I am a caffeine junky. Not coffee...although I would carry a jumbo travel mug of java with me when I worked at a summer camp...my drink of choice is tea, followed closely by Coca-Cola. About 10 years ago my husband and I gave up soda in favor of healthier beverages. Because Nutrasweet (aka aspartame) is a migraine trigger for me, diet soda is not an option.
When I first started seeing my neurologist, my husband asked of I should cutback on caffeine. The doctor asked me if it helps or hurts, when I responded that it helps (when I feel a migraine coming on, I grab a Coke as soon as possible) he told me to consume as much as I want.
Fast forward 6 years...at my last neuro appointment I came with my travel mug filled with tea. I was asking the doctor about possibly going off of my meds, and he gestured toward my mug and asked how much I drink daily. I explained that I drink about two large hot teas daily...often supplemented by iced tea in the evening. My doctor determined that some of my migraines may be triggered by daily caffeine withdrawal...so he suggested weaning off of caffeine.
Like any addict, I was nervous, defensive and generally unwillingly to even consider quitting...but if it could lessen my migraines, I supposed it was worth a try.
I left the doctor's office armed with prescriptions intended to ease my withdrawal symptoms. I decided to start weaning off the day after Thanksgiving. It was rough; even with the medications...but I gradually cut back and was caffeine-free by Christmas. As tough as it.was, it wasn't nearly as bad Now February is almost over, I have only had 2 migraines this month.
Let's hope saying it doesn't jinx it!
