Im starting to think caffeine is the only thing making me feel ok

[claritan]

i had a busy day today and a couple of hours ago i was so fatigued and alot of my symptoms where kicking back in. i ate dinner and had a Pepsi Max with it and since the caffeine has kicked in im not tired anymore and i feel better

during the average day i noticed that as soon as my fatigue sets in im screwed but if i drink some caffeine im ok for a couple hours. am i screwing myself or is this an ok practice?

im trying to do anything i can to get better now its been 6 long months and i feel like im close but as soon as i feel better i feel bad agian. rollercoasters suck

ive been having a large coffee as soon as i wake up, a diet coke/pepsi max at lunch and agian at dinner

[todayistomorrow]

I'm not an expert but from the books and articles I've read, it's suggested to cut out caffeine completely. I used to drink coffee every day and if I was tired in the morning, I could drink a coffee and feel sharp. Now I'm unable to drink coffee as it gives me headaches and my brain can't handle it.

Once in a while, I do drink a lattee if I'm having a good brain day but I don't drink any other caffeinated products. I know it's hard to just accept feeling lousy but I think in the long run it will pay off more than the quick fix of the feeling you get from caffeine jolt.

[rmschaver]

Caffiene is hard on your brain. I think the term is excito-toxin. Yes it gives that jolt and if you can tolerate it good for you. I have 2 cups 1/2 caff every morning but after that I avoid it.

[Mark in Idaho]

rmschaver is right. Caffeine is an excito-toxin. That means it stimulates brain cells to the point of fatigue and even injury or death. I tried the caffeine trick about 11 years ago. I used Excedrin to help with head aches plus give me a shot of caffeine. When I told my doctor, he about bit my head off.

The only thing caffeine will do is continue the roller coaster ride. I enjoy a Doctor Pepper about once a month but I pay for it.

The research shows that a single serving, usually in the AM is tolerable by most. Same goes for a single serving of alcohol/wine/beer per day.

Attempts to use caffeine to help with recovery has not shown a consistent benefit even though it can provide short term improvements.

A more important concept is learning to wake the brain up properly. By this I mean getting good brain rest so the brain is empowered to be alert. A nap mid-day is a big help to the recovering brain. If you feel kile you need a pick-me-up, take a short nap. 20 minutes can make a big difference.

If you are sleepy during the day, it is telling you that you are not getting proper recuperative sleep which includes good oxygen while sleeping. Restless sleep is going leave you struggling during the day. If somebody observes you tossing and turning, especially in the early AM, expect to have a tough day.

Hope you can find a way to go without the caffeine.

My best to you.