Do say something, you don't want another episode like that. It will also be a teaching moment for the rest of the group, they may learn that there are reasons why some people have specific food requests and that it's not a good idea to think they know better or that it doesn't really matter.

I would bring my own decaf--and explain why. It's too important to risk another episode.

Is this at a restaurant or a private setting? No excuse for it at a private setting. Although it *shouldn't* happen in a restaurant, there can be confusion when they're going to start a new pot and combine others. Sometimes it can be a mistake and other times it can be ignorance and laziness. I'd say something. And I'd either watch them carefully or as you said, bring some coffee packets if you like them. That would be the safest and you can totally enjoy yourself rather than fear a mix-up. Don't stop going. There's options for you. Enjoy the fun.

Definitely say something to the manager. It is so important, that oversight could have sent you to the ER or worse. Sometimes they just don't understand how important things are, that it isn't a preference.

We were out for lunch a year or so ago, I ordered diet coke, very odd for me, I usually order coffee or unsweetened iced tea. When they brought the drinks I just needed one sip to tell me that it was coke. The waitress argued with me that it was sugar free, I carry glucose test strips with me and I checked it in front of her.

I would bring your own. You can't really expect a restaurant to keep you safe. It's your own responsibility if you have a life-threatening condition dependent on a certain type of food. It's pretty much the same as someone with a severe food allergy. They have to avoid a lot of restaurants because of the risk of cross-contamination because you can't control all of the variables.

It's not always laziness or carelessness. Sometimes it can be an honest mistake. I don't think it would hurt to say something to help educate people but I wouldn't rely on others to not make the mistake again.

Maybe try herbal tea instead? You can still get your social time in without the risk of caffeine. Decaf coffee still has some caffeine in it. It's a common misconception that decaf means caffeine-free, and it doesn't. I'm sure you know that already but I wanted to throw it out there as I do love tea. :)

I hope you're feeling better.

Don't give up something you enjoy....But, I would say something and then I'd take my own....Being that serious, I'd make sure everyone knew.....

I'd take my own.

I'd suggest carrying a blood pressure monitor with you and if your BP goes above a certain point (talk to your doctor), do go to the ER to get it controlled with medication. You could have a stroke or organ damage...don't "ride it out."

Oh MayBee!!!!

Please do say something, a lot of something, to the manager, and to every waitress. Tell them why you must have decaf every time you order. Tell them not only for your sake but for the sake of every person that has to drink decaf. Tell them the consequences you just suffered because of their carelessness.

I wouldn't hesitate to bring my own instant, either. It is the fellowship you're there for so you'll enjoy it just as much if you're drinking brewed or instant, right?

You should definitely say something. FYI you can buy little test strips to put in coffee that change colors to let you know if it has caffeine or not. They would be useful to have in restaurants. Just google caffeine test strips.

Maybee, that's too darn scarey and I'm sorry this has become such an issue.

I agree with Cynic...please take care.

Could you drink tea instead?

I know a couple of waitresses and it is done all the time. Most people it doesn't hurt. You should say something to the manager and the waitress if you see her again. If you came that close to going to the ER or that close to death, I would quit coffee. Your are taking a terrible risk with every cup you drink.

Quote:

Posted by marie-ndcal (My Page) on Thu, Nov 24, 11 at 19:26

Could you drink tea instead?

Unquote.

Sorry, regular tea is loaded with caffeine too.

Yes...tea is bad also...I "am" going to start taking my own little decaf tea bag, though. It's just that I hate to set there and not buy anything...we just go for coffee..my husband buys, though. Fran....as soon as I get done with my answer here...I'm gonna Google caffeine test strips..what a wonderful thing that would be to have...I'll let you all know if I order any...and then if they work :o)

Herbal teas don't have any caffeine at all since there isn't any actual tea in it. Chamomile is a nice one.

You can buy decaf black or green tea but it's still going to have some caffeine as the process doesn't eliminate all of it.

If you have a Teavana near you, they have all sorts of fancy caffeine-free teas. It takes longer than a tea bag but the process can be fun.

Here is a link that might be useful: Caffeine-free Teavana

I also have a problem with caffeine and take out places can't be trusted to give you decaf so I avoid them unless I go inside and see them pour it. As for friends, I tell them that I can't have caffeine of any sort as my heart goes in to trigeminal pvcs. It's the most horrible feeling so I have no qualms about telling. If they serve dessert with chocolate I just pass and tell them why. I buy the little individual packets to take with me so as to avoid the situation but a heads up is kinder. No one would want to hurt you. People forget easily so don't take it personally. I never let a sip of anything in my mouth unless I know definitely that there's no caffeine. Sharing your problem makes all the difference.

It's your responsibility to see that you don't get any caffeine so your only option is to bring your own. The coffee could have been mislabeled or someone did as you say but if it is that important, then you either need to bring your own or quite drinking it when you go out.

Green tea has less caffeine than coffee, according to Mayo Clinic site:

Green tea..........................8 oz.....24-40 mg caffeine

Brewed coffee (generic)..8 oz.....95-200 mg caffeine

Well, a small amount of caffeine or not...I bought decaf green tea bags this morning....explained why I could no longer drink coffee there and said I was more than willing to pay for the cup....they didn't charge for the cup, but they might in the future. I had no problems with drinking two cups of it...it must have a minuscule amount of caffeine. She was a little upset that that had happened, and apologized. Well, I knew she hadn't done it on purpose, but I don't think some people realize how important it is to some people. She said it was very busy in there that morning...so it could happen again. I just left the tea bags in the trunk of our car and will take one in when we go from now on.

I'm glad you found something you can have. Decaf tea is still much less caffeinated than decaf coffee and it's really good for you. I'm glad you can continue your social outings. :)