A bad reaction to caffeinne?? (out of nowhere!)

[lauralong81]

Ok, so I figure I get the best advice on these Disboards for Disney (my most favoritist subject....) so why not ask something more personal... OT as it may be.

That said, for the past few years - 5 years to be exact (my oldest son turns 5 feb. 8 - my daughter turns four this sunday - coincidence?) I have taken in a hefty bit of caffeine on a daily basis. Probably 1-2 cups coffee a day, plus 3-6 sodas. Yeah, I can hear the lecture from dad now... At any rate, I am definitely used to caffeine in my diet. Now, all of the sudden, it seems to be affecting me like crazy. I get very jittery, and my blood pressure rises soon after consuming caffeinne. I can't sleep at night. Of course, I am just attributing it to caffeinne, it may very well not be. I guess it could be High blood pressure (I am a bit overweight) or stress (my job is twice what it was 6 months ago).... but I was just thinking it's the caffeinne b/c it happens so quickly after that. I do not consume alcohol, nor any drugs (the occasional tylenol).

Any thoughts/suggestions? Of course the obvious would be to go off of caffeinne (slowly, mamma can't do no cold turkey!!! ) But i was just wondering why this could happen so suddenly after years on "the juice"

 

[DebbieB]

Is it diet soda? If regular, it could be the sugar.

 

[golfgal]

I would go get a physical, while it could be the caffeine, it probably is not and like you said it could be something more serious.

 

[Christine]

I would say it is the caffeine but something about YOU has changed. As you said, it could be more stress (which causes higher levels of cortisol and adrenaline in your system). Couple that with your usual caffeine and now you can't handle it. I used to be able to drink TONS more caffeine than I can now. When I was in my 20s, I would have a few cups of coffee a day plus some Moutain Dew. I would have a strong cup of tea at bedtime and never a problem.

Now, at 46, if I make my ONE cup of tea too strong in the morning I'm kind of jittery for about an hour.

But I know that I have changed a lot from my 20s. Hormonal issues, I take thyroid meds now, and my life is TONS more stressful. So, yeah, the caffeine probably needs to be lessened and I agree that going in for a standard physical wouldn't hurt.

 

[lauralong81]

Thanks, guys! The only thing that has changed lately is (TMI...) but I had my IUD birth control removed, and had my tubes tied. I guess this could change my hormones, as there are now no synthetic ones in my system.

At any rate, will be going to the doc. I had anxiety issues in my teens, so maybe that's it. I guess being a mom of two preschoolers, working full time, being responsible for the bills etc might just be a TAD bit stressfull.... lol.... Thanks!!!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

It may just be that the caffeine is catching up to you. A check-up might be worthwhile, to set your mind at ease. Have them check you thyroid function and blood sugar though since either of these can cause the shaking you were talking about it. Maybe it's just the simple answer, cut back on the caffeine but I'd still follow through with a check-up. Good luck!