Regular readers know that I've had a headache since February...a constant, 24/7, unrelenting headache. It has never gone away--not even for five minutes. It's just a question of how bad it is at any given moment.
I went to a new doctor (a neurologist) this week. She threw a bunch of stuff against the wall, but this one stuck, and it's still there now: "You can never have Diet Coke again. I'm talking about for the rest of your life. Maybe we'll get you to a point where you could have a little regular Coke without caffeine. But the brain does not like Diet Coke, so you can't have it any more."
Hearing this, I said, "Let's not jump to any conclusions here, okay? I mean, this could very well be a brain tumor, right? And if it's a brain tumor, I could still have Diet Coke, right? I'm just saying, if it's a brain tumor, we just take out the tumor, and I can keep on drinking Diet Coke, right?"
Some of you understand. (The rest of you are probably coffee drinkers.) Diet Coke is and does so many things. It's cold, it's fizzy, its sweet. It's readily available. It's a perfect way to take a break. It's a perfect way to treat yourself. It's a perfect way to pick yourself up when you're dragging. And all without guilt, because it's inexpensive and it has zero calories...
All of this must have registered on my face at once, because the doctor said, "I know, you're probably hooked on Diet Coke. But look, there are a lot of good alternatives. What about bottled water? Or apple juice? Or maybe even a sparkling juice or water?"
If I had been a black woman, I would have said, "Child, please." As it was, though, I just nodded glumly, seeing the future in my mind's eye--an empty stretch of road 30 years long; a road along which there are no rest stops, gas stations, or convenience stores; a road on which I will get thirsty, will feel down, will need a pick-me-up or a treat, but on which I will never again be able to enjoy a Diet Coke.
That is amazing! After the first of this year, I made some pretty severe lifestyle changes. Not doctor ordered, just common sense adjustments. Until that time, beer had been my treat. Now I have them only socially and, even then, very rarely and in small doses. I switched my "treat" to Diet Coke. Problem was, after three during a day or if I drank one after 5pm, I would get the jitters and / or not be able to sleep well. Moved to Caffine Free Diet Coke. It is working nicely. I know this is not the ideal health drink but, as you mentioned, it is bubbly, sweet and fun. Did your doctor give you any literature / documentation supporting the "Diet Coke is bad for your brain" allegation? I don't have headaches but would like to know if I need to rush to ANOTHER lifestyle change.
You will find another "treat". Believe me, it is easier than I had thought it might be. Best to you in the transition and I hope those brain pains disappear quickly!
Posted by: Woods | July 16, 2011 at 08:06 PM
I oversimplified. She said, "The brain doesn't like Diet Coke," but what she really meant was, "The artificial ingredients in Diet Coke--especially the artificial sweeteners--can cause or exacerbate headaches in people who are prone to them." (I learned that by reading the literature she gave me.)
So, if you aren't having headaches, I think you're probably okay.
Posted by: Special Agent Johnny Utah | July 16, 2011 at 08:13 PM
My mother in law gets terrible headaches from diet coke or any drink sweetened with Aspartame. She is fine with Tab (saccharine) or diet colas sweetened with Splenda. I think you can get Diet Coke sweetened with Splenda.
Good luck! I would hate to give up Diet Coke
Posted by: Craig | July 17, 2011 at 08:59 AM
Thanks, Craig. Realistically, if/when I can get back to no headaches, then I suppose I can start experimenting with different options and see if there's anything I can tolerate.
Posted by: Special Agent Johnny Utah | July 17, 2011 at 09:02 AM
I'm trying to think of the equivalent of Diet Coke in my life. Maybe if I was told I had to eat seaweed or dark leafy greens every day (which I know I need to) I'd have a hard time. I hope removing Diet Coke helps get rid of the headaches completely.
Posted by: Michelle | July 17, 2011 at 01:41 PM
Michelle - Imagine having to give up cats.
Posted by: Woods | July 17, 2011 at 07:26 PM
SAJU,
Keep us posted.
Posted by: Craig | July 18, 2011 at 04:25 PM
Will do, Craig, thanks.
Posted by: Special Agent Johnny Utah | July 18, 2011 at 04:28 PM
let's join our hands together to stop this kind of wrong doings. It may risk lives in the future if we just let them continue.
Posted by: 2012 Jordans France | March 09, 2012 at 05:30 PM