you have a wonderful new year.
hehehe. I know just how you feel!
Sister, I am slapping that Bible: My name is The Matron and I suffer so, too.
First off, wonderful blog! I just discovered you through some of my favorite bloggers. I am thrilled that I did.
Your voice and choice is amazing, and I so look forward to spending time here.
Thanks for doing this!
David
YEAH!! Sing it loud and proud, gal! And speaking of caffeine...we gotta share some soon!
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