Severe symptoms? Brain Fog, Losing it? | ADHD Information
Update. I did not go to the ER, I went to bed. So exhausted. I had an MRI and general bloodwork today. I'll get the results soon.
I have chronically low blood pressure. I have dysautonomia. My resting blood pressure can get as low as 50s/30s without me being symptomatic. I have been having some headaches with this, but primarily I've been lightheaded. I do have numbess in my pinky/ring fingers but that's due to ulnar neuropathy at my elbow. I don't take any medication regularly. I have been eating very little, don't know why. Maybe one meal a day. No appetite. I did the test with my fingernail, the blood refilled immediately without hesitation.
I've been chronically stressed. I believe the two did correlate, but I can't confirm it. I can correlate extreme physical exhaustion with the onset of this. I sleep 11 hours, wake up, and withing a few hours am ready for bed again. I appreciate all the good advice David. I guess that when this confusion set in, I became concerned about my mental well-being and began thinking about all the other symptoms I've had over the years (the ADHD) symptoms and wanted to see if any of you shared any of those unique symptoms I listed. I guess I was hoping to confirm that those symptoms are unrelated to this onset of symptoms.
The confusion is almost constant, however, it does lull in intensity. Then I become very light headed and confused again, and then it passes.
I'm scheduled to see a neuropshychatrist soon.
Dark_Angel, I can sympathize. I switch words that sound or are spelled similar to the one I'm thinking of. I do this dozens of times a day and I agree, it does not sound typical of dyslexia. In fact, I did a search on this board and a man with ADHD claimed to do it as well, and other's agreed with him. It was discussed in a thread that took place about a year ago, so I guess you and me are not alone. I do it a lot. It really interferes with my typing. Just knowing that I'm not alone and that it's more than likely unrelated to my new symptoms is a relief. Thank you for that. :)
Anybody else?
Hey there LetItBleed.
I realize I'm a little late in the game on replying, but, I just stumbled onto this board, and, came across your post.
I just turned 27, and, your description totally matches the symptoms that I used to have; not being able to read, write, think clearly, all that. I worried that I was going crazy or had an Alzheimer-like thing. It got so bad I would actually lose a few days out of the week. I also felt I was possibly dyslexic too--I couldn't spell at times; it freaked me out.
I still have concentration problems but not *nearly* as bad; I'll explain more. I still have odd panic attacks from time to time too.
First off, I'm not recommending that you try to do what I'm about to explain. I'm not a doctor. I don't have sources to back me up. But, I'm confident that my patterns in living might be helpful with varying degrees of success.
Here are the steps I took to get my concentration back:
Take an inventory on the following:* How many hours of sleep do you get at night?
* How many times a day do you eat, and, when?
* What do you eat?
* Do you get any exercise?
I set goals and tried to accomplish the following *consistently*:
* Get 8 hours of sleep.
* Cut out pop (soda), candy, chocolate, ice cream, any junk food!
* I steer clear of MSG (Monosodium Glutamate); it's in a lot of prepared foods (this was a very important step for me).
* Cut out caffeine (this I'm sure is controversial; cutting it worked for me)
* Cut out altering substances (illegal drugs, alcohol, etc).
* Eat healthy meals consisting in protein, and veggies every 3 hours (proper intervals may vary from person to person)
* Get some exercise! I'm aiming for 30+ minutes a day. I'm not there yet.
I've also have a detailed list of foods that alleviate and exacerbate my ADD. I can provide that if you're interested.
Anyway, what I've posted may not seem believable or just too damn simple, but, it's working for me. Eh, I'll still lose my keys every once in a while (and do other absent minded things on a minor scale), but, I'll take that over losing days, leaving my socks in the refrigerator, not knowing what day of the week it is, or, pouring OJ in my Wheaties.
It's been over ten years since I've had really bad symptoms like I just mentioned, I'm a totally different person now and thinking about that other guy that I used to be makes me...well...very sad and angry.
The truth of it is, that other guy still is part of me. He is lurking and wants to come back to take over the minute I stop fighting. He does visit from time to time to mess me up, but, I smack him over the head and send him running back. It's a day by day thing.
Hmm, this post isn't ADD friendly (it's long)--I guess I'll be lucky if someone reads this thing.
Eww_Its_Greg38599.8543171296 [QUOTE=Dark_Angel]The switching words thing, I do that an awfull lot, ones that sound simular or look simular, by and my are my classic i allways looked out for. Allways had this problem with writing, had to have extra help through school cus of it and in exams. But never knew what it was, dyslexia seemed a different thing and no one ever told me i have this or this even though had to have a mini evalu for exta gcse time. Its an ADHD thing? I think I'm probablly not paying my attention to the writing process but more on what ever is going on in my head and making a lot of mistakes that don't get corrected cus editing is boring. [/QUOTE]*[QUOTE=DAvidornadog*] Well, I didn't understand what you were saying here until I went to Bleeder's link. http://www.adhdnews.com/testforum/test4053.htm . Then, I realized that's what I did, too.
I do edit, however, but LEAVE it, b/c it makes sense to me, and it might make sense to others, therefore. As it also seems to make MORE sense than anyother way of saying it, even the correct Webster Word way, it may ADD a new word to the dictionary.
e.g. I had one of the first cellular telephones hardwired into my truck in 1986. Even back then I was the first person I knew to call it a cell phone. They were called 'cellular' phones for years before the rest of the world got lazy, too... [/QUOTE]
P.S. e.g. [QUOTE=unknown author]I also do something my mother used to do. I'll use the "association" word I use to remember something. Like instead of saying "desert boots" which were popular in the 70s, I'd say "sand boots."[/QUOTE]
P.P.S. e.g. [QUOTE=unknown author]I make up new words..... I come with a special dictionary
usually they make sense as a hybrid of the proper word or just a new
word that takes some time to get or use a similliar word that has
completly different meaning then correct word. [/QUOTE]
P.P.P.S. e.g. [QUOTE=chocoholic] Or, another problem I have is recalling a very basic word. "I left my shoes over there on the uhm, what's that brown fuzzy cloth thing on the floor (the carpet)" or I'll have to use my hands to try to describe it. I remember doing that with a gingerbread house- miming a house shape with my hands and saying 'you know, the one you put candy all over'. [/QUOTE]
* [QUOTE=Aye]* a noty't famous author, entrepreneur, and CEO who brings his talents from a wide range of enormously successful bankruptcies. He brought revolution to the intellectual industry by claiming he was ADHD and is recognized as one of the most fascinating business leaders in his own mind.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Let It Bleed]Also, I found people on others forums complaining of the same symptom,... [/QUOTE]Well, they should come to our forum, then. [QUOTE=Leave It to Bleeder]Sigh of relief.
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=cropDoc Davidornadog]*Sigh of relief. [/QUOTE]*Sigh of relief. B/c you're "It's ALIIIIIIIVE!"
Sea? Wha'td I tell ya?
Posted: 31 August 2005 at 1:34am | IP Logged
Sorry that should read ADD and ADHD has only very recently been accepted, much less understood, as medical history goes, in children, not to mention adults. In other words, demand your rights.
__________________
Dr If T i n g T h e r i f F
ÂDviHDornoR T'OrnÂdo~g
"Merci! I do not suffer from ADHD! I rather enjoy every minute of it...
...it appears to others that I suffer!"...
I've not been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, yet. I'm 21, and have had all the classic symptoms my entire life. Severely. However, does anyone experience any of the following unique symptoms?
-Difficulty reading, writing/typing and mixing words up. When I read, I often find myself ocnfusing words. I might come across the sentence "A large CROWD gathered" but I read it "A large COWARD gathered" and must read the sentence a few times before I realize my mistake. This is chronic, and also happens when I type. I might need to type the word "FIRES" but instead type something off the wall such as "FINGERS" .. sometimes I even feel dyslexic, which I'm not, because I reverse letters, or have to focus to read a number. Or if a word has two letters in it, such as "KILLS" I often type it "KILSS"
-I often find myself going blank mid-converation. You know that feeling you get when you have writer's block? Well I get that, mentally.
-Confusion. Sometimes I just feel... confused.
-Placing things in weird locations? Sometimes I use a rag, and instead of putting it in the laundry, I throw in the trash and get confronted the next day. Or taking a dirty plate and putting it in the refridgerator instead of of the dish washer? I always find myself leaving faucets running.
-Memory problems. I have almost no short-term memory. I waltz in the door and start setting my thigns down without paying attention. When I need those things later, I often have to search an hour or more until I find them. I can almost never find my keys. I lose my wallet daily, cellphone too. Sometimes multiple times a day.
-Indecisiveness. Sometimes it can take me ages to decide what I want to eat for lunch. Once I decide, I usually change my mind, again and again.
I can't focus, I can't think. Typing this post came with GREAT difficulty, I'm about to lose (edited: typed "lost" instead of lose, typical) my job over this.
Can ADD/ADHD be complicated or made worse by stressful time periods in life or depression? To the point that you feel like you're "losing it"? Do you sometimes worry that you have "Alzherimers"?
I'll bookmark this page, otherwise I'll forget that I ever posted this! Sigh......write back. I'm going to see a doctor. Looking forward to some answers.
Thanks for your time.
Let It Bleed38593.9209490741All the things you wrote sound familiar. You are in the right place. I know it is frustrating, but there are a lot of things you can do. I have found the best thing to do about it is accept it and laugh about it.
The crazy things we do are not on purpose. We just get distracted ALL THE TIME. It drives others crazy until they are educated about it and then they have compassion upon us!
Medication, herbs and understanding have helped me. I am trying some exercises right now. I hope these help. I should be doing them right now, instead of typing this! But I got distracted!
Hi there, I completely understand the fear of actually having Alzheimers
.
Lol, I have all the classic symptoms too (except maybe the H), and have
the formal diagnosis, but sometimes I wonder if the docs have it wrong
and really the problem is more memory related, or degenerative with
time (AKA alzheimers, schizophrenia..worried that one day a full blown
schizo episode will prove everybody wrong...). Good luck with your
symptoms. Maybe go to a psych doc and get evaluated-your memory too?
Did you always have these problems? How long have you not been able to
think? Good luck, and a hearty welcome to the 
club. 
A little history on me:
I was always excessively forgetful. I've always been classic ADHD. It's been chronic, until this year, in which I've felt progressive. I started having the reading and writing difficulties at some point in the last two years. Then, last week, I became completely disoriented and confused. Light headed even. I can't focus, I can't think. I've been slowed. Typing this takes a lot of effort and a lot of editing. I went to the doctor and he's referring to me to a neuropsychologist. I became so confused tonight that I considered going to the ER. I've also considered that the sudden severe stressful situation that I'm in at this point in my life (long story), is complicating my typical ADHD symptoms and perhaps an onset of depression thrown into the mix has caused me to feel so disoriented and light headed. Can it be compliacted like that? Regardless, I'm being evaluated by a physician. I'm not trying to get diagnosed by forum, just looking for support and trying to compare some of those symptoms I posted up above. Thank you both for your prompt and kind replies, I appreciate it, very much.
Let It Bleed38593.9646759259Trust your instincts if you think you should go to the ER.Please, don't take this wrong, nor allow me to instill an unwanted emotion.
What you describe in your first post may sound like AD of some kind. There are other circumstances that can cause similar sypmtoms.
However, what you described in this last post about the acute acceraltion of these symptoms does NOT sound like an ADHD episode. The rapid onset of the increase in severity of symptoms is atypical of ADHD or Alzheimer's; UNLESS there has been a sudden change in medication, or a physical injury or illness.
Although not a meddoc, I know something of emergency medicine, being an EMT, and a lot about brain function, being a lifer ADHDr. I would certainly attempt to accelerate your medical appointment, if it is not set for the near future.
Your brain relies on oxygen and sugar to function. If either of these two key components are disrupted, you may experience the symptoms just described.
What is your blood pressure? Does geriatric diabetes occur in your family? Do you have headaches? Numbness in your fingers or toes? How's your pulse? Strong and even? Change in meds recently? Change in eating habits? Pinch your fingernail and count how many seconds it takes for the capillaries to refill. Should be less than two seconds.
Stress will affect your physical well-being. Can you correlate your stress to the onset of this episode last week? Can you correlate anything to your event tonight?
Let me hope and pray the best for you. And remind you:
Trust your instincts if you think you should go to the ER. The switching words thing, I do that an awfull lot, ones that sound simular or look simular, by and my are my classic i allways looked out for. Allways had this problem with writing, had to have extra help through school cus of it and in exams. But never knew what it was, dyslexia seemed a different thing and no one ever told me i have this or this even though had to have a mini evalu for exta gcse time. Its an ADHD thing? I think I'm probablly not paying my attention to the writing process but more on what ever is going on in my head and making a lot of mistakes that don't get corrected cus editing is boring. Dark Angel,
Here is a link.
http://www.adhdnews.com/testforum/test4053.htm
Also, I found people on others forums complaining of the same symptom, most were young, and otherwise healthy. It seem to come with the terrority. Sigh of relief.
I know no different of feeling this way. I feel terrible daily. Blood work looks good. Thyroid regardless of amount shows good level but still feels bad. I have chronic pain from a car accident in the past left rotator cup. I have never been able to relax on my own either. Headches have also been a issue for me all my life. Any ideas. My parents new at birth I was different. I was thrown in a bus as a child could this of triggered my problems? Then diagnosed as epileptic/spd. No epilepsy anymore. oldmember38595.2497800926Let it bleed, it is nice to know I'm not the only one, never found
anyone who has this words problem. When I read it back sometimes its
glaringly obvious other times, other times it stays there untill
someones says huh? I find it greatly varies though, at the moment just
woken up, having no difficulties (or I'm not noticing) other times I
can barly write something that is comphehendable and cant for the life
of me figure how to spell very simple words.I tryed to find the thread, what search term did you use?
Lol, I read it back, lol, was wrong, written 'other times' twice in a row, says for stays, I for at, extra extra. Good news, LeaveittoBleeder.
Now I can let me be me. You had me worried there last night. I've dealt with quite a few head injuries in my career, including 5 on my ADHD children (I only have four: go figure!). I got so good at backboarding I was accused of speeding on one, only to be vindicated when he began wretching and we had to toss his board as he tossed his cookies, and he didn't move a micrometer.
Once I thought I had an LOC oriented times zero, and he turned out to have passed out from too much 'fun' in the sun...
Another time I had a patient disoriented x 0, but she was hypoglycemic. I was truuuuly amazed how fast she responded to oral glucose. Within about 30 Seconds she started to come around.
Hmmm, thought of oral glucose? Not the same as sugar or candy, any pharmacy should have some. Paste in a tube is better than the fat tabs (can choke on them). Put it unDer your tongue. Sugar is okay as a substitute. If that helps an episode, stave them off by sucking hard candy, like lemon drops or them round flat colored candies on a stick thing (forgot what theyr'e called).
Another time I had a smoker with an asthma attack at elevation, ori x 2, and was truuuuly amazed how fast she responded to O2. I consider O2 a miracle drug... I've seen a few too many who should'a been transported go AMA 'cuz they felt better. I remember a 'frequent flyer' who was 're-boarded' after he went AMA, off the O2, and back on the floor...
INVINCIBLE!
Also had toooo many Gone in 30 Seconds, so that's why I was concerned.
Anyhow, let's keep praying and hoping the best for you. And let me remind you:
Trust your instincts if you think you should go to the ER.
D