I’ve got this long-standing coke zero addiction. Before zero was invented, it was diet coke. If I can’t get that, I’ll drink black tea. I used to drink it without sugar, but in the past few years, I’ve had to have sugar. I can’t drink coffee, as I’m allergic. Anyway. This addiction is messing up my life. I’m usually dehydrated, because if there is coke in the house I will choose it over water every single time. And I love water.
I have chronic sleep problems, aching joints, headaches and irritability, usually. I’ve been off caffeine for a day now. I’ve been taking it easy as much as I can. I had a mild headache up until the afternoon, then things got a little hard to bear. I’ve been guzzling water all day long, and as much as I feel rotten, I can feel that my body is also thanking me for the hydration.
It’s night time now, I’ve had a big nap, and I still have a cracking headache. My joints hurt more, I have heartburn, nausea, I feel exhausted. I’m starting to feel a little bit of crankiness creeping in. I’m so blessed that my partner is functioning quite well at the moment, as we think we’ve finally found the perfect medication for him. Of course, he’s not cured, but thank god he’s been able to take up the slack as I do this. I figure this is a time to grab this opportunity with both hands.
My partner, worried as partners do, suggested he go get me some caffeine. I was heartily tempted. But despite how lousy I feel, I think I’m get addicted back to hydration. I’m realising if this is how bad I feel coming off, then it’s a problem I want to deal with. Like a good book, I want to see how this ends.
I’ve been googling about the withdrawal stage, and was alarmed to discover that it gets worse; vomitting, flu like symptoms, etc. Oh well. Bring it on…
I decided to document my progress with photos, plus I’m behind on my See Mum Shine Challenge anyway. Here’s how I looked when I was finally able to smile:
I think I look a little better in the skin, thanks to the hydration.
But for the real story, here’s the first photo my partner took:
Frustrated, he said, ‘let’s try to get one of you with your eyes open’. I was gobsmacked! I honestly thought I was smiling.
Please wish me luck, and feel free to share any stories of your attempts to quit this drug.
Other reading:
Good luck darling. Good luck.
MaidInAustralia´s last post ..Too cool for school
Thanks so much, Maid:) I’m going to sit through a movie with my partner, then go back to bed. I look back over the post and realise it’s not very well typed, lol! But I feel too crap to fix it right now.
Hear Mum Roar´s last post ..Caffeine Withdrawal
Love the “keep your eyes open” comment… Nearly peed my pants
Yeah, it was a shocker!!
Hear Mum Roar´s last post ..Caffeine Withdrawal
Good luck!! I did this in highschool, when I would drink 2 litres OR MORE a day. Yep, seriously. And it kicked my butt going through the withdrawals but it was worth it. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep it kicked and I am back to my coke loving ways.
Keep strong! You can do it
Becky´s last post ..Today I am Grateful for You Guys
Thanks Becky, at least if I know you did it once, it’s doable:)
Hear Mum Roar´s last post ..Caffeine Withdrawal
Good luck with it. Coke and coffee is about all my hubby drinks and I don’t know that he could stop
Beet´s last post ..Friday Challenges
Beet, I’ve always thought that too, but I feel like my body’s been put through enough by this, lol!
Hear Mum Roar´s last post ..Caffeine Withdrawal
Oh babe, I am so with you. I finally kicked my coke habit a few years ago, but unfortunately I can’t quite shift the iced coffee addiction. Still, your body will thank you for taking away all those acids and artificial sweeteners. Be strong, because trust me, you will feel very ordinary, and it will not be pretty. And like all habit changes, it will take twice as long as you expect it to ….. to get out of your system.
Dani, thanks for the encouragement:)
Hear Mum Roar´s last post ..Caffeine Withdrawal
Oh I hope you feel much better today. I hear it takes a few to really start feeling better. Well done you for doing this. Your body will thank you next week
I used to ‘do’ pepsi max but gave up with my first pregnancy. Had one a few months after the biggest pink was born and I thought I was drinking swamp water. Funny how tastes can change. All the best for today xx
caz´s last post ..Blogger Butt Bazingas
Thanks, Caz. Hopefully my tastes will change too.
Hear Mum Roar´s last post ..Caffeine Withdrawal
I am a massive diet coke addict. I have kicked it before and distinctly remember the nausea inducing headaches. You are doing the right thing, I just can’t commit to doing it myself at the moment (spoken like a true addict!!!!!)
PlanningQueen´s last post ..Jelly Oranges
LOL, Planning Queen, I’ve heard myself say that so many times! I think the timing just has to be right, doesn’t it?
Hear Mum Roar´s last post ..Still Quitting Caffeine