Is coffee/caffeine always horrible pain during flare ups?

[kate.flx]

Wondering cause it's been a year since my first flare. I remember the Frappe from Starbucks I drank last year before I knew I was sick, and it was almost worse than eating at that point.

Today I had coffee for the first time in a year although I was advised not to and have been afraid to drink it since then anyways, but I was perfectly fine! Didn't drop dead from pain.

Think maybe I was advised not to because of the gastrointestinal symptoms that would usually follow? Since I don't get those symptoms maybe I'm in the clear to drink coffee and caffeine...

Guess I can go easy on the coffee and check in for you guys on how I feel from drinking it a few times.

 

[beth]

I can drink coffee occasionally. If I drink one mug a day, everyday, I can feel my symptoms returning. It is a known trigger 'food'.
So be careful out there.

 

[gmm]

yep coffee is a killer for me, can get away with one once in a while but cant have one every day even tried decaf,, for some reason when i give in and say to hell with it i have one of those packet frothy ones and the pains that i know will arrive seem milder somehowb but i do miss my french roast no 5 brew

 

[JMC]

The highlight of my morning is making myself a latte to drink on the train on my way to work. For me, I don't think coffee/caffeine is a problem.

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

Coffee goes right through me even when I'm not flaring, and soda HURTS - I think it's the carbonation bubbles? - so I generally avoid caffeine (except chocolate). I think generally speaking, caffeine tends to cause looser stools, so it's not advised for those of us who tend to have diarrhea anyway.

 

[SandyM]

Have to admit I am a caffeine junkie 2 cups of instant coffee and around 4 cups of tea per day. Normally can tollerate although I have to avoid latte if I'm having even the slightest flare up or it's just asking for trouble and gives me greif. I know I should cut down on my caffeine intake although like Pooh I am a bit reluctant.

 

[Emily]

When I'm flaring, just like you said, it's practically worse than food. But right now, I'm handling it just fine. my boyfriend still scolds me when I drink it cause he's so used to see me getting sick from it. But for some reason, it isn't bothering me now, and I'm okay with that!! I love coffee!

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

I just gave up coffee this week. It's helped some with the nausea, but it hasn't made a difference in the diarrhea or pain. In fact, those are worse this week than last.

 

[notfullyfathomed]

I go through periods when coffee causes me to run to the bathroom, and other times when it's perfectly fine. It has happened when I'm in remission, but is more likely to cause problems when I'm flaring. It's also worse if I drink it early in the morning, so then I replace with tea. My mom likes to remind me that coffee gets things moving even for those without IBD. No probs with other caffeine.

 

[Terri]

If I sip and don't drink large amounts I can be fine..but I don't try and push it though..in some instances it can help me with my constipation..For some reason I dont experience diarrhea as much as some folks do so I always get stopped up lol. Consider Green Tea as an alternative if you wish..there's a place I can recommend you to if you're interested in good Japanese Green Tea. Green Tea the more higher quality the better it will work..and it fights inflammation and is good for those who live with crohn's There are many different kinds in Japan that are imported all the time and ways to brew..

 

[kate.flx]

Coffee goes right through me even when I'm not flaring, and soda HURTS - I think it's the carbonation bubbles? - so I generally avoid caffeine (except chocolate). I think generally speaking, caffeine tends to cause looser stools, so it's not advised for those of us who tend to have diarrhea anyway.

Yeah! I had some 7Up the other day and it wasn't a pleasant feeling! I rarely drink soda, mostly juice but even some juice is a definite no. (orange juice, can't even think about it, ha, ouch)

Well definitely am glad to hear that not many experience a ton of pain from the coffee/caffeine when not flaring. Just going to drink it when it's really needed.

 

[kate.flx]

If I sip and don't drink large amounts I can be fine..but I don't try and push it though..in some instances it can help me with my constipation..For some reason I dont experience diarrhea as much as some folks do so I always get stopped up lol. Consider Green Tea as an alternative if you wish..there's a place I can recommend you to if you're interested in good Japanese Green Tea. Green Tea the more higher quality the better it will work..and it fights inflammation and is good for those who live with crohn's There are many different kinds in Japan that are imported all the time and ways to brew..

You live around Seattle or at least somewhere up in NW? Sure, definitely would be interested in checking a place out for tea. Looove it, and green tea especially : )

 

[sahdot]

Caffeine stimulates the bowel so can cause pain ar diarreah, I have only had Decaf for over a year now since I have been on Infliximab and never have a reaction anymore. If I go to a coffee shop I only dring Decaf Latte although it depends on how you can tolerate dairy products. If I am at a conference and only ordinary coffee is available then I will not have more than 1 cup as more than that on the journey home I can feel my bowel working. I also cannot drink fizzy drinks unless they have been left to go flat in the fridge or loads of ice to water it down a bit but again steer clear of drinks with caffeine i.e Coke.

 

[Artificial]

Sometimes coffee can be fine for me but sometimes it can be so painful :-(

I love coffee too much though and do need it keep me awake at work!

Rachel x

 

[SandyM]

I think I am going to try cutting down on coffee and try some green tea - not sure if it will be same quality here in UK. Think I will still have my mid morning coffee at work though as it helps to keep me awake as well, lol

Kate - Do you take milk in your coffee? I seem to be able to tollerate dairy products but when the milk is heated like in coffee I find it has an effect on my gut.

Fizzy drinks can cause me pain even when not flaring as does orange juice although I still have in small quantities!

I am glad I have found this site - lots of little things that you can discuss that you can't relate to with folks with a healthy gut.

 

[kate.flx]

I think I am going to try cutting down on coffee and try some green tea - not sure if it will be same quality here in UK. Think I will still have my mid morning coffee at work though as it helps to keep me awake as well, lol

Kate - Do you take milk in your coffee? I seem to be able to tollerate dairy products but when the milk is heated like in coffee I find it has an effect on my gut.

Fizzy drinks can cause me pain even when not flaring as does orange juice although I still have in small quantities!

I am glad I have found this site - lots of little things that you can discuss that you can't relate to with folks with a healthy gut.

Funny you bring up heated milk, I did have some the other night in hot cocoa and my tummy was a little unhappy, had some mild pain afterwards. My parents use coffee creamer , I think it's non dairy, maybe you can try it. It's probably not the healthiest option but it's so sweet you just need a small amount.

Yes : ) this forum is amazing. The people are the best for anything! I've only been diagnosed for a year but when I found out I needed a resection so soon they were a blessing, helped me so much and made me feel better.

 

[Terri]

You live around Seattle or at least somewhere up in NW? Sure, definitely would be interested in checking a place out for tea. Looove it, and green tea especially : )

all the tea I get is straight from Japan. Not anywhere near Seattle..im in the central part of the state of WA. But i've lived in NC most of my life.