Slightly off topic - I need a caffeine substitute

[maryiwright]

HI

Ever since my radiotherapy last year I have problems with bladder sensitivity to caffeine. I know radiotherapy can irritate the bladder and I don't think all those days of needing to have a reasonably full bladder at the appropriate time helped. This is easy to handle by sticking to de-caff tea and de-caff coffee (it's been surprising how many restaurants etc now have de-caff tea but I now carry a few tea bags in my handbag). However, the lack of caffeine is making me lack energy which is a big problem in trying to lose weight, or at least not put on any more ( I have secondary Lymphoedema and also Lipoedema). Has anyone else had this? I am wondering if Ginseng would work to increase my energy. Has anyone tried Ginseng or got an alternative suggestion?

Mary

[Jennymary]

Unable to advise but there is a Healthy Eating forum on HU, might be worth posting on there as well x

[maryiwright in reply to Jennymary]

Thanks Jennymary, have done

[lovesradio]

I think you can buy caffeine in tablet or powder form which you could try, though that might also act as an irritant.

[Lynora in reply to lovesradio]

Sadly it does!

[Lynora]

Are you following any particular weight loss programme? Are you getting proper nutrition?

The side effects of radiotherapy can hang around for longer than expected.

[maryiwright]

Hi Lynora, yes I am realising that the effects last much longer than I expected. I'm not on a weight loss program just eating sensibly and trying to gradually increase my ridiculously low daily step count (this got abandoned during the very hot weather). Apart from increases after major op and another increase when the lymphoedema kicked in my weight is pretty stable. I also take multi vitamins and minerals and Flaxseed oil.

[Lynora]

Do you have a sweet tooth or could you eliminate sugar - this can sometimes help with lack of energy.

[maryiwright in reply to Lynora]

This has also been suggested on the Healthy Eating forum. I don't have any added sugar but could maybe cut out a bit by reading labels more carefully.

[Loramay]

Try cranberry tablets I have a sudden urge bladder problems and caffeine made it worse. I sort of stumbled across cranberry bought a pack from Tesco's as I needed something for their 3 for 2 offer. Started taking them and I now have control of my bladder back. I can't believe how quickly and well they worked wish I had known about it a lot sooner

[maryiwright in reply to Loramay]

I wouldn't have thought of that, will give it a try, thank you